we've seen a property that we really like. however, there seems to be signs of damp. some of the wallpaper has come away from the walls throughout the house. also, in the lounge, laminate flooring has been badly laid and seems to lift up a bit at one point. also, the skirting boards have come away from the wall on one side. On the outside holes have been drilled all around the house for what looks like a damp proof course. however, the holes are not filled up, some of them have like raw plug caps on them. any idea why the holes are hollow? also, the house has not been lived in for a while. there is no obvious mould but the plaster underneath the wallpaper looks cracked. should we just wait and see what the surveyors say?
2007-01-30 08:23:07 · 4 answers · asked by tess 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i doubt that it has had problems with flooding because its on top of a hill. but i guess anythings possible.
2007-01-30 09:13:09 · update #1
wait
it could cost a ton to fix
2007-01-30 08:29:06 · answer #1 · answered by knox_mountain_guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surveyors tell you about the property boundaries. A home/housing inspector does the analysis of the house. Check the city/town clerk's office for permits to do work on the house, and remember that mold is a condition that hides inside walls and carpeting or the cellar.
You may want to check the local newpaper to see if there have been stories about flooding in this area, and just ask for an explanation for the things you have observed (in writing if you may want to buy it). If there has been damp-proofing (usually done inside the cellar walls, not in the middle, if stone or block, and outside if an old stone wall without masonry in between). It really sounds like the area was flooded and the house was damaged by flood water, not by ordinary dampness. Check if it is on a flood-plain, which can cause much higher insurance premiums.
These are not "signs of damp." These are signs of flooding that lasted a while.
2007-01-30 16:41:48 · answer #2 · answered by thylawyer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a home inspection from an independent (not somebody from the seller's side or the bank). It sounds like either a previous flood (remember, a flood can happen from inside the house from a pipe bursting) or serious roof leak. In any case, unless the house is WAY below market, you will want to get credits from the seller for repairs (get some estimates from some contractors to fix the problems). A mold inspection is a very good idea.
2007-01-30 18:00:51 · answer #3 · answered by The Soundbroker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the house has sit without heat and air for a period of time then this will happen
2007-02-02 21:32:00 · answer #4 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋