Rental Property Investor · Winona, MN · Member since 2018 · 87 posts · 90 votes
I’m looking at a small duplex for sale that is about 130 years old... when I viewed the property, the basement floor was wet, despite the fact that it had not rained for over a week. The house is built against a bluff (hill), and the realtor made a comment that the wall looked wet near where the floor was wet. I have been told anecdotally by others that it is not uncommon for basements in this town to be wet, and that some even have running springs (what?!?) in the basement! So my question is... is a wet basement ever no big deal??
Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 299 posts · 476 votes
6y
@Heather Schmidtknecht I know that moisture in basements can be a common problem in a few states but it is still a big deal. A wet basement is not only smelly but can lead to bigger problems like structural damage, and toxic mold that is hazardous to your health.
Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 299 posts · 476 votes
6y
@Heather Schmidtknecht I know that moisture in basements can be a common problem in a few states but it is still a big deal. A wet basement is not only smelly but can lead to bigger problems like structural damage, and toxic mold that is hazardous to your health.
Rental Property Investor · The Vampire State · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6y
It sounds like since the property sits on a slope, the water table on the uphill side of the basement is actually higher than the basement floor, thus infiltrating. Water is always a big deal. It's easy to divert water running on the surface away and around your building (french drain, etc.), but it is quite another thing to prevent it from permeating up through the ground.
Even a sump pump will be of marginal use, as you would have to pump off the first few feet of the ground water that will be immediately replaced by new water via gravity.
I have building like this, and it ain't fun. I have a dehumidifier running 24/7 with an automatic pump. Treating the symptoms rather than the problem.
I would pass on this one. You'll always be on damage control, here.
If the basement is wet then I adjust my offer based on the repair to eliminate the water infiltration. Typically in my area the water seepage Is between the footing and the foundation wall. If the wall is also leaking then that’s an additional issue. They can install a pebble wall system as well as install a drain tile system in the basement. All this can be done from the inside. Cost depending on how many lineal feet and if the basement is finished; between $5000-$10,000. Water infiltration is not a good thing and as @Sharlene Mulchandani mentioned can lead to very unhealthy conditions as well as structural issues if left unaddressed.
Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
6y
@Heather Schmidtknecht you really want to find the source and do not take the realtors comment as an accurate assessment. Realtors are experts in selling houses not diagnosing water problems. I have seen many instances where water was not coming from the foundation. It could be coming from pipes leaking above and traveling.
The fact that it is on a hill, should cause the water shed away towards the hill. Water travels the path of lease resistance and foundation is generally more resistance than a hill.
It could be no big deal or could be a several thousand dollar repair.
Rental Property Investor · Malvern, PA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 934 votes
6y
It is "no big deal" when you pass on the property. Otherwise, it's your deal when the tenant calls you complaining their stuff got all wet or kids are sick from your mold. Nothing good can come from it. Find a better property.