Heimer Engineering Home Inspections and Building Inspections

 
Inspections of Homes, Buildings, Condos and Coops
Insight and Understanding Only an Engineer Can Provide

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Water in the Basement

Most basements have at least a few stains and some rusted metal.If the building that you are considering purchasing has a basement, you need to know if there is evidence of water or dampness in the basement.  Most basements have at least a few stains, some rusted metal, and a dehumidifier.  Some basements have a damp odor, although this may only be detectable during the humid summer months.

Many home purchasers and building purchasers are concerned that water in the basement problems indicates a structural problem, such as a cracked foundation.  Virtually all foundation walls have some cracks, so the penetration of water into the basement does not necessarily indicate a structural defect.  The Engineer will advise you as to whether cracks in the foundation walls are structurally significant.

Most houses do not regularly have puddles of water in the basement, but are damp during some months of the year.  If the basement is damp, it may affect your ability to build a finished room such as a playroom in the basement.  Dampness in the basement is also a concern to people with allergies or other medical conditions because dampness can increase the risk of mold growth.  A dehumidifier is often required in the basement to control the dampness.  Click here for photographs of the affects of water in a basement

Although we perform inspections during all kinds of weather, most houses and buildings are not inspected during a heavy rain.Inspections are performed during all kinds of weather, so most houses and buildings are not inspected during a heavy rain.  When inspecting a house or building on a dry day, the Engineer looks for clues in the basement to determine what you can expect during a heavy rain or with melting snow.  The Licensed Professional Engineer (who is also a Licensed Home Inspector) will advise you about the risks after analyze the water penetration evidence in the basement.  The expense analysis in the engineering report helps you understand the expenses involved.

 
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