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Why Is It Important To Check For Damp Before Buying A Property?

Photo by Étienne Beauregard-Riverin on Unsplash

Checking for damp when buying a home may seem like the last thing on your mind. But it should, in fact, be one of the first. With damp affecting the walls, windows, roof and floorboards, this can affect multiple rooms in your home and can also be costly to fix. However, with many opting for basement tanking and other home solutions, many have begun to waterproof their homes and prevent damp and mold effectively.  But why is it important that you check for damp before you purchase a home? In this article, we will be providing you with a number of reasons why you should check this before buying a home.

It Can Lead To Damage Of Floorboards

@photovs via Twenty20

If you are tempted to purchase a property it is crucial that you check for damp as this can damage the floorboards and basement leaving the house to smell and become damaged over time. If the floorboards have been affected by damp, this can lead to them bowing or rotting, this is important to look for before buying a home as replacing the floorboards can be a costly process.

Can Be Costly To Fix

In addition to the floorboard bowing, damp can also lead to a high bill when it comes to preventing it. Whether this is a brand-new set of windows to prevent rain from coining in, a dehumidify to dry out the room or completely redecorating, this can all mount up to a large sum on top of the price you paid for the home. In addition to this, the damp that you are seeing may not be the last of it, meaning that it could be in the rest of the house, therefore it is important to conduct a complete check of the property before buying.

Black mould on wall closeup.

Can Lead To Structural Damage

If you are purchasing a home that contains a wooden frame, it is important to consider the damage that the damp could have had on the foundation. Though this is not a problem for many homeowners, it is important to get this checked as this can lead to a pay-out in order to fix any structural damage. Therefore, conducting a full check for damp before buying the home is needed to ensure that the structure is sound and safe to live in. If you feel that the home may be damaged by damp it is important to consider the costs of repair before purchasing.

Spray bottle and sponge near black mould wall. House cleaning concept

Can Lead To Further Issues

Though this is not the case with every home, there are some that can be affected by damp and even rot if left to continue to be affected by the weather. Though this may not seem like a lot at first, this can lead to further damage to wallpaper and even floorboards which can cost a significant amount to replace. This can normally be identified by dark spots on the walls and roof and even mould that can lead to the room needing to be completely redecorated.

With a number of elements to consider before buying a house, it is important to ensure that you are not rushing into the process. By hiring a professional to look into any damp that may be present, this will help to ensure that you are getting the home you want completely damp-free.