About Thornton
Thornton, Colorado is a thriving city located about ten miles north of the Denver metro area. Straddling both Adams and Weld county, it is the 6th most populous city in Colorado.
It was founded in 1952, and the community has seen lots of growth throughout the subsequent years. Fast forward to today and Thornton is a thriving, exciting place to live. Expanding over 24,286 acres of the Colorado Front Range, this city has a diverse array of homes and plenty to do!
If you enjoy the outdoors, Thornton has a wide variety of parks and open spaces. Or if shopping is your thing, why not take a trip to the Denver Premium Outlets? Thornton also boasts a multitude of delicious restaurants and breweries. In short, this city has much to offer. Let’s take a closer look.
Thornton Neighborhood Breakdown:
If you are interested in making this city your home, it helps to get to know the lay of the land. As a seasoned home inspection company with years of experience in the Thornton area, we always find that it’s helpful to know what to expect during a home inspection.
The large area of Thornton can be broken down into three main sections. Thorncreek – Eastlake is the north-most region that stretches from E 168th Ave down to E 120th Ave. The centrally situated region is the Grange Creek area, which is located between E 120th Ave and CO Highway 44. Finally, the southern most region is South Thornton, which expands from CO-44 down to 84th Ave.
Thorncreek – Eastlake
The Thorncreek – Eastlake section of Thornton is mainly comprised of single family homes with a light sprinkling of some townhouses and condominiums. Most of these dwellings are on the relatively newer side, with construction dates ranging from the 1990s to the 2020s. Most of the houses are multi-level, 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2-car garages.
This expansive section is known for its wide variety of outdoor recreation options. You can play a relaxing round of golf at the Thorncreek Golf Course, or hone in on your frisbee skills at the Springvale Park Disc Golf Course. You can also take a nice bike ride or stroll through some of the beautiful parks like Eastlake Shores Park and Trail Winds Park and Open Space.
Most (if not all) of the neighborhoods are HOA regulated, which is why they are generally well maintained. HOA fees vary among different communities, so it’s always a good idea to get familiar with the HOA costs. And when the time comes to get a home inspection, we recommend that you investigate what items your HOA covers, and relay that information to your inspector.
In the case of homes from the 90s, our inspectors will be on the lookout for major components such as water heaters, furnaces, boilers etc. Many of these devices have life spans of 20-30 years, so they might need to be replaced if they have not been in recent years. Other appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, will need to be evaluated for functionality, as well.
Homes from the 90s and 2000s are also commonly known to have a type of stucco exterior called Exterior Insulated Finish Systems (EIFS). This type of siding is often prone to serious moisture issues. As a result, our inspectors always know to keep a close eye on the exterior of the home.
Another major component that may need attention is the roof. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles (a commonly used material in CO) is 15 to 20 years. Combine that with the frequent hail storms that the Colorado front Range experiences, and the roof on your prospective Thornton home just might need an upgrade! That is why our inspectors always make sure to inspect the roof when possible.
Grange Creek
Compared to Thorncreek/Eastlake up north, Grange Creek has homes spanning over a wider timeline. Here you will find single family homes built in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. These houses mostly range from 2 – 4 bedrooms and they are situated in quaint suburbs that are interspersed with open spaces and public parks.
It goes with out saying that the older the home, the more potential issues there may be. So when it comes to houses from the 70s and 80s, our inspectors stay extra vigilant.
We always make sure to take a good look at the plumbing. If the plumbing hasn’t been updated, there is potential for leaks, corrosion, damage etc. The majority of the sewer lines will not be visible in a standard inspection. That is why it’s always a good idea to get a sewer scope inspection. This is the best way to observe the condition of the house’s drainage lines.
Lead paint was banned in 1978, which means that any homes built before that year have a potential lead paint risk. So when inspecting the early 70s homes in this neighborhood, Scott Home Inspection inspectors know to keep an eye out for any suspicious paint jobs.
We also see a good amount of electrical issues in older homes. If a panel in has not been updated, there is a possibility that it is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel. Some of these old panels could also have aluminum wiring. Both types of electric configurations are problematic, and have proven to be serious fire hazards. These items are an immediate red flag and will need to be repaired.
South Thornton
As we make our why to southern-most section of Thornton, we will once again find homes from a multitude of decades. Similar to nearby cities like Aurora and Lakewood, Thornton saw its initial burst of expansion in this area during the 1950s.
These homes are single family, 2-3 bedrooms, and are mainly ranch or multi-level style. As stated above, when it comes to older homes, certain issues are just inevitable; and our inspectors will likely be calling out a number of items.
It’s only natural that 70+ year old homes have gone through some wear and tear. That’s why we’ll be putting the magnifying glass on the exterior and foundation of the home. Inspectors will look for cracking, damage or any signs of structural instability.
Items like plumbing and electrical will also be on our inspectors’ radars. They’ll keep a close eye out for any problematic pipe materials, such as galvanized piping – a material commonly utilized in the 50s, which later proved to be highly susceptible to rusting, leaking and corrosion.
In addition to hazardous electrical panels (discussed in the paragraph above), many old homes have outdated electrical outlets that do not meet today’s code. We often come across outlets that are not properly grounded, presenting a shock hazard. Additionally, we see a lot of homes that need GFCI outlets installed.
During the 50s, energy standards were not as developed as they are today. As a result, inspectors will often observe insufficient insulation or no insulation at all in the attic space. Insulation is a key component to saving energy and regulating in-home temperatures. So our inspectors will be sure to recommend evaluation from an insulation specialist.
Thornton Home Inspections
Thornton, Colorado is a great blend of family-friendly suburbs, scenic open spaces, and thriving businesses. Its close proximity to downtown Denver makes it a prime location for those who commute to the city. Plus it has an exciting blend of houses ranging in eras, styles and prices.
If you are interested in making this CO city your stomping grounds, we encourage you to consult with your agent and start looking for a home that’s right for you!
As you could probably tell from this article, home inspections are kind of our thing. Here at Scott Home Inspection, it is our mission to help CO families live in safe, healthy and comfortable homes. So when the time comes for you to go under contract, and you are in need of a home inspection, feel free to reach out to us!
For more information about our inspection services, visit us online or contact us to schedule your inspection today!
