Question Hi Joe,
I am writing to you regarding moisture in the basement of a new home that we are contemplating purchasing. There is a new development and we are interested in two homes there. My husband and I looked at a total of 4 homes, all things being equal as far as location (on the same street) and all are unoccupied. All of the basements were bone dry with the exception of one. This particular house has moisture at the bottom of the block where it meets the floor. It isn't actual puddles, but is significant enough to make me wonder what the deal is. The builder's explanation is that since nobody is living there and the climate isn't steadily controlled, when the air is turned on to show the house it creates condensation on the block, which drips down to the floor. I felt the blocks with my hand and they felt perfectly dry. Also, I would have to wonder why this isn't happenning in the other homes? The builder said that he would guarantee the basement in writing. I don't particularly know how good the guarantee would be and what to ask for in the guarantee should there be a problem down the road. What process/processes could effectively eliminate a wet basement? Is there any such process or would this be a lingering problem? I was going to call a basement waterproofing company to ask them questions but felt they may not be honest since they have a product to sell. These wet areas extend out about 1 to 2 inches at the base of the wall and are scattered throughout the basement. I appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thanks, Maria
Answer The builder is probably correct but, in your place, I would not buy the home. A wet basement is a torment for the life of the home.
Waterproofing services can be effective but, as you say, they sell a service so their recommendatin probably will be that you need waerproofing. Perhaps if the buildere would pay for the waterproofing AND give you a ten year guarantee against a wet basement, you might consider that option.
JT
