One of the biggest concerns that most buyers have is whether or not the basement has gotten, or continues to get water seepage, and if so, how much?
Sometimes, you do not want to rely on the seller statements- after all, they ARE trying to sell their home, and may ...ahem...- conveniently forget that the basement has had seepage, they may downplay the amount, or much worse- try to hide it entirely.
So, it's Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer beware in Latin)
There are some ways to ascertain whether the basement (or cellar) does get water. You just have to know where to look. These are some hidden clues, that I look for when showing a home.
First, are the sellers storing anything in the basement?
Why? They live there. If they are not concerned about water damage, they will store items of importance in the basement.
HINT: If the main level of the house is spotless, and everything has its own place, lack of storing anything in the basement may not necessarily mean that the basement is wet, or gets any dampness.
Next, are the items that are stored on a raised platform?
Why? The owners are either 1) concerned about dampness on the item being stored, or 2) the owners have always placed their items on a platform.
HINT: Check for signs of dampness or old stains on whatever was used to raise stored item from the floor.
Was the basement floor obviously recently painted?
This can be a red flag. In other words, what is the seller trying to hide?
Does the owner use the garage for storage, but not the basement?
Another red flag. The garage is at grade level, and will very rarely get water.
HINT: Some sellers just do not want to go down a flight of stairs. This clue is not always a red flag.
Check the basement walls, and perimeter.
Look for signs of efflorescence, (white chalky substance on concrete walls) and if the lower level is finished, look closely at the wood molding on the floor, and the sheetrock or paneling . Is anything buckled, or does it have signs of staining from water damage?
Look for rust on any metal in the lower level.
That includes lally columns, a boiler or furnace, or anything built in. Unscrupulous sellers that try to hide dampness will most likely forget to " hide" this .
Look in the rear of any enclosed storage areas, (such as under the stairs).
Sellers forget about hiding any evidence here, too.
One other thought:
Is there a wet vac downstairs? Hmmm.
NOTE: A dehumidifier does not necessarily mean that the hosue gets any water. Also, the presence of a sump pump should not deter you from purchasing a home. It is a device to ensure that no water does get in.
Lastly, I am not a building inspector. Do not rely on these clues SOLELY when buying a home. When you purchase a home, it should be contingent upon your favorable review of a building inspection. The inspector that you hire should be very skilled in deciphering the clues that a wet or damp basement leaves behind.
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If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy