Water damage is something home inspectors are trained to look for when inspecting a property for a client.
Inspecting a potential property before purchasing it will help you avoid costly structural issues that could be caused by leaks, flooding, or even something as minor as drips from a leaking pipe. This can result in money saved and less stress.
Before entering a property, take note of these key indicators of excess moisture in a home.
Stains – Blemishes indicated by discolored water stains can appear in a variety of colors, including brown, black, or even yellow. These indicators point to current or past problems that need to be addressed.
Odors – You may detect odors of mold or mildew, which need to be addressed immediately. Remedying musty or damp odors is especially important if someone in your family has respiratory issues already. It also prevents further damage to the structure.
Isolated Fresh Paint – While it doesn’t automatically mean that there is an issue hiding, it is a little suspicious when a home for sale only has one room freshly painted, or if the paint is only applied to a specific location of a wall, floor, or ceiling. Fresh paint in the basement would be even more suspicious.
It is critical that a professional determine the state of your home immediately after seeing any signs of water damage since it can be the tip of the iceberg.
In the winter, home inspectors frequently note an increased risk of moisture in attics. This is because moisture is more pronounced during the colder months.
