House Hunting: A Home Buyer’s Guide to Spotting Water Damage

Look at the Interior of the Home

While looking at the room layouts and closet space in the home you’re looking at, be sure to take a good look around for visible signs of water damage. One of the most common is water stains. Check ceilings, walls, and even floors for discolored patches or streaks. Bubbling or peeling paint on the walls is another red flag.

While walking around, check to see if the wooden floors are warped or buckling. If the home is old, there could be warping without water damage, but it’s still something to be aware of. 

You’ll also want to be aware of mold or mildew growth. Some signs of mold include dark spots, which can be green, black, pink, orange, or other colors, as well as a musty odor.

LeafFilter discusses other signs of water damage to look for when looking at a new (to you) home.

Examine the Exterior of the Home

When you’re walking around the outside of the home, you’ll be looking at the yard and the landscaping, but make sure you draw some of your attention to signs of water damage on the exterior surfaces.

Cracks in the foundation can be letting water in. Small cracks can also get larger with time. If you do see cracks, go into the basement or crawlspace, if you can, and see if you notice any of the signs of water infiltration I’ve listed above.

If it’s rained recently (or even if it hasn’t), look for standing water near the foundation or in the yard, which can indicate poor drainage and the potential for existing or future water damage. Walk around the yard, and see if the dirt underneath feels soft or uneven, as this could also be a danger sign.

Inspect the Plumbing

If you are happy with what you see on a cursory look around the inside and outside of the house, it’s time to do a little more digging. Turn on the sinks in each bathroom and in the kitchen to see if the water pressure is as strong as you’d expect. Low water pressure could be a sign of a leak in the system.

Check under the sinks, too. If there’s been a leak, you’ll likely see warping of the interior cabinets, and you might smell a musty mildew smell. These are key indicators that there’s been water sitting in the area.

Look around the toilets, tubs, and sinks to determine if there are any water rings or marks on the floor or walls.

Check the Roof

While you won’t be able to climb up on the roof during a showing, you can look for some signs that the roof isn’t in good condition.

First, look from the ground to see if you can find any cracked, curled, or missing shingles. You won’t be able to inspect the entire roof this way, but you will be able to see a lot of it.

Go into the attic to see if there are any water stains or other signs of moisture. Check the attic floor for water marks. You should also use your nose to see if you detect the smell of mold.

Finally, look at the gutters. Are they well-maintained? Blocked or clogged gutters with leaves sticking out the top can cause water to overflow and seep under the roof or into the foundation.

Hire a Professional Inspector

Once you put an offer on the house you want to buy, be sure to hire a professional inspector within the inspection period. They will look through the home for all types of problems, including previous or current water damage. 

Some potential buyers are hesitant to spend money on a home inspection, but in the long run, it will be worth it if there are any issues. You’ll be more informed, and this will help you make a better decision as to whether you would like to ask for a concession from the seller or even cancel the sale of the home altogether.

Conclusion

There would be nothing worse when buying a home than to move in and find out about serious water damage or some other major issue. Take the time to inspect the interior and exterior of the home, look at the plumbing and roof, and contact a qualified inspector to look for signs of water infiltration that you can’t necessarily detect on your own. This will help you to be more confident when bidding or closing on a home.

Source

• https://www.leaffilter.com/blog/home-interiors/basements/signs-of-foundation-damage-from-water/