Water in the Basement
If
the building that you are considering purchasing has a basement, you
need to know if there is evidence of water or dampness in the basement.
Most basements have at least a few stains, some rusted metal, and a
dehumidifier. Some basements have a damp odor, although this may
only be detectable during the humid summer months.
Many home purchasers and building purchasers are concerned that water in the basement problems indicates a structural problem, such as a cracked foundation. Virtually all foundation walls have some cracks, so the penetration of water into the basement does not necessarily indicate a structural defect. The Engineer will advise you as to whether cracks in the foundation walls are structurally significant.
Most houses do not regularly have puddles of water in the basement, but are damp during some months of the year. If the basement is damp, it may affect your ability to build a finished room such as a playroom in the basement. Dampness in the basement is also a concern to people with allergies or other medical conditions because dampness can increase the risk of mold. A dehumidifier is often required in the basement to control the dampness. Click here for photographs of the affects of water in a basement .
Inspections
are performed during all kinds of weather, so most houses and
buildings are not inspected during a heavy rain. When
inspecting a house or building on a dry day, the Engineer looks for
clues in the basement to determine what you can expect during a
heavy rain or with melting snow. The
Licensed Professional Engineer
(who is also a Licensed
Home Inspector) will
advise you about the risks after analyze the water penetration evidence
in the basement. The expense
analysis in the engineering report
helps you understand the expenses involved.
To
setup an appointment with Heimer Engineering PC for a home inspection, building inspection, condominium inspection,
coop inspection, or Professional Engineering consultation, to find out about other
Professional Engineering
services offered, or for more information, call us anytime at 718.544.3000,
212.563.4777, 516.487.2100, 631.858.5500, 914.576.6100, 845.638.4900, or 800.605.1500
or you can click here to contact us 24/7
using the online form.
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