Water damage is a serious concern in a home; moisture can cause extensive damage from the home’s roof to the foundation. Because it’s so significant, this is something you want to look for in a home inspection. Your inspector will look for some common signs of water damage, and if they find it, you should know what that means for your purchase.

What the Inspector Looks For

There are some common red flags that a property has moisture in places it doesn’t belong. The inspector will look closely throughout the property, from top to bottom, looking for these signs in all places they can reasonably access. On the roof, they can look for missing shingles or large tears in the flashing.

On the interior ceiling, they may look for sagging or spots that are stained yellow or brown. In the walls, they will look for swollen or soggy drywall, or the sounds of leaks from the plumbing inside the walls. In the floors, they can look for warped wood, soggy carpet, or a musty smell. Other signs include cracking or peeling paint, rusty metal, or loose caulking around the plumbing.

Why It’s a Concern

When you see a small sign of water damage in a home, such as some warped hardwood or a wet spot on the wall, there is likely much more extensive damage hidden inside the structure. It can destroy the building’s materials and compromise its structural integrity.

It may lead to the need to replace the flooring, repair a foundation, or reroof the home. If this is found during an inspection, research more about the cause of the moisture problem and the extent of the damage. This will help you decide whether you want to back out of the deal or use the inspection in your negotiations to hold the seller accountable for the repairs.

Prior To Purchase Inspection Services, LLC provides certified home inspections, so you fully understand the condition of a property you want to buy in Highland Heights, KY, and throughout the greater Cincinnati area. Their licensed and trained inspectors provide a detailed written report complete with photos and visual aids, so you understand the results. If you want more in-depth information you cannot get from a visual inspection, they also provide services such as air sampling mold inspections, water quality testing, and radon testing. Learn more on their website and call (859) 802-8561 to schedule a home inspection.