Whether your home is on the market, or you’re looking to buy, one of the most nerve wracking moments of the process is likely to be the Home Inspection. As the home inspector combs through the property, thoroughly looking for issues that could present a problem for the new owners, the likelihood is that they will find something. But what if they found Water Damage? Is it a deal breaker?
What is Water Damage?
Moisture issues and Water Damage can result from anything from a slow leak from a pipe, a roof leak, or a foundation issue. If not addressed timely, water damage can cause Mold Growth and further structural damage. For this reason, it is always recommended to resolve moisture issues quickly by a qualified Water Mitigation Company.
Is Water Damage a deal breaker?
No. While water damage and moisture issues would not normally be considered deal breakers, they are things that require prompt response to prevent further damage and potential other issues, such as Mold Growth. Once a moisture issue has been rectified, there is no reason to expect that there will be further or continued moisture issues.
How severe is the moisture issue?
The severity of Water Damage is largely determined by the amount of water involved, the length of time that the issue has existed, and the amount of building materials affected. In cases where Mold growth has already begun, additional steps may be necessary (Please see the section under Mold above).
What is there to consider?
Water Damage Mitigation requires special training and knowledge. Look for companies that have been performing Water Damage Mitigation for a long time and who have a good reputation in the industry (We at Disaster Blaster have been performing Water Damage Mitigation for 20 years). As mold may result from improper water mitigation and is an exclusion under General Liability Insurance Policies, your Water Damage Mitigation Company should be properly insured under a Pollution Liability Policy in order to provide water damage mitigation services, and should be able to provide you with proof of this coverage upon request (Disaster Blaster is properly insured).
What about Waterproofing?
When water damage is caused by moisture intrusion through your basement foundation, Basement Waterproofing may be necessary. This process addresses the underlying cause of a moisture issue so that the property can be effectively dried and / or future moisture issues can be prevented. When necessary, it can be a tremendous benefit to work with a company that can address both the mold remediation or water mitigation services AND the Basement Waterproofing as one project.
What about repairs and additional steps?
As part of the Water Mitigation Services, some building materials may not be salvageable and may need to be replaced. Once the mitigation services are completed and the extent of necessary Repairs is known, you will be able to contract with a contractor to provide estimates for these repairs and schedule this work. Your Water Damage Mitigation Company may also be able to complete this work for you.
How long does it take?
Water Mitigation services are generally completed in 3 to 4 days, however larger projects, or projects where mold is a concern, may take longer. Your Water Damage Mitigation Company should be able to provide you with up to date estimates of the completion date as the work progresses.
Repairs can vary greatly depending on how much work is necessary and whether any items are special order. When getting estimates for the repair services, it’s always a good idea to get a timeframe from the contractor and to also ask them when they would be available to start. Due to the limitations on time that a closing often creates, it is important to ensure that your contractor is able to begin the project timely.
We hope you found this information helpful! As each Water Damage / Moisture Issue is unique, it is always best to contact a qualified Water Mitigation Company in order to get accurate and specific recommendations and information. Having served Northeastern PA for 20 years, our offices are uniquely qualified to assist you with your Water Mitigation needs, and are always happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact your local Disaster Blaster should your home inspector find anything that we can assist you with!
*This information is provided for informational purposes only and may not be representative of your unique situation. We encourage you to have a qualified company inspect and make recommendations specific to your situation. This information is not intended as legal advice.
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