3 Tips For Checking Your Potential New Home For Water Problems
If you are interested in buying a particular house, you may be worried about water problems that could lead to a flooded basement. If so, use the following three tips to check your potential new home for signs there may be water issues.
Drive By The Home On A Rainy Day
Before you schedule a walkthrough, drive by the house in which you are interested on a rainy day. If possible, choose a day when your area is having torrential downpours. The harder the rain, the better idea you can get of how the water drains in the home's yard.
While driving by, look for any large puddles of water in the yard, as well as their location. If they are around the perimeter and seem to be draining into a ditch away from the house, there is no need to be concerned.
However, if water pools around the house and seems to be going towards the foundation, there could be an issue. Even if the water is not leaking into the basement, the standing water may be damaging the foundation.
Look For Cracks In The Foundation
After doing your drive-by and deciding to take a closer look at the house, look for cracks in the foundation as you tour the exterior of the home. Especially if you noticed water pooling around the house, there could be cracks or chipping in the concrete.
If you do not see any damage to the foundation, look to see if there is a small drainage ditch around the base of the house. If so, it is possible that the previous owners took measures to draw the water away from the foundation to protect it.
Take In A Deep Breath When Touring The Basement
Once you have inspected the outside of the house, take a tour of the interior. Once you reach the basement, take in a few deep breaths through your nose. As you do, see if you detect any musty or stale odors.
If so, there is a possibility that mold or mildew has started growing inside the walls. It is also possible that the basement has not been aired out in a while. Ask your real estate agent if fungal growth has been an issue in the past.
Using the above tips while viewing a potential home can help you get an idea as to the possibility of water damage in the future. You may also want to ask your real estate agent for guidance, as well as ask them to point out homes for sale that have no prior history of flooding issues.