Buying a home is an exciting time in life. While there are a lot of fun parts to the process, like exploring properties and daydreaming about how to make the house you choose a home, there are significant hurdles to clear before the sale is closed and you can move in.
One crucial step to take is before you sign on the dotted line is scheduling and attending a buyers home inspection. An experienced home inspector will go through the home room by room (and outside) checking the condition of all important elements of the home.
The inspector is there to answer your questions and will give you a comprehensive report so you can be sure you understand any potential future necessary repairs before you buy.
We can’t say this enough: it is critical for you as the buyer to attend the inspection. Not only can the home inspector help you get to know every inch of your home, but they are there to answer you questions – and some of those questions should be about basement waterproofing.
If the home you are in the process of purchasing has a basement, here are some questions you will want to ask your home inspector about waterproofing:
What can you tell me about this home’s foundation?
When it comes to a home’s structure, the foundation of a home is arguably the most important element in ensuring a safe and stable home. When you purchase a home with foundation issues, whether due to poor craftsmanship, cracks or buckling due to water or soil pressure, or another issue, you can be assured of a costly repair down the road.
A home inspector is often not a foundation repair expert, but they should be able to spot common issues that you will need to address if you purchase the home. The more you understand about your home’s foundation before you close, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision about whether this is the home for you.
What type of drainage system does this home have?
It’s a fact of life: if a home has a basement, water is going to try and get into it. That’s why the next question you will want to ask the home inspector is not “can water get into this basement” but “how does water get out of this basement?”
There are several types of drainage systems, like interior drain tile that carries water to a sump pump and exterior systems that block water from entering the basement. The better you understand what type of system is in place in your home to keep it dry, the better you will be able to maintain it and stay aware of future issues.
Do you see any signs of water damage and/or mold?
Water damage and mold are insidious problems that are sometimes obvious to the naked eye, but not always. An experienced home inspector should be able to recognize the signs of a leaky basement or one that has experienced water damage in the past and recommend the best course of action.
If the inspector notices mold or a leak, these are both problems you will want to address right away. They will not get better over time and can lead to serious health issues.
How big of a problem is this?
The report a home inspector gives you after your inspection may feel overwhelming. Page after page of the minutest details about your home can baffle even an experienced home buyer. No home you purchase will be without issues – that’s why you should have a conversation with your inspector about the issues that need to be addressed now and those that can wait.
Problems with your home’s foundation or a wet basement are, unfortunately, not going to get better over time. If your home inspector alerts you of an issue having to do with basement waterproofing, don’t wait – call in an expert who can further diagnose and treat the problem with the best possible solution.
Should I call in an expert to look at this problem?
Though there are some renaissance men and women out there, most home inspectors are not experts on fixing every part of the home. But they should be able to tell you when it is time to call in outside help to further diagnose or fix an issue. When it comes to foundation or basement waterproofing issues, be sure to take their advice and call in an expert right away – you will be glad you didn’t wait.
Proudly serving customers across Milwaukee and surrounding communities, we are your solution to a dry basement and stable foundation. For best-in-class expertise, service, and solutions to foundation repair and basement waterproofing needs, call Zablocki.
