In the Basement
• Evidence of water intrusion. Sump pumps and French drains (drains located at a basement’s lowest point that collect accumulated water and allow it escape from the basement) almost certainly indicate a history of water gathering in the basement. Also examine the walls of the foundation for signs of water damage or incursion, most often, a white chalky “water line” that is visible running horizontally along a foundation wall. If you see recent paint, be suspicious. The seller may be trying to hide a water problem from prospective buyers.
• Condition of foundation.Look for cracks, repairs, and other signs of structural instability. Note that foundations can be made of stone (in older, historic homes), poured cement, or cinder block. The overall determinant of a foundation’s health is not which of these varieties you are examining, but the overall condition.
Basement Wisdom
If you see tall metal pipes (with adjusting screws at top or bottom) that run from the basement floor to the ceiling, you have found jack stands that have been used to lift or level floors above. Their presence could indicate a severely sagging house, or a simple attempt to strengthen an older building.
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