Homebuyers Basement Moisture Checklist

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Basement Moisture basement moisture

If you’ve found your dream home and are ready to purchase it, there are a few factors to consider before you sign that check. Basement moisture will probably be the last thing on your mind when considering the purchase of a home. However, if you want to avoid having to invest in the repair of your basement soon after purchasing the house, it is important to check on this.

If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’ve probably never had a basement of your own to deal with. You may not know what to look for when you visit the basement of your soon to be new home. The following tips will help you in your basement inspection:

  • Is there a sump pump?

If you’re having the home inspected by a home inspector, this is something they would probably check. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask and check again. A sump pump should be installed in the basement in a pit. Check to see if the pit is full of water. If it has filled up with water to the top, then the sump pump may have failed. You’ll have to consider having another one installed if you purchase the home.

  • Are there discolorations on the floor or wall?

Discolorations on the floor or wall are one of the most common signs of a basement moisture problem. Check the walls and floors for water stains and discolorations. Discoloration where the wall and floor meet is often a sign that water is seeping through the foundation.

  • Is there a musty smell in the basement?

Musty smells or odors in the basement are a sign of moisture build up. They are also a sign of the growth of mold or mildew. This moisture may be as a result of seepage through the foundation walls or leakage in the basement as a result of faulty plumbing or other appliances.

  • Are the gutters in good condition?

Don’t be fooled. Basement problems don’t always start in the ground. Gutters and above ground drainage systems play a vital role in ensuring that basements remain intact. Check the gutters and drainage around the home. Are they in good condition?

If you notice anything that looks suspicious in the basement of the home, be sure to contact a professional basement contractor. They can inspect the basement for you and determine if there are structural issues that require attention. This should be done before you make your final decision.