Before you sign a contract and officially buy a new house, you need to inspect the property for money-draining woes like water damage. You’ll need to be on the lookout for everything from a wet basement to signs of mold along the walls. Here is a guide to how you should be searching.

Hunting for Water Damage

1. Basement

Because the top of the basement is generally at ground level, it is a common place for leaks. Head downstairs and start by tapping the ground with your foot. You want to check for a surface that has gone soft with water exposure, or other irregularities like unexpected sloping or buckling. Wet basements may also have patches of mold or mildew along the walls, so make sure you scan there. 

2. Attic 

If there is a leak in the prospective house’s roof, your best chance of spotting it will be in the attic. Inspect the walls for drips, discoloration, or stains, and check the floor below the areas where the slopes of the roof meet. Also, don’t write off odd scents as you might smell traces of mold that are present after a water buildup.

3. Exterior

Water damage to the foundation is a big deal; while sometimes the moisture stems from a wet basement, it may be entering through a leak in the exterior. Take a walk around the perimeter of the home and keep your eyes peeled for any pooling liquid. Do the gutters look sturdy and functional? It’s their job to take water from the roof to the downspouts, which should filter it away from the building. It’s also worth taking a look at the roof for obvious signs of discoloration or rotted shingles. 

When locals in Westby, WI, have a question about water damage, they know they’ll receive useful advice and assistance from Beaver Basement Waterproofing. With over 23 years working in the region, these specialists know the warning signs of a wet basement, and they can also waterproof it to remove the source. They offer a 25-year warranty on their work to their clients to ensure your basement remains safe and dry. To receive a free estimate, call (608) 634-4880. Learn more about the waterproofing contractor by visiting their website.