Basement Waterproofing Checklist for Home Buyers
Are you hunting for a house? A house is a big investment. Whether you’re purchasing the house to sell at a profit or to live with your family, it is important to ensure that you get the best value for your money. While the number of rooms and the style of the home may be top on your list of priorities, it is also important to check for basement waterproofing.
Why Check for Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is vital for protecting your home from flooding. It will protect the structural integrity of your home and ensure your home is a comfortable and healthy environment. If you purchase a home with a leaking basement, you will have to invest more money in waterproofing your basement in the future. A leaking basement may be an indication of an even deeper problem. If you notice basement seepage, you should have the house inspected for any structural problems before making an offer.
What to Look For
The following are things to look for when checking basement waterproofing in a house:
- Check for discolorations
Check where the floor meets the walls in the basement. While there may not be pools of water in the basement, you may notice water stains in different parts of the basement. Check for discolorations on the wall, drywall, paneling and floor. Discoloration is a sign of water seepage.
- Check for musty odors
Another sign of water seepage in basements is a musty odor. Musty odors are an indication of the presence of mold in the basement. Mold thrives in humid environments. The presence of mold is therefore a sign of the presence of moisture in the basement. The moisture could be the result of the leaky plumbing, the air conditioner or seepage through the basement walls.
- Inspect the sump pump
Sump pumps are an integral part of any basement waterproofing system. They pump water collected by the basement drainage system out of the basement and prevent flooding of the system. Check the well in the basement to see if it is full. This is an indication that the sump pump is not working. You can also turn on the sump pump to see if it is working.
- Look for signs of repairs
Are there any signs of repairs in the basement? Look for signs of work that has been done recently. Ask the homeowner to provide you with reports on any work done.
Use the checklist above to check for basement waterproofing problems when buying a house. You could save yourself a lot of trouble in the long term.
