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?
4. Asbestos Asbestos is a natural fibrous silicate mineral and it is considered a dangerous health hazard. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung conditions, including lung cancer. Asbestos can also lead to fertility challenges in men and women, and be a cause for stillbirths after a long exposure. In homes built before 1989 asbestos may be present in the basement in the form of floor or ceiling tiles and insulation. Asbestos must be kept contained in order to avoid spreading the fibers throughout the house. Removing asbestos-containing materials should only be done by professionals using the appropriate equipment. The removal can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars and should be considered when purchasing the home.
5. Mold A musty smell in the basement may be a sign for moisture and mold. The mold spores can easily spread throughout the entire home through the HVAC system. Exposure to the mold spores can have many health implications. The mild ones include runny nose, coughing, headaches and fatigue. The severe ones include allergic reactions, overall weakening of the immune system and endocrine system disruptions. Due to possible hormonal imbalances fertility may be impacted. Mold must be cleared up. The sources of moisture need to be eliminated – be it a leak, lack of ventilation, missing or disconnected dryer vents, unsealed windows, and others. If the mold covers a surface larger than 3x3 feet a professional company should be hired to remove it. It may be best not to purchase a house, which has mold present.
6. Future expansion The basement is a space that may have potential for future expansion of the finished area of the house. Often the square footage of the basement is not included in the listing. It could have additional area as large as the house. The basement may have the potential once finished to use as a workshop, office area, workout area, playroom, man cave, etc. It could also be built-out as an ADU (accessory dwelling unit, where permitted) and even used as a rental unit. It is important to examine if there is sufficient height (minimum 7 feet), option to add egress windows, and a separate door for the conversion from non-habitable to a habitable space. This could add a tremendous value to the property.
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 1?” in this guide: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-why-to-look-at-the-basement-first-part-1.html
Drop me a line to evaluate your potential home purchase! Ana Ana Koleva Miller, RA, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.