Checking for Water Leaks in the Home You Want to Buy

Winter rain and snow, as well as the recent severe hurricanes in the Southeastern US, remind most homeowners of the need to protect their homes against water. And for buyers and sellers, the presence of water can definitely dampen a real estate deal. But it doesn't have to.

Whether in the form of flooding rainwater or leaky pipes, immediate intervention is best.

If a home seller finds the rain has come in or the toilet water has leaked out, drying out is a priority, according to Keven Crabb of Restoration Management Company in Union City. "Drying out soon is important. Our response time to such a call is important, because the sooner you dry the area, the less primary damage you do. Drying out the area quickly also lessens the likelihood of secondary damage."

That is why Crabb's company offers 24-hour service with an on-call manager. "It is so important to call right away," he emphasizes. "If you wait, things get damaged. In the case of, say, a hardwood floor, waiting even two or three days means the floor will start buckling." Crabb says, in the event of "a real emergency, two to three inches of water, we'll call out the forces, and get there right away."

But sellers (and buyers) need to think about water even when homes are dry. Roger Robinson of The Star Inspection Group explains that both buyers and sellers can benefit from a home inspection looking for water and other problems.

"You should always have a home inspection throughout the entire house," he notes, "including the sub-floor. It isn't as obvious, but moisture can cause damage by weakening the soil so the foundation of the home is not adequately supported. And, dampness underneath can create a musty smell, and encourage the growth of mold."

David Pace, of Pace Inspection Services, agrees. "Even in new homes, we routinely find things in need of attention," he notes. "A home has a lot of components and a whole lot of people putting them together, so things can get missed."
While the need for a home inspection seems obvious for home buyers, both Pace and Robinson say that sellers, too, benefit from having a home inspection done prior to putting the home up for sale.