I had a house inspected and about three inches of water was found on top and under the plastic in the crawl space in three locations. The inspector advised me, it appears the water is seppage due to the gutters being filled with leaves and the water was not being moved from the house properly. He suggested to dig trenches in the crawl space and use a sump pump if we decide to buy. He stated the foundation and beams were in good shape and had no damage. Should I continue considering to buy this house or opt out of the contract? Will cleaning out the gutters make much of a difference? Is the recommendation of the inspector the best solution? If I still procede with the sale, I will ask for the crawl space issue be fixed. Thank you!!
2007-04-10 10:44:46 · 7 answers · asked by jefapfel 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I had a house inspected and about three inches of water was found on top and under the plastic in the crawl space in three locations. The inspector advised me, it appears the water is seppage due to the gutters being filled with leaves and the water was not being moved from the house properly. He suggested to dig trenches in the crawl space and use a sump pump if we decide to buy. He stated the foundation and beams were in good shape and had no damage and there is no mold. Should I continue considering to buy this house or opt out of the contract? Will cleaning out the gutters make much of a difference? Is the recommendation of the inspector the best solution? If I still procede with the sale, I will ask for the crawl space issue be fixed. Thank you!!
2007-04-10 10:53:04 · update #1
The inspector stated there was no mold present in the house or in the crawl space. How long does it take for standing water to create mold?
2007-04-10 10:54:38 · update #2
I would opt out, cause you're gonna have serious mold issues!!
2007-04-10 10:49:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the inspector checked your beams and foundation, and gave no indication of serious mold, I see no major issue in what you describe.
Rain gutters with spouts that route the water at least 8 feet from the home are a real good idea. So is grading the soil around the home so it is about 6" higher around the foundation, sloping down to level at about three feet out.
Trenching and sump pump a good idea as well. You may be able to replace the plastic in the center, but leave the trenches open. Make sure there is adequate air flow especially in summer to this crawl space.
Depending on your locale, not every home completes its life cycle without some below grade seepage. Especially if one hasn't been vigilant in prevention with some of the topics I discussed above.
2007-04-10 10:54:32 · answer #2 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, not so fast. It's the plastic that's contributing to the water. First thing would be to get that out of there! Then the soil could be treated to kill any mold before it starts up.
I believe in sump pumps for moister climates......installation would be a bit costly.
The gutters are indeed the main trouble spot. If the gutters have been clogged for awhile, they may be sagging in areas, further allowing water to fall and settle around the foundation.
Also the downspouts should be checked and enough extension to get the water away from the house. And the slope around the house should be checked......eventually it gets moved around so it drains back towards the house. That would need correcting.
Also look at any foundation planting. It should be well away from the house so there's a nice dry layer next to the house.
LOL, then again, maybe this isn't the house for you.
2007-04-10 10:59:07 · answer #3 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can not really tell you what to do. Many factors to consider here. You could ask for a Remodeling Bonus at Closing and do the work yourself and have some money back it your pocket, or, have the seller fix it. I had a friend with this same problem and she fixed it with like a French Drain setup before the final sell. The main concern with Water/Moisture under a house is the possibility of Mold later. I have some neighbors and their mold was so bad, it was in their closets and on their clothes. They eventually Built another house and tore down the old one as it was like from the 50's or 60's.
2007-04-10 10:56:35 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the inspector is for specific as to the reason ask him to guarantee his inspection with words which will carry him responsible if fixing the issue his way does not rectify the region. additionally comprise this comparable type of guarantee in the customers settlement earlier proceeding with the acquisition. you will sleep extra efficient and be secure if he's incorrect and the corporate isn't being prematurely as to the reason.
2016-10-28 09:15:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know the drill. get an estimate, and get a credit at settlement. get the inspection report in writing. sounds like a good house except for that, and its no big deal to fix it.
2007-04-14 01:10:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mold. You Dont Want That.
2007-04-10 10:50:30 · answer #7 · answered by garden_nut89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋