Commissioning a home inspection before buying a house provides priceless peace of mind and the confidence of knowing you won’t be inheriting serious structural problems along with the house. During the inspection, your inspector will examine every aspect of the property, including the basement, which often hides the first signs of major issues. Below are some of the problems your inspector will look for.

3 Signs Your Home Inspector Will Look for in the Basement

1. Water Damage

Signs of water damage in the basement may not be immediately obvious, especially if the walls aren’t finished. Your home inspection professional will examine the walls closely, looking for signs of deteriorating concrete, flaking, stains, or other signs that water has penetrated the foundation wall. Mold infestations are another common sign that the basement of the house has cracks or other issues that allow water into the wall.

2. Cracks

Over time, almost every house settles, often resulting in small cracks in the basement walls. These cracks can allow water into the basement or, in severe cases, indicate potentially serious problems that could compromise the structural integrity of the home. Cracks around doorways, above windows, or across the floors are especially concerning.

3. Pest Infestations

Mold isn’t the only pest that often takes up residence in the basement. Rodents, termites, and other vermin are capable of causing extensive damage that can dramatically impact the value of the home. In addition to looking at the walls, your home inspector will also examine the exposed wood for signs of termite damage and check the corners for rodent droppings.

If you’re buying a home anywhere in northern Kentucky or southwest Ohio, let Prior To Purchase Inspection Services, LLC give you the confidence you need. Their lead inspector has over 20 years of experience conducting home inspections throughout the area and was instrumental in writing the licensing laws for inspectors in the state of Kentucky. Visit their website to learn more about home inspections, or call (859) 802-8561 to request an estimate today.