Water can damage your home without anyone knowing about it until it’s severe. However, when you know the places that water damage occurs most commonly in a house, you can keep an eye out for the signs. Try to catch water damage before it causes serious problems and mold.

Bathrooms are Places That Water Damage Occurs

Water is used in the bathroom more than any other room in the house, so it makes sense that it’s susceptible to water damage. An issue as minor as water splashing out of the shower can damage the drywall and floors. Dry up any water that makes it out of the shower or bathtub immediately. Use ventilation fans to reduce condensation in the bathroom when bathing. If you notice caulk deteriorating around sinks and tubs, remove it and apply new caulking to protect the drywall.

Attic

Attics experience water damage when there’s a roof leak. Since people don’t usually go into the attic, the damage can become extensive and costly before it’s discovered. Mold may begin to grow and your belongings that are stored in the attic can be ruined. Water leaking through the attic boards will cause water stains on ceilings. Once this happens, boards in the attic are probably already rotted.

Basement

Basements experience water damage due to floods, clogged gutters, and improper grading around the foundation. Waterproofing the walls and floors of the basement is an effective way to prevent water from getting in, but some basements with persistent flooding problems need a sump pump.

Behind Walls are Places That Water Damage Occurs

Leaking plumbing pipes behind walls often don’t show immediate signs of a problem. The water damage is advanced before visual signs and mold odors occur. Once you do notice a problem, finding and fixing the source of the leak is an invasive procedure that requires removing and replacing drywall.

Under the Kitchen Sink

A leak under a kitchen sink is easier to deal with than in some other situations. Once you notice standing water or moisture in the cabinet under the sink, it is fairly simple to troubleshoot and find out where the leak is coming from. The pipes are usually exposed just inside the cabinet, so they are easy to access and fix. The cabinet may be damaged by water, but in the worst-case scenario you’ll only have to replace the cabinet after fixing the pipe.

Premier Home Inspection Services offers home inspection services, including mold inspections, to Northern New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.

When getting your home ready to sell, one thing you can do to prepare is a home inspection. Getting this done before your property ever hits the market can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are the top four benefits of a pre-listing home inspection.

1. Make Repairs After a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

The home inspection report will note areas and components that need work. Because you have not listed your home yet, you can take care of these repairs before a buyer sees the house. If the buyer discovers the problems after their own inspection, you might have to scramble and address them quickly.

During certain times of the year, work crews can be very busy, and it could take some time before a contractor can even get to the property to assess the job. Because you are not racing against the clock, you can wait for the tradesperson of your choice. You may even choose to fix some of the issues yourself or not make any of them and adjust the price instead.

2. Attract Buyers

When it comes to attracting buyers, you can use the home inspection results. A pre-listing inspection tells the buyers essential details about the structure and the components in it. Sharing the report with them shows a level of transparency, and it can help a buyer make a quicker decision.

3. Negotiations

A pre-listing inspection can make the negotiation process smoother. If you did not get the inspection ahead of time, the buyer will likely get one once you have accepted their offer. If anything concerning comes up in the report, it might cause lengthy negotiations. Having already ordered a home inspection could eliminate most of that process and get you to the closing table faster.

4. The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection Include Peace of Mind

If you are unsure about the condition of your property, a pre-listing home inspection can answer any of your questions. Your report can be used as a tool to help you make repairs or adjust the price. Getting an inspection will give you solid information so that you can confidently list your home.

Premier Home Inspection Services provides home inspections to Northern New Jersey. If you’re selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.