If you’re looking at new homes and considering making a purchase, you need to make sure that that house is in great condition. Water damage is a significant indicator of problems within the home. It means that there could be an issue that is causing a leak, such as a broken pipe or a leaky roof, and it also means that there could be extensive hidden water damage that you can’t even see.
So what signs should you look for? Here are a few things to consider as you walk through the house and set up a home inspection.
Stains that are left behind
When you look at the walls, the floor and even the ceiling, any staining or discoloration is a major red flag. Water will often cause drywall to crack, or plaster may become discolored and damp. Even if there’s no water actively leaking, these residual signs will remain for a long time.
The development of mold and mildew
You also want to look for mold and mildew in the house, and it’s especially problematic if you find it outside of expected areas, such as bathrooms. In some cases, the actual water issues themselves may have been fixed – repairing a broken pipe before a sale, for instance. But if mold has begun to grow and hasn’t been removed, that’s still a significant issue.
Recent repairs
Finally, pay attention to paint damage, soft spots in the walls or any signs that these things have been repaired recently. Some homeowners will simply attempt to paint over water damage, assuming that they can hide it long enough to sell the house. Any evidence of recent changes to the home needs to be investigated to find out why those changes happened.
The home-buying process can be complex. You don’t want to make a mistake with such a major investment, so be sure you know exactly what steps to take to protect your legal interests.