4 Red Flags That the Property You’re About to Buy has Water Damage

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Water damage is a serious issue that can cost homebuyers and homeowners thousands of dollar over the years. Some signs of water damage are harder to spot than others. Here are four signs that the property you’re considering purchasing may have water damage.

Visible Mold Growth or Water Spots

The first way to protect yourself against water damage is to look for the easy-to-spot, visible signs. Check for mold growth and water spots. These are tell-tale signs that there is an immediate problem. Mold can be a variety of colors and textures, but one of the most common home molds is black mold. Look for this type of mold around spaces that aren’t trafficked frequently like basements, closets, and other spaces. Mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, so take any signs of it seriously. And don’t forget that water spots are an indication that there could be mold hiding somewhere out of sight.

Soft Spots in the Floor

Water can collect in a variety of places, including the floor. If the flooring or carpet is discolored or smells suspicious, check for water damage. Water can collect under the subfloor and cause rotten spots in the floor of a home if left untreated. The way to fix these issues is typically to remove the carpet and subflooring, and strip as much of the problem area out as possible. This is followed by a thorough cleaning and drying process and then replacing the materials. Water in and under the floor can be an expensive and time-consuming issue to try to fix, so check carefully for this issue.

A Suspect Smell

If the home or property you’re considering buying has a funky smell, water damage might be the cause. There are so many surfaces from the roof to the subfloor that water can come into contact with, leading to mold or rot. A strange smell is an indicator that there is a water damage problem somewhere where you can’t see it. 

Peeling Paint or Ceiling Stains

When water gets in through the roof or another entry point, the paint in your home suffers. Peeling paint is one sign of water damage as the water causes a reaction in the paint that leads to peeling and cracking. Similarly, if water is collecting in your ceiling, there will be discolorations and large spots that will form directly below a leak where water is pooling up.

Water damage can be costly and time-consuming to deal with, so it’s important to recognize the signs. If you need assistance identifying the signs of water damage or need help repairing damage after buying a property, call on the experts to help you. Kelley Klean has over 30 years of experience fully restoring homes after water damage. Contact us today.