Water Damage Red Flags When Buying a Home

Buying a home is exciting. So many homes to look at, trying to figure out the ones you like visually, or the different floor plans. But it can also be overwhelming trying to make sure you have checked all the boxes in inspecting things that look a little off. The last thing you want is to buy a house, move in and discover hidden water damage. Water damage isn’t always obvious, but there are warning signs that something might be lurking beneath the surface. Before signing on the dotted line, keep an eye out for these red flags.

1. That Musty Smell

You know that damp, earthy smell your grandma's basement had? Unfortunately, that's a huge red flag. Even if you don’t see any visible water damage, then a musty odor is a sign that moisture is present. Typically where there is moisture, there’s mold. Sniff around in basements, crawlspaces,and bathrooms and always trust your nose (and your gut).

2. Mysterious Stains on Ceilings and Walls

Always look up. Inspect the ceilings thoroughly when house shopping. If you spot yellowish-brown stains on the ceiling or walls, don’t brush them off as old age. Those stains likely mean past water damage. Damage could be from a roof issue, burst pipe or upstairs bathroom overflow. Notice oddly placed fresh paint patches? Sometimes the sellers try to quickly cover up the evidence.

3. Floors That Feel Off

Step carefully. Go out of your way to walk the floors and see if anything feels like it's dipping. If the floor feels soft there maybe hidden water damage underneath. Warped or buckling wood or even laminate floors may mean past water issues. Even tile floors can reveal trouble if the grout is cracked or loose.

4. Sagging Ceilings = Serious Trouble

A ceiling should be firm and even. If you notice an area of the ceiling is sagging or looks like it’s dipping in certain places -- turn around and run out the door. This means that water has likely weakened the ceiling. Fixing this isn’t just about patching drywall and applying new paint—you may be dealing with structural repairs as well, depending on how long the water damage has lingered.

5. Soft, Bubbly or Peeling Drywall

We know this sounds weird, but run your hand along the walls. If the drywall feels soft, or you notice bubbles or peeling paint, that means that there could be water damage behind it. Moisture inside walls can lead to mold growth, which comes with its own set of expensive headaches that no new homeowner wants to have.

6. Visible Mold or Mildew

Mold isn't just an eyesore. Mold exposure leads to health issues (especially for kids, the elderly and those with asthma). Mold often shows up around windows, baseboards, and in corners where moisture builds up. If you see mold in a home you want to buy, you need to call First In Restoration for mold testing during your due diligence. Mold is a very costly to remediate and you should know the costs before making a decision on your purchase so you can decide if it's worth the cost, or even if the seller should be responsible.

7. Suspiciously “Recent” Repairs

We've all seen it. There's that one area with fresh paint and the rest of the house is old and ugly. Sometimes you'll notice a big patch of the ceiling is a new shiny white. This is a common sign of the seller trying to cover up water damage. If something looks recently updated but the rest of the home isn’t, you need to start asking questions.

8. Basement and Crawlspace Clues

Basements and crawlspaces are key areas for water issues (water doesn't run up, it always runs down). Keep an eye out for off color water stains, standing water or efflorescence (a white, chalky residue on the walls), these are signs that water has seeped in and evaporated, leaving behind mineral deposits.

9. Roof and Gutter Red Flags

Does your Uncle Gary have a drone? Now's the time to talk to him outside of Easter and Christmas. You can fly the drone above the home you're interested to see if you can spot any missing or curled shingles. You can try to tell from the ground but drone footage will be easier. Also check for sagging gutters and clogged downspouts. If a roof isn’t directing water away properly, it can lead to leaks inside the home. Check for signs of past water intrusion in the attic as well.

What to Do If You Spot Water Damage When You're Buying a Home

Don’t panic, but don’t definitely don't ignore it either. If you suspect water damage, hire a professional home inspector to assess the situation. If you still really love the home, you might be able to negotiate repairs or adjust the purchase price.

Need Expert Water Damage Restoration?

If you’re buying a home and concerned about water damage, First In Restoration has your back. We’re Georgia’s top experts in water mitigation, emergency plumbing and mold removal. Our IICRC-certified team knows what to look for and how to fix it fast. Call us today at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com to schedule an inspection before you buy!