After looking through several house options, you finally find the perfect one. It has everything on your checklist: the right number of bedrooms & bathrooms, updated appliances, a backyard, and a garage. The only thing holding you back is the water damage in the house.
While water damage may seem like a dealbreaker, you don’t want to give up on your dream home.
Here are a few things you should know before crossing this house off your list. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase a home with water damage.
Contents
- 1. Figure Out the Source of the Water Damage
- 2. Look for the Effects and Extent of Water Damage in the House
- 3. Check if the Property is Located on a Floodplain
- 4. Conduct a Thoroughly Home Inspection From A Professional
- 5. Get an Estimate for Repairs
- 6. Research the History of the House
- 7. Apply a Homeowner’s Insurance for Future Coverage
- 8. Work With a Real Estate Agent Who Has Experience with Water Damaged Homes
- Final Thought
1. Figure Out the Source of the Water Damage
The first step is to figure out where the water damage is coming from. If it’s from a one-time event, like a pipe bursting or heavy rains, then the damage may not be as extensive as you think. However, if the water damage is from a long-standing issue, like a leaky roof or faulty foundation, then the damage may be more significant.
2. Look for the Effects and Extent of Water Damage in the House
After you know the source of the water damage, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage. This will give you a better idea of what kind of repairs will be needed and how much they will cost.
If the damage is limited to a small area, such as one room, then the repairs will likely be less expensive. If the damage is widespread, such as throughout the entire house, then the repairs will be more costly.
3. Check if the Property is Located on a Floodplain
The location of the house is also important when making your decision. If the home you’re interested in is located on a floodplain, realize the potential for flooding when considering whether or not to purchase the property. As you know, flooding can cause significant damage to a home and can be very expensive to repair.
Ask the homeowner if they have proof of repairs done and have taken measures to protect the home from future water damage. You can ask the homeowner to provide all receipts related to repairs. This will give you an idea of how much it will cost to fix any remaining damage. You can still buy this particular house if the homeowner is honest with you and show you all the information.
You should also think about how the water damage will affect your ability to resell the house in the future. If the damage is extensive, it might be hard to find a buyer willing to take on the repairs. In this case, it might be best to move on to another property.
4. Conduct a Thoroughly Home Inspection From A Professional
There is no law that says that the homeowner has to get a home inspection when selling a property to you, but it is highly recommended for you do so.
Many home buyers are unaware that even a minor leak may cause significant damage to a home because water damage spreads quickly. If not handled immediately, walls, flooring, and insulation can become saturated, which leads to mold growth.
A professional home inspector will be able to identify any current or past water damage, as well as potential problem areas in the home that could lead to future water damage.
The home inspector will also let you know how extensive the damage is and whether or not it can be repaired. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that the home is not worth repairing. In other cases, the damage may be able to be repaired relatively easily.
Before you make an offer on the house, it’s important to have a professional conduct a home inspection. This will help you understand the extent of the water damage and what repairs need to be made.
The home inspector will typically look for any signs of water damage, such as:
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Swelling or soft spots on the floor
- Water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors
- Damaged wood or drywall
- Cracked or loose tiles
- Mold growth
- Musty odors
- …
5. Get an Estimate for Repairs
You’ll know what work has to be done after having the house professionally inspected. Having an idea of what the repairs will cost will help you assess whether the property is a good deal or not.
You need to keep these in mind:
- The cost of the actual repairs
- The cost of any potential mold removal
- The cost of any necessary renovations (like replacing flooring)
- If you’re not planning on doing the repairs yourself, the cost of hiring a professional
It’s also important to factor in the value of the house after the repairs are made. Will the repaired house be worth more than the asking price? If not, you might want to reconsider buying the property.
It is also recommended to ask for a lower price from the seller due to the repair costs you’ll make. You can provide the above potential costs as an argument to lower the price. If possible, ask the seller to deduct the repair costs from the total price.
6. Research the History of the House
When you’re buying a home, it’s important to research the property’s history. This includes finding out if the house has been involved in other flooding or water damage incidents in the past.
You can request this information from the seller, but it’s also a good idea to check public records. This way, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of water damage you’re dealing with and how often it occurs.
If the house has had a history of water damage before this time you know, that’s something you need to take into consideration before making an offer. That means the water damage may not be repaired as easily as you thought and it could be a sign of future problems.
7. Apply a Homeowner’s Insurance for Future Coverage
After you have this house professionally inspected, it is recommended to ask for a homeowner’s insurance quote. Homeowner’s insurance will help protect your investment in the event of future water damage. Meanwhile, If you need a mortgage, your lender will require you to have homeowner’s insurance.
Be sure to ask your insurance agent about coverage for flood damage. This is important because standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you might need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This will protect your home in case of future flooding.
You may be refused by some insurance companies if the house has had water damage in the past. In this case, it is important to get quotes from multiple companies to find one that will insure you.
If many insurance companies don’t want to insure your property or the insurance policy price is too high, it might be a sign that the water damage is too extensive or that the house is prone to flooding. In this case, you may want to rethink buying the property.
8. Work With a Real Estate Agent Who Has Experience with Water Damaged Homes
If you’re not sure how to navigate the process of buying a home with water damage, it’s a good idea to work with a real estate agent who has experience with these types of properties. They can help you understand the process and what to expect.
They can also help you negotiate with the seller, get repairs estimates, and find the right insurance policy for your needs. Working with an experienced agent will make the process of buying a water-damaged home much easier.
Final Thought
Water damage can be a major problem, but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. If you want to buy a home with water damage, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Make sure to get a professional inspection, get an estimate for repairs, research the property’s history, and apply for homeowner’s insurance. Meanwhile, it is a good idea to work with a real estate agent who has experience with water-damaged homes to make the process as smooth as possible.
