🏔️ Montana Home Inspections: The Ultimate Guide for Smart Buyers & Seller🏔️

Everything You Need to Know Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

In Montana, buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a big life move. And at Ridge Realty Windermere, we know how important it is to make that move with confidence. Whether you’re looking at a historic farmhouse in Manhattan, a new build in Bozeman, or a mountain retreat in Big Sky, one step stands between excitement and regret: a comprehensive inspection and property review.

With our 25+ years of local experience, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist of what to inspect, research, and verify—because in Montana, there’s a lot more to consider than meets the eye.

🧰 STRUCTURE, SYSTEMS & SAFETY

🏠 Property Inspection

Start with a certified general home inspection to get an overview of the home’s condition. Then go deeper with the specialties below:

🏚️ Roof Inspection

Heavy snow, ice dams, and hail can take a toll on Montana roofs. Inspections look for:

Damaged shingles
Leaks in attic spaces
Proper drainage systems

🏗️ Structural & Foundation Inspection

Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause shifting and cracking. Be on the lookout for:

Foundation movement or damage
Uneven floors and cracks in walls
Crawlspace moisture

🔌 Electrical Inspection

This includes checking:

Breaker panel condition
GFCI outlets in wet areas
Outdated or overloaded wiring

🚿 Plumbing Inspection

Pipes can freeze and burst during harsh winters. Inspectors check:

Water pressure
Leaks or corrosion
Functionality of sinks, toilets, water heaters

🔥 HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Cooling)

Make sure the systems are efficient and safe. Inspect:

Furnace and AC age & function
Filters and ductwork
Carbon monoxide risks

🧪 Radon Testing

Montana has elevated radon levels in many areas. Testing is inexpensive and essential for long-term health.

💦 Water Sample Test

If the home is on a well, water should be tested for:

Bacteria
Nitrates
Heavy metals or other contaminants

💧 WATER, WASTE, & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

🧼 Well Inspection

This covers both the flow rate (quantity of water) and the equipment condition (pressure tank, pump, etc.).

🧻 Septic or Cesspool Inspection

Check for:

Septic tank capacity
Functionality of drain field
Last service/pumping date

🦠 Mold

Snowmelt and crawlspaces are mold-prone. Air tests and visual inspections help ensure a healthy environment.

🧪 Methamphetamine Residue Testing

Protect your health and investment—some homes have hidden contamination. Specialized inspectors can confirm safety.

🧪 Asbestos

Common in older siding, insulation, and tile. If the home predates 1980, asbestos testing is wise—especially before renovations.

☢️ Toxic Waste / Underground Storage Tanks

Old fuel tanks or chemical storage can lead to environmental liability. These are more common in rural properties or older homes.

🌬️ Wildfire Risk

Homes near forested or grassy areas may face insurance limitations. Inspect defensible space and vegetation near the home.

🌊 Floodplain Determination

Don’t rely on guesswork. FEMA maps and insurance requirements are influenced by flood zone placement.

🧭 LEGAL, LAND, & PROPERTY RIGHTS

📋 Owner’s Property Disclosure Statement

Montana sellers are required to disclose known issues. Review this document carefully—it’s a legal obligation, and a key insight tool for buyers.

📜 Easements

Check for utility or shared driveway easements. They can affect privacy, access, or future development plans.

🧱 Mineral Rights Search

In Montana, mineral rights may be severed from surface rights. Know if someone else can drill or mine on your land.

🔖 Zoning Determination

Important for future building plans, livestock, or business use. Local zoning will dictate what’s allowed on the property.

📐 Surveyor – Corner Pins Located

Make sure boundary markers (corner pins) are visible and recorded. This avoids disputes and confirms lot size.

📏 Verification of Square Footage & Lot Size

Public records are sometimes inaccurate. Have a professional measure if you’re buying based on size or planning renovations.

💧 Water Rights

Essential for rural or agricultural properties. Confirm ownership and whether they transfer with the property.

✈️ Airport Affected Area

Homes near airports, especially in Belgrade and Bozeman, may face noise issues or restrictions.

🛠️ ACCESS, COVENANTS, & PROPERTY LOGISTICS

🛣️ Access to Property

Ensure the property has legal access (not just a road) and check if it’s publicly or privately maintained.

🚧 Road Maintenance

Who’s responsible for plowing and grading? For rural homes, this can be a big deal.

🏘️ Review & Approval of Protective Covenants

HOAs and subdivisions often have rules on building materials, fencing, parking, and even paint colors. Know before you buy.

🌐 Internet Availability & Speed

Some areas still lack reliable service. Check with local ISPs and test real-time speeds if you rely on working from home.

📦 Post-Closing Rental Obligations

If there’s a rent-back agreement, clarify:

Lease terms
Responsibility for utilities & maintenance
Insurance coverage

🧠 PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT YOU’LL NEED

⚖️ Legal Advice

Have an attorney review title documents, covenants, easements, and complex agreements.

🧾 Accounting Advice

Get ahead on:

Tax implications of a sale
Capital gains
Rental income reporting

✅ Wrapping It All Up

No two Montana properties are the same—and neither are the inspections they require. At Ridge Realty Windermere, we walk alongside you through every step, every form, every inspection. From the highlands of Bridger Canyon to the farmlands of Three Forks, we’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate all of this and more.

Because peace of mind is worth more than a polished countertop.

💬 Have Questions or Ready to Get Started?

📧 Email: linville406realty@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.ridgerealtymt.com
📘 Facebook: Ridge Realty Group MT
▶️ YouTube: Ridge Realty Windermere Channel