Spring is here in Wisconsin, and that means more rain and stress on the foundations of your clients’ homes. Nothing can kill a sale faster than to see water damage, especially in or around the foundation of a home. It can take on many forms, like rust or water crystals on walls, damp floors, cracks, or mold. Replacing the sump pump, installing a dehumidifier, and making sure all down spouts are clearing the water far enough away from the house are good starts. However, your client’s problem could be much deeper. That’s why a pre-sale home inspection is your best course.

A Pre-Sale Home Inspection will provide you and your client with the necessary items that must be fixed, in order to facilitate the sale of their home.

One of the key areas I look at is the foundation of a home. Over time, a home’s drain tiles can get clogged or poor landscaping can cause the basement walls to buckle. It is worth the time and investment for your client to know which source is the cause of their trouble and to fix it right away.

As a licensed home inspector, I recommend you seek out a independent foundation expert or qualified engineer (P.E.). They will use proper tools and techniques (i.e. laser alignment for the walls, and if necessary, drill and test for proper drainage) to determine the origin or cause of the problem. Often, it’s a simple fix and one that can save your seller thousands of dollars and prevent future claims