Our recent discussion with an experienced plumber about common and avoidable reasons for household flooding brought up some interesting issues and advice for homebuyers investing in older homes.
According to him, one common decision that backfires on homebuyers is to invest money in cosmetic renovations before ensuring that other vital systems in the house, such as plumbing and electrical, are working correctly and not in danger of giving out anytime in the near future. Many times he has had to hammer through recently re-tiled flooring or remove cupboards and cut through walls to access the failing plumbing. “Plumbing, to the house, is like the heart is to your body,” he explains. “It has to be healthy for the whole thing to work.”
He suggests giving priority to the plumbing upgrades even though they are an “invisible” investment (often hidden behind walls or under the house) before spending money on cosmetics like furniture, flooring, and fixtures. “It will save you lots of money and trouble in the long run.”
Another suggestion for homebuyers pertains to their pre-closing home inspections. Homebuyers should request that their inspector, when possible, look at the plumbing under the house, not just the visible plumbing around sinks, showers, and toilets. They should also request a camera inspection of the main plumbing line to the street. These extra requests may result in a more expensive home inspection but may also uncover potentially expensive plumbing fixes or issues, at which point a buyer can adjust their offer accordingly.
Sound advice that will possibly help you avoid leaks and floods (and repairs!) down the road.
At Clean Earth Restorations we are proud to provide emergency and restoration services for all your flood and sewage needs. Contact us today for a free estimate, and download our free tip sheet.
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