For potential homebuyers, weather can play a big part in the home’s saleability. We’re talking about leaks, drips, mold and structural damage that happen because of weather. Smart home sellers have done a pre-sale inspection with a qualified inspector to address any of these issues. Still, buyers should watch for any signs of moisture.
As you tour the home, look for these moisture alerts:
- Look up and in front of you. Windows and skylights are prime places for water and air leaks. Houselogic.com suggests shaking the windows a bit. If they rattle, the frames aren’t secure and you’ve got a leak there. As for skylights, if you can see through the frame and brown spots are present, this is a sure sign of a leak. Most likely, water has collected on the drywall, which can lead to rot and mold.
- Doors are another area prone to leaks. Is the weather stripping around the door adequate to keep out drafts and moisture? Are the hinges secure, balancing the door correctly? Can you see daylight through cracks around the door? If so, more work needs to be done here.
- Check corners in the rooms. Are there stains, do the floorboards creak, has the woodwork pulled away from the wall? If so, there may be problems behind the walls, most likely caused by water leaks.
- Your inspector will go up on the roof while you stay put on the ground. He’ll let you know about missing shingles, chimney leaks, loose flashing and droopy gutters.
- In the basement, check the walls, especially in older homes, for moist stone and water pooled in the corners. Also, look at the floor for staining, cracks and protrusions, indicating a water issue is somewhere under the home.
