About Westminster
Westminster, Colorado is a vibrant suburb that straddles both Adams and Jefferson County, located just several miles north of Denver. Like many other Colorado cities, this area started to develop during the Gold Rush in the mid 1800s. It saw significant growth over the subsequent years and blossomed into a versatile city with its own unique charm and character.
Whether you’re drawn to serene and safe neighborhoods, bustling urban centers, or picturesque mountain views, Westminster is the place to be! It’s got plenty to offer for those outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing and more. And there is no shortage of delightful restaurants, bars or retail shops in the city.
If you are interested in making the move to Westminster, it helps to know a little more about the area and what to expect during a home inspection. Having conducted home inspections in the area for 18+ years, we certainly know a thing or two. Let’s dive in!
Westminster Neighborhood Breakdown:
Westminster can be broken down into three main sections. Walnut Grove – Standley Lake is the area located west of Highway 121. Then if you head eastward, you will enter the Madison Hills – Shaw Heights – Westcliff area, which is situated between 121 and Federal. Finally, if you travel west of Federal, you will enter the northeastern most part of the city, also know as North Westminster.
Each of these regions has neighborhoods with unique and defining features, and homes that range in style and era.
Walnut Grove – Standley Lake Neighborhoods
These neighborhoods are characterized mainly by 2-story, single family homes built between the 70s and 90s. You can expect plenty of beautiful and mature foliage throughout these areas. There is a surplus of parks interspersed between these neighborhoods. So you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities at places like Standley Lake Regional Park or Ketner Open Space. You can even bring your furry friends along to the popular Westminster Hills Open Area Dog Park!
When it comes to homes from these decades, there are few era-specific items that our inspectors know to look out for. We pay close attention to the plumbing. For instance, Polybutylene was a popular piping material during the 70s-90s; and Kitec piping was popular in the 90s. Both materials proved to be prone to corrosion, leaking, and damage. Therefore, if any of our inspectors spot these materials, they will be sure to recommend further evaluation from a plumbing specialist.
The exterior is another important aspect to examine. During the 80s through the early 2000s, EIFS siding was a popular exterior feature. This type of siding turned out to be vulnerable to moisture issues. So whenever we come across EIFS, we make sure to look out for any signs of moisture damage. In many cases, it’s a good idea to get further evaluation from a specialist.
Roofs are another big ticket item. Our inspectors will walk the roof whenever possible, and will make note of its condition and whether or not there is any damage. This is especially important because the CO Front Range is very vulnerable to hail damage.
Madison Hills – Shaw Heights – Westcliff Neighborhoods
Now let’s make our way west of highway 121. This is the central section of Westminster, and hosts a variety of homes that span over several decades. You will see a large inventory of mid-century (50s-60s) houses. But there is also a sizable selection of 1970s and 80s single family homes and condos, as well.
Defining features of this area include popular attractions such as the Butterfly Pavilion and the Legacy Ridge Golf Course. You can also find plenty of shopping, restaurants, bars and all around fun at the Westminster Promenade. If history is your thing, take a trip to Historic Westminster, and visit a number of historic landmarks in the area.
When it comes to 50s and 60s houses, one of the big items is electrical. Our inspectors are on the lookout for any outdated electrical configurations such as Federal Pacific panels or aluminum wiring – both of which can be serious fire hazards. Additionally, we will keep our eyes peeled for outlet defects. We will often come across ungrounded electrical outlets. And it is very common for these mid-century builds to have no GFCI protected outlets, as it was not a code requirement back then. GFCIs are crucial in locations near water sources, in order to prevent electrical shock. Therefore, we will always call it out when GFCIs are not present.
It also common to find little to no insulation in 50s and 60s homes. There wasn’t as much focus on energy efficiency during that era. In this day and age it is very important to have sufficient insulation in order to maintain a comfortable living space and to save energy and money. That is why we will always recommend insulation evaluation and improvement when necessary.
North Westminster Neighborhoods
When we make our way west of Federal, we enter the last portion of the city – North Westminster. On the southern end of this region, you will find a large number of condos and townhouses built in the 70s, 80s and 90s. And when you start to head north of W 136th Ave, many of the houses are larger, 3- 5 bedroom single family, built in the mid 2000s to 2010s.
Similar to the rest of Westminster, there is number of beautiful parks around this area. It is also just several miles from Boulder, which makes it a great location for those who commute to work. This region is also right next to the Denver Premium Outlets – a prime spot to shop ’til you drop!
Most of these neighborhoods are governed by the HOA. This is something we always encourage our clients to familiarize themselves with, prior to the inspection. It always benefits our inspectors when they know the HOA rules and regulations.
Keep in mind that major heating and cooling components, such as water heaters, furnaces, AC units, etc. generally have life spans ranging from 15 – 20 years. That means that, in early 2000s homes, we are going to be paying close attention to the age and functionality of these systems. It is possible that these types of appliances will need to be serviced or replaced.
When it comes to the CO Front Range, there is a lot of wildlife. So it is very common for critters to breach the exterior of a residence, and make it their home! We are always on the lookout for any signs of pest intrusion – no matter the age of the home. We even offer a specialized pest inspection service that involves a thorough search for any pest activity.
Westminster Home Inspections
It’s plain to see that Westminster has so much to offer. It is situated in such a central location – just a short drive from other great CO cities like Denver, Boulder, Lafayette, Thornton, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Broomfield and more. Combine that with beautiful scenery, safe neighborhoods and plenty to do, and you’ve got one heck of a place!
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of Westminster and its dynamic neighborhoods. If you plan to make the move to this city, we encourage you to consider Scott Home Inspection for all your inspection needs.
It is our goal to help you find a the right home – one that is safe, healthy and comfortable. Visit us online to learn more about our services, or contact us today and let us know how we can be of service!
