January 5, 2017

Thinking About Purchasing A Home?

Inspect the plumbing and drainage first!

Thinking about purchasing a new home in the new year? Here are a few plumbing inspection tips to ensure the property’s plumbing and drainage is in working order to avoid costly surprises. If possible, make a trip or two to the property after a heavy or consistent rainfall. If there are drainage or plumbing problems, these might be easier to notice under rainy conditions. Here is a handy checklist for what to keep an eye on.

Flooded Yards 
If the front or back yard has large flooded areas, there could be issues with the drainage of the home. Flooding is even more common If the home is on the bottom of a slope.  If the drain system does not get rid of the water fast enough, it can back up and enter the home, which will require pumps to remove.  Inconsistent grass patches can also indicate drainage issues, if certain parts are getting too much water. There are many drainage solutions, such as french drains, dry wells, sump pumps, curtain drains, and yard elevation, but choosing a home without these issues is the easiest.

Exterior Water Damage
Check porches or decks for water damage near the base, which will usually look like a darker shade of the wood.  Inspect the roof for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.  Check any wooden building materials for wood rot, such as door frames, window frames, or siding.  Be on the lookout for soft, crumbly wood that falls apart when poked with a screwdriver.  Wood rot can spread to other areas and can lead to expensive repairs.

Interior Water Damage
Look in basements or crawl spaces for areas where debris collect, it could be a result of water seeping in. Use your sense of smell, does the basement smell like mold or damp air?  Look at the ceiling and walls for any obvious water marks or stains, and feel any swollen looking walls for softness or cracking, as these can be a sign of leaky pipes or drains that will require plumbing services.  Inspect the flooring for warped or cracked areas, as that may indicate moisture.  Finally, check the home’s pipes for corrosion, leaks, or water stains, especially around large appliances.

There are many decisions and expenses involved in purchasing a new home .  Taking a little extra time to make sure that the home has sufficient draining and plumbing systems can save you many headaches and expenses down the road.