How to Check if There is Water in The Basement?
Signs of moisture in the basement are indicative of a potential problem. While you are doing a home inspection, be on a lookout for these conditions:
Water Stains
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. When there is high humidity in the basement, condensation takes place, and this may leave water stains on the walls or the floor.
Efflorescence
White powdery stains on the walls, floors, or the ceiling of the basement are not part of a rustic home aesthetic. Rather, they are salt crystalline deposits created by evaporation of water. Moist conditions, water leakage, or condensation are some common causes of efflorescence.
Musty Odor
Musty smells take time to develop and are often caused by dampness and mold. In layman’s terms, these odors are signs of water leakage and high humidity in the basement. In addition, musty smells can also be symptoms of decay. During the inspection, you might want to observe if there are mold spots or rotting structures. The drywall is one example.
Mold Spots
Speaking of mold spots, such unwanted guests can form due to a wet basement. The moisture from water leakage or condensation, coupled with poor basement ventilation, supports mold growth that is not ideal for a home.
Insects and Pests
A damp and dark space is a haven for insects and pests such as silverfish, cockroaches, termites, or even rats. If these critters spooked you during the inspection, it would be wise to take a second look.
Should You Buy A House With Water In The Basement?
If every other aspect of the house checks out, and you see a life of possibilities, do not let a wet basement dampen your mood. There are many possible reasons for a leaky basement, and there is an array of solutions.
Consult a professional water damage repair company like us, check with the plumbers, or you can get your hands dirty with the repair work. At the very least, you might even get a discount on the price to compensate for the problem.
What You Need To Know If You Do Decide To Buy
If you have taken the plunge, congratulations on a hunt well done! Before you sign the purchase papers, however, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
A Comprehensive House Inspection & Preparing For Repairs
Get a professional home inspection specialist onboard to understand the full extent of the water damage. The specialist will look at every nook and cranny of the house to identify any potential issues, with mold and dry rot being the prime culprits.
Once you have a better idea, approach an experienced water-damage repair company like us to get an estimation on the cost of repairs.
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Explore Home Insurance Coverage
During the house inspection, you are aware of the wet basement. You are unaware of the history and extent of the water damage to the house. The best precaution you can take is to talk to different insurance agencies to ascertain the most complete policy for your new investment. Flood insurance should also be considered if the house is located in a vulnerable area.
Once you are satisfied with all the details, starting the basement water removal work as soon as possible would be wise. Bear in mind that water damage will only worsen with time, so don’t leave the issue to linger and fester.