Are you in the market for a new Missouri home? After a historic dip and bust in the housing market, a positive trend seems to be emerging. Although the road to full recovery has a way to go, sales are looking up. With mortgage rates at around four percent, more people are realizing the great opportunity that exists for buyers with long-term plans in today’s market.
The Dangers Of Water In Your Missouri Home
Once you start looking for a home, you will find that there are many available. It is, of course, a “buyer’s market”. Make sure that the house you are interested in isn’t harboring potential problems. A wet basement is a major problem that is sometimes overlooked. Depending on the time of year the water may not be evident. However, there may be water stains on walls or floors or a damp odor may exist.
Most houses do not regularly have puddles on the floor but are damp during certain times of the year. If the basement is damp or perhaps the foundation is cracked it may affect your plans to finish the basement with livable space such as a family room, play room, bedrooms or laundry. Dampness is also a concern for people with allergies since dampness can increase the risk of mold growth. Exposure to mold can cause hay fever-like symptoms, including sneezing, itchy watery eyes, contact dermatitis and nasal congestion. People with existing respiratory conditions may develop more serious symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Why You Should Not Ignore A Wet Basement
Signs of a wet basement cannot be ignored. Water damage will prevent the attainment of a mortgage in most circumstances. A bank will not provide a loan on such a home. You must protect your investment and be a diligent home buyer by hiring a reputable home inspector. A licensed home inspector will advise you about the risks after analyzing the water penetration in the basement. These inspections are done in all kinds of weather, most likely not during a heavy rain. However, even on a dry day the inspector looks for clues in the basement to determine what can be expected during a heavy rain or with melting snow. He will help you understand the problems involved and how to proceed.
The diagnosis of a wet basement does not have to put an end to your dreams of owning the house you fell in love with. A good waterproofing contractor will have the answers to your wet basement problems.
*Kent Foundation Repair only offers Basement Waterproofing at our St. Louis service area.
