Sharing our Knowledge with Great Day Colorado

March 24, 2026 - Great Day Colorado had Alpine Building Performance owner, Andrew Sams out to discuss three things that you need to pay attention to on your home to prevent winter damage (cleaning gutters and downspouts, paying attention to grading and drainage and checking roof condition). See the video from Great Day Colorado.

Why It’s Important To Vent Your Gas Range

Last month we discussed the new ultra low emissions law in Colorado that requires all new water heaters and furnaces installed in Colorado after 2026 to be low emissions or ultra low NOx. While this law is meant to address emissions on a larger scale, the greatest threat that combustion emissions have to you directly, is from your gas range/oven.

Here’s why:

Every time you cook with a gas range, it produces nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other combustion byproducts directly inside your home. Unlike your furnace or water heater, which vent exhaust to the exterior, your gas range releases those pollutants into your living space.

Without proper ventilation, these contaminants can accumulate and impact indoor air quality. Short term exposure can cause headaches, irritation, or respiratory discomfort. Long term exposure has been linked to increased asthma risk, especially in children.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use a vent hood that exhausts to the exterior. A recirculating fan with a charcoal filter does not remove combustion gases.

• Turn the hood on every time you cook, especially when using high heat or multiple burners.

• If your current microwave or hood does not vent outside, consider upgrading to one that does.

We recognize that this information isn’t fun to read, but we believe that informed homeowners are empowered (and often healthier) homeowners. Cooking with gas is popular for many reasons, and simple ventilation habits can make a significant difference in protecting your home’s indoor air quality.

Mechanical Systems Are Becoming a Policy Issue in Due Diligence

One of the biggest shifts right now in Colorado CRE from a building systems standpoint is that mechanical equipment is no longer just a condition discussion. It is becoming a policy and planning variable during due diligence.

Ultra Low NOx standards are tied to equipment category and input capacity, not building classification. In practical terms, this captures many fan-type furnaces under roughly 175,000 BTU and gas water heaters up to about 2,000,000 BTU, with tighter emissions thresholds applied below 75,000 BTU. Because a large portion of small office, retail and professional buildings use these residential-scale systems, future replacements may involve different equipment availability, revised venting strategies or longer coordination timelines. For brokers, the implication is simple: mechanical sizing and configuration are becoming due diligence variables that influence capital planning and deal certainty, not just maintenance considerations.

What this actually means in a transaction:

• Equipment age matters more than ever. A 15 or 20 year old furnace is not just nearing end of life, it may trigger a different replacement pathway when it fails.

• Mechanical configuration now influences project risk. Closet furnaces, sidewall venting and tight mechanical rooms may limit future equipment choices.

• Replacement timelines can affect tenant coordination, TI planning and lease negotiations if equipment fails mid term.

How brokers can frame this with clients:

• Position it as lifecycle planning, not compliance pressure. Existing systems can remain in service.

• Encourage buyers to understand what equipment type is installed and when replacement is likely rather than focusing only on today’s condition.

• Help clients see inspections as a planning tool that reduces surprises later in ownership, especially for smaller multi tenant properties.

The takeaway is simple. Mechanical systems are becoming part of long term risk strategy, not just a checkbox during inspection. The earlier these conversations happen, the more predictable ownership becomes.

If you want help evaluating mechanical risk on an upcoming deal or portfolio, we are here to help.

How Often Should You Paint Your Home’s Exterior?

Repainting your home's exterior isn't just about curb appeal, it's a key part of protecting your investment. On average, most homes need a fresh coat of paint every 5 to 10 years, but that timeline can vary based on local climate, siding material, and the quality of the last paint job.

Watch for signs it’s time to repaint:

• Fading or chalky residue

• Cracking, peeling, or blistering paint

• Exposed wood or raw siding

Of course, exterior maintenance goes beyond just paint. Regular cleaning, power washing, and timely repairs can extend the life of your paint job and keep your home looking sharp. And when the time comes to repaint, investing in high-quality materials and a skilled professional makes all the difference.

A well-maintained exterior doesn’t just boost value - it helps prevent costly repairs down the line.

Sump Pump vs. Sewage Ejector Pump: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to keeping your basement dry and your plumbing flowing smoothly, two systems often come into play: sump pumps and sewage ejector pumps. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the difference and why it matters.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is designed to remove groundwater that collects in a sump pit, usually located in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. This pump activates automatically when water levels rise and sends the water away from the home, often through a discharge pipe that leads outside.

Purpose:

Prevent basement flooding

Protect foundation from water damage

Manage high water tables or heavy rains

Common in Homes With:

Basements below the water table

Poor exterior drainage

History of water intrusion

What Is a Sewage Ejector Pump?

A sewage ejector pump is used to pump out wastewater from bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other plumbing fixtures located below the main sewer or septic line. Since gravity alone can’t move waste upward, an ejector pump is installed to push it up into the main sewer system.

Purpose:

Move solid and liquid waste from basement bathrooms or laundry

Prevent sewage backups

Comply with plumbing code in finished basements

Includes a Sealed Pit: Unlike a sump pit, a sewage ejector basin must be sealed to contain odors and gases, and is connected to a vent stack.

If you’re finishing your basement or purchasing a home with plumbing below grade, make sure your system is correctly installed and maintained.

Top 10 Inspection Topics Every Colorado Agent Should Understand

We are always impressed when an agent is able to intelligently communicate inspection findings and knowledge to their client during the inspection process. Having a working knowledge of common inspection issues can help you set expectations, avoid surprises, and win major credibility with clients.

Here are the top 10 home inspection topics every residential agent in Colorado should be familiar with:

🏠 Top 10 Inspection Topics in Colorado

1. Aluminum Wiring
   Common in homes built mid-60s to mid-70s. Is a fire hazard if not properly repaired and is flagged for detailed evaluation and repair.

2. Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panels
   These outdated electrical panels are known to fail under load and are always called out for replacement.

3. High Radon Levels
   Radon is common in Colorado due to our geology. Anything ≥ 4.0 pCi/L is recommended for mitigation.

4. Polybutylene & Galvanized Pipes
   These older plumbing materials are prone to failure and often lead to insurance or resale concerns.

5. Aging HVAC Systems
   Furnaces over 25 years and A/Cs over 15 years are at or near end-of-life. 

6. Asbestos-Containing Materials
   Common in older homes (especially popcorn ceilings, duct wrap and flooring). Asbestos can’t be confirmed visually and testing is required for confirmation.

7. Roof Age & Condition
   Understanding roof hail damage and claims is key in our climate. Knowing what to do with an inspector's findings is key.  Insurance companies often require documentation or inspection.

8. Grading & Drainage Issues
   Poor grading can lead to foundation moisture issues, especially with Benonite clay soils in Colorado.

9. Sewer Line Concerns
   Root intrusion, bellies, and breaks are common. Sewer scopes are highly recommended—even on newer homes.

10. Structural Movement
    Colorado’s expansive Bentonite clay soils can cause foundation shifting or settlement cracks. Minor cracks = common. Major displacement = concern.