What sets Wheat Ridge apart
Wheat Ridge sits directly north of Lakewood, with Clear Creek running through its northern part. Much of the city grew in the decades after World War II, and the typical house is a single-story ranch, sometimes with a partial basement but very often with a crawl space under all or part of it. Lots tend to be larger than in many inner suburbs, and some retain a semi-rural feel with big gardens, outbuildings and irrigated lawns.
Larger lots mean more landscaping and often more irrigation close to the house, which matters for foundations. They also mean more room for additions, and many Wheat Ridge ranches have a family room, bedroom or garage conversion added on a separate foundation, sometimes with its own crawl space that is hard to reach.
Because Wheat Ridge is a separate city, permits for drainage, plumbing, electrical or structural work go through the City of Wheat Ridge, not Lakewood or Jefferson County. Sewer service is provided by sanitation districts; check your bill to see which one serves you.
Common Wheat Ridge situations
| Situation | Why it smells | First place to look |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch on a full crawl space | Bare soil, old plastic, fallen insulation | The access hatch, often in a closet or the exterior foundation |
| Addition with its own crawl space | Small, poorly vented space no one inspects | Access for the addition; sometimes only through the floor or outside |
| Partial basement with furnace | Mechanical room drains and old water heater spots | Floor drain, water heater base, ductwork |
| Heavily irrigated yard | Water held against the foundation all summer | Sprinkler zones and beds next to the house |
| Lot near Clear Creek or a ditch | Seasonal groundwater or wet soil | Humidity log against seasonal flows |
Sorting out a Wheat Ridge odor
- IfSmell is strongest in one wing of the houseFind out what is under that wing; additions often have a separate crawl space.
- IfCrawl space access is blocked or missingAsk a contractor about creating safe access; the space cannot be evaluated otherwise.
- IfOdor follows sprinkler seasonAdjust irrigation near the house first and watch for a few weeks.
- IfSmell is sewer-like and the lot has big old treesConsider a camera inspection of the sewer lateral.
Questions to ask about a Wheat Ridge ranch
- How many separate crawl spaces does this house have, and can each be reached?
- Is there a ground cover in every one?
- Are heating ducts in the crawl space, and are they sealed?
- Which sanitation district serves the property?
- Was the addition built with a vapor barrier and venting?
General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.