How To Spot Water Damage Before Buying a Home

When a home goes on the market, sellers have a legal obligation to disclose issues with the property, including water damage. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, especially in Missouri. It’s up to you as the buyer to do your due diligence to identify possible trouble spots. 

Knowing the problems to look for is the first step to making an informed decision and avoiding future hassles and expenses. ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Springfield, the leading local water restoration company in Springfield, has some helpful tips and warning signs to watch for when looking at homes to buy.

Pay Attention To the Home’s Exterior 

Evaluating the outside of a property requires more than assessing its curb appeal. A home’s exterior can reveal a lot about how well it fares during storms and if there’s likely to be water damage inside. 

Look around the yard for puddles, muddy areas, or places that look wetter than the surrounding area, which indicate drainage issues. Look at the yard’s slope to ensure it drains away from the house. If you notice water stains on the foundation, landscaping damage, dirt splatters on the walls, or indentations in the soil under the gutter, those are surefire signs of problems likely to cause a damp basement. 

Other signs of water problems to watch for include:

• Mold, mildew, and rot on the siding 
• Rot or damage to window frames
• Loose caulking or weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Peeling or bubbling paint
• Damage to the fascia boards
• Evidence of deferred gutter cleaning, like obvious debris or overflowing water
• Loose or damaged gutters and downspouts

Not only do these issues require repairs, but they can also signal hidden leaks and damage elsewhere that will require attention from a water restoration company. 

Inspect the Roof 

You should always have a professional home inspector or contractor perform a comprehensive roof inspection, but looking at the roof from the ground and inside the attic can provide a sense of existing problems. 

Stand back and look for missing or damaged shingles, loose or missing flashing, stains, and sagging on the roof. Head into the attic and look for water stains on the ceiling, mold, damp spots, or leaks in the decking. 

Evaluate the Plumbing 

While you tour the home, listen for running water, dripping faucets, and other sounds that could indicate a leak and water damage. Look under sinks for leaks (or stains that indicate a previous leak), and check the caulking around pipes to confirm it’s in good shape. 

One good sign that the plumbing is in good shape is the presence of leak detection and water pressure monitoring technology. These devices can help stop plumbing damage by keeping water pressure below 100 psi and stopping water at the main line when they detect a leak. 

Look at Walls and Ceilings 

One of the easiest ways to spot water damage is to look for stains on the ceilings, walls, and floors. Water stains are usually brown or yellow and frequently appear along the edges where the ceiling and walls meet. 

Water can also cause paint to bubble or peel, loosen wallpaper, and drywall to feel crumbly or soft. Wall cracks can also result from a moisture problem, so watch for structural issues.

Follow Your Nose 

Mold and mildew have distinct odors, and if you notice a musty smell when you tour the property, there’s a good possibility of water damage somewhere. A mold problem requires professional remediation from a water restoration company to prevent possible health problems, so check for it when looking at a home.

Evaluate the Basement and Foundation 

Water damage is common in basements, so when you check out a property for sale, look at the lowest level to identify water damage. Look for mold, damp spots, and cracks in the walls, as well as efflorescence, a white powder on the walls that indicates seepage. 

Ask for Information 

If you suspect water damage to a home you want to buy, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for additional information. Ask about prior damage and how they handled it, appliance inspections, water bill monitoring, and known issues to ensure you have all the facts before making an offer. 

Let ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Springfield Address Water Damage 

If you need help addressing water damage in a recently purchased home or want a seller to address a problem before closing, call ABC Environmental Contracting Services of Springfield at (417) 302-3010. As a full-service water restoration company in Springfield, IL, the team has the skills and tools to manage even the worst floods and leaks and restore a dry and safe home.