basement questions
#1
06-25-13, 05:47 PM
basement questions
Hi, New to All Of This And We Are In The Process Of Buying A House And During Inspections The Inspector Said The Builder Didnt Do Any Waterproofing On All Of The Walls Downstairs. He Said The Builder Did Do The Front House Wall.The Basement Isnt Finished And He Inspector Said There Was Moisture On The Walls And Would Become A Problem Finishing The Basement Which Was Alot Of The Reason We Like The House. What Would Need Done To Be Able To Finish It?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#3
06-26-13, 03:30 AM
Welcome to the forums!
I find it hard to believe that the builder didn't do ANY waterproofing on a house that new. I wouldn't think the inspector would have passed it. Obviously what waterproofing he did do was inadequate
Waterproofing a basement is always best addressed on the exterior. The easy things are adjusting the grade and downspouts so water runs away from the structure. What is normally done during construction is to waterproof the foundation walls and install a drain system at the footer. To repair that you need to dig out the foundation - not a cheap easy task.
You might want to have a basement water sealing company [or two] come out and evaluate what needs to be done and give you an estimate before you make a firm offer on the house.
I find it hard to believe that the builder didn't do ANY waterproofing on a house that new. I wouldn't think the inspector would have passed it. Obviously what waterproofing he did do was inadequate
Waterproofing a basement is always best addressed on the exterior. The easy things are adjusting the grade and downspouts so water runs away from the structure. What is normally done during construction is to waterproof the foundation walls and install a drain system at the footer. To repair that you need to dig out the foundation - not a cheap easy task.
You might want to have a basement water sealing company [or two] come out and evaluate what needs to be done and give you an estimate before you make a firm offer on the house.
#4
06-26-13, 06:09 AM
This time of yea, the more likely source of moisture on the walls is condensation, cold walls and a humid basement. I agree with mark that it is unlikely that the typical tar below grade was omitted on the outside, however, that approach does not give one a dry basement.
Finishing a basement is a task that can very easily be done wrong. Usually, a limited budget results in poor decisions. If you want to finish that space, be prepared to spend some money and do it right. Fortunately many have done this before you and there is much research available as to the problems you will face. Mold is a 4 letter work in the housing industry and neither you or any future home owners want to deal with it, thus the higher cost. I'm sure you have experienced that basement smell in other homes, that is an indication of mold.
If you find a hidden spot outside and dig down a few inches you will probably see the tar approach. If you want to confirm the condensation, take a humidity and temp meter down there with a chart for estimating the dew point.
Is the house occupied or has it been vacant awhile?
Bud
Finishing a basement is a task that can very easily be done wrong. Usually, a limited budget results in poor decisions. If you want to finish that space, be prepared to spend some money and do it right. Fortunately many have done this before you and there is much research available as to the problems you will face. Mold is a 4 letter work in the housing industry and neither you or any future home owners want to deal with it, thus the higher cost. I'm sure you have experienced that basement smell in other homes, that is an indication of mold.
If you find a hidden spot outside and dig down a few inches you will probably see the tar approach. If you want to confirm the condensation, take a humidity and temp meter down there with a chart for estimating the dew point.
Is the house occupied or has it been vacant awhile?
Bud
