What to Watch for When Shopping for a House with a Basement

Whether you are determined to find a home with a basement or you have stumbled upon one you are interested in, there are some telltale signs that may point to water issues in the space.

That last thing any homeowners wants to deal with is water issues in the basement of their new house. Unfortunately, many residents do not discover problems until after they have signed on the bottom line.

Thanks to a basement waterproofing company like Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, water issues in a basement does not necessarily have to be a deal breaker. However, it is much more advantageous to discover the issues during the inspection process so the problem can be dealt with as part of the negotiations.

To avoid getting stuck with the repair later, there are also some indications to keep your eyes peeled for when checking out a potential buy.

Don’t Get Stuck with a Money Pit

With the sellers’ market in which we find ourselves, you may be tempted to overlook issues in order not to be left out in the cold when it comes time for the owner to accept an offer. Water issues in the basement, however, should not be one of those!

Here are a few signs that may be pointing to moisture issues in a basement:

Mold 

Both a wet basement and crawlspace provide the perfect breeding ground for mold to thrive. Most often mold is a dark color but can also be yellow or light brown. If you notice fresh paint on the walls or cans of mold and mildew primer laying around, there is a chance that the current owner is trying to cover up a mold issue.

While mold can be killed and covered up, the problem will return until the source of the moisture is discovered and dealt with adequately.

Water Stains

Keep an eye out for lines along the bottom of the basement walls. This is often a sign of water issues and even flooding.

Musty Odors

Use all the senses when inspecting a potential new home. It is difficult to describe the odor, but you always know it when you smell it!

To repair a home you are putting on the market or to get a professional inspection of one you are considering, contact Tom’s Basement Waterproofing at 586-949-7826 or through our online contact form today!