Check Your Future Home For Water Damage To Avoid Extra Restoration Costs

During this past year, the real estate market has been unpredictable. In March 2021, the median list price of homes in Charlottesville, VA was $399.9K. The median listing price per square foot was $193. The median sale price was $375K. So if you are in the market for a home, be sure that you get your money’s worth. Be on the lookout for prior water damage. Here are some common problem areas: 

Walls

Some clues are obvious– stains and mildew. Some are more subtle– mushy spots or musty orders. Water damaged walls indicate future problems for new residents. This type of damage occurs slowly, expanding over long periods of time. As a result, you may also uncover mold growth throughout the water damage restoration process. 

What you don’t see should concern you. Common sheetrock wall materials create hidden opportunities to harbor mold and mildew. Expensive plaster and paneling often can be saved, but you need to get air circulating in the wall cavities to dry the studs and sills.

Ceilings

Any discoloration is a signal of a past problem. Be equally suspicious of new ceiling paint in only one room. You will need to determine where the leak was and if it has been repaired. For example, bacteria in an attic HVAC can collect, clog up, and overflow from the water lines. The ceilings of the lower stories in your new home could have been damaged by upper-level bathroom leaks.

Roofs have warranties that will transfer to the new owner but you might negotiate a new roof (or money for a replacement at closing.) Roofs have an average lifespan of 20 years, but extreme weather will shorten that. Roof flashing around chimneys or skylights, are common sources for roof leaks since they protrude from the surface of the roof to redirect the flow of water. If your roof has been compromised, water can quickly leak through, saturating the attic as well as drywall and building structure. 

Under Your Feet

Floors will give you many clues about past water damage. Hardwood floors are particularly vulnerable to water damage; the boards can stain or even develop visible mold. Laminate floors will swell and “delaminate.” For porous tile floors, check the porous grout for signs of excessive moisture in the past. . 

The best indication that carpets have been waterlogged is not as visible. Notice any musty smells. Also feel for any spongy spots when you walk– that’s an indication of a water damaged subfloor. (And some potential expensive problems.)

For Water Damage Restoration Problems in Charlottesville

No matter the cause, when you have uncontrolled water in your home you need help right now. Restoration 1 of Charlottesville is available 24/7 to clean up your problems fast. The water damage cleanup experts at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville will quickly identify the source, make all repairs and restore all materials. The experienced water damage cleanup team knows steps that the average homeowner may not know to take, that can keep your family safe from germs and reduce the overall costs of restoration.

The Restoration One Customer Pledge–

• Customer service is our highest priority.
• We are not satisfied unless you are 100% satisfied with our work, guaranteed.
• We place the utmost importance on the quality of our workmanship.
• We’ll be available to you 24/7 and can arrive within one hour.
• All our technicians are fully qualified and certified.
• When we enter your home, you’ll be treated like family