Buying a new home, how do I know if It needs waterproofing?
Let’s face it. The last thing on most people’s minds when buying a home is to inspect the basement for leaks. Realtors will tell you kitchens and bathrooms are what really sells homes. I am not a real estate specialist, but I will tell you a leaky basement can greatly diminish the value of a house. When you buy a new home, you are paying for all the good as well as all of the bad that comes with it.
It’s very important to thoroughly inspect a property multiple times before you sign any contracts so you can make sure that there aren’t any hidden problems that will creep up down the road.
Before you buy a home with a wet basement make sure to ask the seller of the home about any underlying issues that may be causing leaks and moisture seepage. The seller should fully disclose all information about the home, and you should also hire a qualified home inspector to give you a full report about the home.
Here is a Basement Waterproofing Home Buyer’s Checklist and things to look for that may indicate past or potential future basement seepage problems
1. Check the sumppump, If the pit is full of water, the pump may have failed. If the sump pump has failed it will not be of any help when a big rainstorm comes.
2. Look for discoloration where the floor meets the wall. Seepage from foundation walls generally winds up on the floor and will leave stains on both the unfinished basement walls and the concrete floor. In finished areas where there is drywall or paneling, be sure to check the baseboards for signs of water.
3. If smelling musty odors in the basement or crawlspace. This is usually a sign of moisture, which could be from foundation seepage. Moisture can come from a leaking condensation line from the air conditioner or from faulty plumbing, so be aware of these possibilities as well.
4. Keep an eye out for signs of previous waterproofing repairs. Quite often repairs can be made by either the inexperienced (handymen, do-it-yourselfer) or by companies long out of business with no transferable warranty. Water stains on the surface of the repair is a sign of a recurring seepage problem.
5. Water stains on the concrete floor are not always a sure sign of foundation seepage, but it is an indication of a problem that should be investigated. Be sure to look for signs of water damage on wood framing, and at the base of the basement stairs.
6. Negative grading on the exterior can lead to trouble in the basement. If the landscape or pavement slopes towards the house, water will pool against the foundation during a heavy downpour.
7. Beware of gutter problems. Gutters that sag or leak at the seams, as well as downspouts that aren’t extended far enough away from the foundation, can be trouble for your foundation. Not only can these conditions cause seepage, but many structural foundation problems can also be attributed to poor rainwater management!
Learn about how a wet basement can affect your home and your health.
You may think that a wet basement isn’t a big deal. Most people who have never had a home with a basement before, assume that it’s leaky and cold down there anyway. Before you commit to buying a home with a wet basement you need to understand how a wet basement will affect your home and the health of you and your family. Humid and damp spaces are breeding grounds for dangerous mold growth. Not to mention that if there is a leak and it’s not taken care of as soon as possible, it will damage the foundation of the home, which in turn can lead to serious structural issues.
If you’re purchasing a home with a wet basement
Make sure to invest in basement waterproofing. Before you close escrow you could also negotiate with the seller of the property to lower the purchase price of the home or get a credit to fix the leaky basement. It’s better to be safe than sorry and take all precautionary measures to ensure your basement and your home stay dry and warm. There are different methods of basement waterproofing that will help protect your home from leaks and floods. Each home and each basement are different so one solution may work for you while another won’t. This is also why it is important to consult with a professional waterproofing company. While many people decide to try the do-it-yourself option, it’s always safer to hire a professional, especially if you have never dealt with a wet basement before.
Give BAM Basements a call for all your basement waterproofing needs.
We will get your basement waterproofed and ready to sell. We are the Premier waterproofing and Egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West DesMoines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.