After your offer is accepted, you have an Inspection Objection Deadline — typically 10 days. You hire a licensed inspector ($400-$600) who examines the structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. A radon test ($150) is strongly recommended — Colorado has some of the highest radon concentrations in the country.
If the inspector finds issues, you submit an Inspection Objection listing what you’d like addressed. The seller can agree to repairs, offer a credit, negotiate a combination, or decline. You then have an Inspection Resolution Deadline (typically 3 days later) to come to agreement or terminate and receive your earnest money back. Unlike some states, Colorado’s process is fully negotiable — you can object to anything, not just structural issues. A good agent knows which items are worth pushing on and which will damage the relationship over minor things.