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Should Basement Water Damage Or Mold Concern Anyone?

By
Home Inspector with WWW.ExecutiveRestoration.Com

www.ExecutiveRestoration.Com

What kind of issues, do you see from the attached and above photo?

Do you see Water Intrusion Issues?  Do you see Water Damage that has continued,  to enter the basement?  Correct the outside of the home from water issues and then I would suggest sealing the basement walls and floor.  Of course, before you do any sealing of walls and floors, make sure you clean, before you seal anything.

Do you see Water Heater Issues?  The water heater, from the photo, has either not been maintained or it is very old.  How water heaters need to be drained and flushed, at least once a year.  Make sure you turn off the power to the hot water heater first, before you do any cleaning or flushing to it.  You can drain the water heater first by using a garden hose and getting the water heater drained and flushed.  Everything gets dirty.  Everything needs a good cleaning.  Notice, the rust or clay staining on the water heater?

Do you notice organic growth issues? Would a basement like this concern you, if you were buying or selling the house?  Should it concern the buyer or seller?

Do you notice a dirty basement? When you are selling a home, make sure the basement is clean as well as organized and take care of any water damage or mold, that you might have.  This can be a big turn-off to someone, who is wanting to buy a home.

When we have water intrusions, like in the above photo, do you think this can attract Termites?

Do you see any handrails on the steps and should there be one?  For safety sake, put up a handrail or handrails.  We do not want anyone falling.  Right?

Could the reason that this basement has a moisture issue, be coming from drainage issues from the outside of the home?  Are the outside downspouts being diverted away from the home?  Does the home even have downspouts that are being diverted away from the home? 

What other issues can you spot or do you notice?

My name is David Snell.

Executive Restoration LLC

www.ExecutiveRestoration.com

704-545-0098

 

Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.

Aug 08, 2022 02:27 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello David - water is our friend in so many ways but it can become a foe.  Be (and stay) aware.  

Aug 08, 2022 03:10 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, David... if I've learned anything in 30+ years in this business is to not opine on issues like this... that's what a top inspector is for.

Aug 08, 2022 04:20 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Water can do a lot of damage to a home. And appliances need to be maintained. When buying a home, an inspection is definitely necessary to find all these issues.

Aug 08, 2022 05:13 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

That water seepage has been going on for a long time, especially when you see few things not the basement floor and what is there is elevated. Those brown stains indicate a lot more to come

Aug 08, 2022 05:43 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning David,

That photo is worth a thousand words on water damage. As much as we need and depend on water it can sometimes not be our friend. I'm with Nina Hollander, Broker  I'm not an expert so I rely on the professionals to catch water intrusion and damage. You are the expert and I know many rely on your findings.

Aug 08, 2022 06:06 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

David, I do see issues, but not for me to point out, that is why my buyers have an excellent inspector.

Aug 08, 2022 07:00 AM