Water in basement, Water in crawl space, are problems frequantly found during a New Jersey home inspection. home inspections

PRIOR / PRESENT MOISTURE NOTED IN BASEMENT OR CRAWLSPACE: 
The inspector will usually check this item if it is noted that water has been, or is, present in the basement or crawlspace.

Water in basement and water in crawl space, are problems frequantly found during a New Jersey home inspection Make sure your home inspector has the experience necessary to assist you in evaluating these problems and cures.

It seems like once a week that a home owner tells a home buyer they only get water in basement and water in crawl space when it rains! No kidding! When it is dry out there is no water in the soil so it is easy to have a dry basement and a a dry crawl space.

Prior moisture may be indicated by water stains or efflorescence on or around the basement walls and/or floor or on foundation stem walls. If a sump pump or other water removal system is installed it is possible that at one time the system failed allowing a flooded condition adding to water in basement and water in crawl space,. This particular problem may also be caused by a pipe leak which was not leaking at the time the inspector was under the structure. If water or moisture is consistent under a building it is likely that wood rot will follow because Water in basement and water in crawl spaces are real problems for home owners.



As wood structural members pick up moisture from the surrounding air, fungus begins to grow and can deteriorate the members fairly quickly. Mold or other fungi may grow in the basement or sub-area. The inspector will not be able to ascertain whether this condition exists under the guidelines of a Visual Inspection. You can see that Water in basement and water in crawl space should be cured.

Many people are highly allergic to mold spores. You may be affected. It is advisable to use discretion here and consider an air quality testing specialist. Settling of posts and piers and other foundation/footing components and/or cracking of basement walls may occur. Efforts should be made to remove or at least reduce the moisture as soon as possible. It is possible that the water in basement and water in crawl space, are ongoing conditions.

Unless the source of moisture is visible the inspector absolutely cannot ascertain this. Be sure to obtain information from the owner of the property about this situation before taking possession. The inspector cannot enter wet crawl spaces and may not have been able to fully view the entire under floor area. Since it is best to Water in basement and water in crawl spaces before they occur it may be necessary to install french drains or other systems to collect water before it can enter the basement. More minor conditions may be remedied by coating the basement walls and floor with water proofing materials designed for use on the inside of affected walls.

Lack of sufficient ventilation compounds the problem of water in crawl space and additional foundation vents may need to be installed. This may require the services of a General Contractor. Sometimes the problem can be, at least partially, alleviated by spreading plastic sheets under the building to contain the moisture.

Some crawl spaces are only wet during rainy seasons and may imply a site drainage problem and the services of a Landscape Contractor. Water in basement and water in crawl space, sometimes require the services of a Waterproofing Contractor. 

The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660
 

File last updated February 08, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.