When you’re buying a home, it isn’t easy to find a flawless property. While most people are willing to put up which certain flaws, it’s never a good idea to overlook water damage. Regardless of how minor it seems, damage caused by water can affect your health, the standard of living and can be extremely costly to fix.
While it’s true that you need the professional expertise of property inspectors to detect major water damage problems, it’s a good idea to be aware of some common signs of it. Being able to spot these obvious water damage issues is one of the best ways of identifying problem properties before moving to the next stages of the inquiry process. Not only will this save you a significant amount of time and effort, but some money as well. Here are tips to spot mould and water damage problems during a house inspection.
#1 Identifying Water Damage
Once you are aware of what you are looking for, it isn’t difficult to identify water damage. Not only should you use your sight but also your sense of smell while moving to a property that you are planning to purchase. Some of the obvious areas that you should be looking at include ceilings, walls, pipes, and some other less obvious areas as well.
#2 Drainage Systems
The drainage systems in many homes are the common culprits when it comes to water damage. You should be looking out for water pooling near the foundation of the structure or anywhere in the landscape. This indicates the drainage on the property is poor, which can result in moisture build-up in the lower storeys of the house.
#3 Leakages
These are some of the most common causes of water damage in the interior areas of the structure. Bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as laundry areas, are the common sites for leaks. While you are inspecting the property it’s important that you check appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters & washing machine hoses. Conduct a close inspection of showers and tubs for signs of bubbling or mould growth. Loose tiles are another common indicator of moisture within the walls.
#4 Excessive Condensation
If the structure has single-pane windows, excessive condensation is an important indicator of water damage. Look behind the drapes or blinds for visible signs of dampness. These problems are generally more common in homes that are decades old and which don’t have adequate insulation. It’s also a good idea to check behind headboards, bookshelves and dressers and other larger pieces of furniture. Musty odours can also be a sign of water leakage and mould.
#5 Ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
Poorly-ventilated bathroom spaces can result in condensation. Look for signs such as mould or staining on the ceiling and walls. Check whether the bathrooms have exhaust fans and that they work and are clean. Follow these same steps in the kitchen as well. This is because it doesn’t take long for steam and moisture to gradually cause grease and dust build-up along all the corners.
In addition to this, look for signs of mould on carpets, warped flooring, rust-coloured or brown coloured marks on ceilings and walls and musty odours in the indoor spaces. If you have noticed any of these signs of water damage why you are walking through a property or attending an open house, reconsider whether you really want to purchase it. If you feel that the water damage isn’t severe, it’s still a good idea to get a building inspection done by a professional.
If you want to know more about our services here at Inspect It First, don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 557 047 or contact us through our contact form and we will revert shortly.
Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047