When viewing a house entering the basement first may seem counterintuitive. In the basement, there could be many issues hidden or in plain sight. Mitigating or fixing them could cost a pretty penny, as well as present a major hassle to handle. These issues may render the house a bad choice for purchase. On the other hand, hidden gems may have the potential to increase the value of the home by capturing extra livable area in the future.
What do we need to look for?
1. Moisture It is important to pay attention if there is a musty smell when walking in the basement. This could be a sign of a leak or water damage. Visually inspecting the walls, wood structure and floor slab for any moisture and stains can help determine this. Minor leaks can be taken care of more easily, but the more extensive ones could be complicated and costly to mitigate. Potentially this may involve exterior digging or plumbing repairs.
2. Foundations Carefully reviewing the foundation for any major cracks is imperative. Any cracks under ¼” may not be an issue, unless they are located near the corners. This may indicate a structural problem requiring a structural engineer to inspect. If any cracks that are wider than ¼” are found, there may have been excessive settling of the house or other structural issues. Such cracks necessitate a thorough inspection by a professional prior to purchasing the house. In the perfect scenario, there should be hurricane/ seismic strapping connecting the superstructure to the foundation already in place. This will reduce the probability of more serious damage in the event of strong winds or earthquake, based on location. Adding the strapping later costs thousands of dollars.
3. Mechanical and plumbing systems The labels on the hot water heater, furnace, heat pump and any other equipment should be carefully studied. Any equipment older than ten years will come due for a replacement soon. If the existing owner maintained the units regularly, they may last longer – a clean filter is a sign of recent maintenance. It is important to turn on the heat and AC, as well as run the hot water to confirm the equipment works. Excessively loud noises may indicate an issue to pay attention to. Any visible ductwork and pipes can be reviewed for cracks and leaks respectively.
The main takeaway is that we need to pay special attention to the basement when considering a house for purchase!
Download a free check list and purchase the complete guide on “What to consider when Buying a Home? here: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-1.html
Learn more about “Why to look at the Basement first when Buying a Home? Part 2?” in this guide: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-why-to-look-at-the-basement-first-part-2.html
Drop me a line to evaluate your potential home purchase! Ana Ana Koleva Miller, RA, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.