The Typical Situation
You've inherited a house in Denver from a parent or relative who lived there for 20, 30, even 40+ years. They were from a generation that "made do" — so the HVAC is original, the kitchen hasn't been updated since the 1980s, the bathrooms have dated tile, and there's a long list of small repairs they just lived with.
Now you're wondering: Do we need to fix all this before selling? Will anyone buy it like this? How much would repairs even cost in Denver's market?
Property Issues We Buy in Denver
Outdated Kitchens & Bathrooms
Original 1960s-80s cabinets, harvest gold appliances, avocado fixtures, dated tile. We buy as-is.
Old Electrical Systems
Knob-and-tube wiring, fuse boxes, undersized panels, aluminum wiring. All common in older Denver homes.
Plumbing Problems
Galvanized pipes, cast iron drains, polybutylene supply lines, sewer line issues. We handle it.
Roof Issues
Aging shingles, multiple layers, hail damage, missing flashing. Denver weather is hard on roofs.
Foundation Problems
Denver's expansive clay soil causes cracks, settling, and heaving. We buy homes with foundation concerns.
HVAC & Heating
Old boilers, original furnaces, no AC, outdated systems. Common in pre-1980s Denver homes.
Asbestos & Lead Paint
Common in homes built before 1980. Removal is expensive but we buy these properties as-is.
Hoarding or Heavy Cleaning
Decades of accumulation, cleaning needed. We buy with contents and handle cleanout ourselves.
The True Cost of Repairs in Denver
| Repair Type | Denver Cost Range | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | $10,000 - $20,000 | 50-60% |
| HVAC System | $8,000 - $15,000 | 40-50% |
| Kitchen Remodel | $25,000 - $60,000 | 60-80% |
| Bathroom Remodel | $10,000 - $25,000 | 50-60% |
| Electrical Upgrade | $5,000 - $15,000 | 30-40% |
| Plumbing Repipe | $8,000 - $20,000 | 40-50% |
| Foundation Repair | $5,000 - $30,000+ | Varies widely |
| New Flooring | $8,000 - $20,000 | 50-70% |
The Renovation Math Problem
Notice how most repairs only return 40-70% of their cost? Spending $60,000 on renovations might only add $35,000-$40,000 to the sale price.
Factor in 5-6% agent commissions on the higher price, plus 4-6 months of carrying costs (taxes, insurance, utilities) during renovation — often $800-$1,500/month in Denver — and the math frequently favors selling as-is.
Hidden Issues Common in Older Denver Homes
Expansive Soil & Foundation
Much of Denver sits on expansive bentonite clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This causes foundation movement, cracks in walls, sticking doors, and basement moisture. Foundation repairs in Denver can cost $5,000-$30,000+.
Sewer Line Issues
Older Denver homes often have original clay sewer lines that crack, shift, or get invaded by tree roots. A sewer scope ($150-$300) often reveals problems requiring $5,000-$15,000+ to repair.
Asbestos Materials
Pre-1980 Denver homes commonly have asbestos in flooring, insulation, siding, and textured ceilings. Removal is expensive ($1,500-$30,000 depending on extent) and required before many renovations.
Historic District Restrictions
Some Denver neighborhoods have historic preservation requirements that limit what changes you can make and how. This can complicate renovations and increase costs significantly.