We recently closed the sale of 1337 School Street in Folsom. This fixer-upper had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the homeowner missed out on significant equity due to a preventable issue. Let’s break down what happened and how you can avoid similar problems.
The Problem: Water Intrusion
During the sale, we discovered three key issues that led to water intrusion, dry rot, and termite damage:
Improper Soil Grading: The soil was graded higher than the foundation, pushing water directly toward the house.
Lack of Gutter Downspouts: Without downspouts, rainwater wasn’t being directed away from the property, causing it to pool near the foundation.
Poorly Sloped Walkways: A cement walkway sloped back toward the house, allowing rainwater to collect near the exterior walls.
Over time, these problems allowed water to seep into the framing, leading to extensive dry rot and termite damage. Every rainstorm made the damage worse, and the repairs became costly.
The Consequences
Now, the new homeowner has to take on an extensive renovation. They’ll need to:
Remove all drywall on the exterior walls.
Inspect the framing for damage.
Replace any wood affected by dry rot or termites.
This kind of repair is expensive and time-consuming, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the home’s structural integrity.
How to Prevent This in Your Home
Water intrusion issues like this are preventable with proper maintenance and inspections. Here are three key steps to protect your home:
Ensure Proper Soil Grading: The ground should slope away from your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.
Install Gutter Downspouts: Make sure your gutters have functional downspouts that direct water away from your house.
Check Walkway Slopes: Ensure that any concrete or paved walkways are sloped away from your home to keep water from flowing toward your foundation.
Protect Your Investment
As a homeowner, staying proactive about maintenance can save you thousands of dollars and protect your equity. If you’re buying or selling a home, make sure to address potential issues like these before they escalate.
Have you encountered similar problems in a home? Drop a comment below to share your experience! If you’re in the market to buy or sell and want to ensure your investment is protected, reach out to me today. Let’s work together to make your real estate journey a success!
Contact me anytime at 916-778-8659 to discuss your real estate needs. I’m here to help!
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