Familiar floor plans, familiar problems

Large parts of Centennial were built as planned subdivisions, so many homes in a neighborhood share a floor plan and similar materials. That has an upside: if a neighbor found mold behind the basement bathroom or in the corner under the stairs, your house may have the same weak point. Ask around, and pay attention to HOA newsletters that mention recurring issues.

The south metro area is known for expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. Over decades, that movement can open cracks in foundation walls and basement slabs. Add irrigation, short downspouts and window wells that fill with debris, and a finished basement can take on water that stays hidden behind carpet and drywall.

Common sources in homes of this era

Source
Water heater near end of life
What to look for
Rust at the base, moisture on the floor, a pan that is damp
Source
Basement bathroom added later
What to look for
Staining under the vanity, soft drywall behind the toilet
Source
Foundation cracks from soil movement
What to look for
Efflorescence or damp spots on unfinished walls, musty carpet edges
Source
Window wells
What to look for
Debris, missing covers, staining below the window inside
Source
Original windows
What to look for
Condensation and black spots on frames in winter
Source
Bath fans venting poorly
What to look for
Attic staining above upstairs bathrooms

A practical inspection routine

  1. Start outside

    Walk the perimeter after a rain or sprinkler cycle, noting where water pools and where downspouts discharge.

  2. Check the mechanical room

    Look at the water heater, furnace, humidifier and floor drain for water marks or rust.

  3. Inspect basement finishes

    Look along the bottom of exterior walls and under the stairs, and feel carpet edges for dampness.

  4. Look up

    Check ceilings below upstairs bathrooms and laundry for stains.

HOA and permit questions

  1. Does the HOA need to approve exterior changes such as regrading, new window well covers or downspout extensions?
  2. Does the City of Centennial require a permit for the repair work after remediation?
  3. If you share a wall with a neighbor in a paired home, who is responsible for the shared structure?
Map of Centennial. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Do I need to tell my HOA about mold inside my house?
For a detached home with an interior source, usually not, though some covenants address exterior work needed to fix the cause. If the source is a shared wall, roof or common pipe, tell the association promptly and in writing.
Can foundation cracks alone cause basement mold?
A crack is a pathway, not a source. Mold follows when water reaches the crack from irrigation, downspouts or groundwater and then wets the finishes inside.

General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.