Top 5 Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them

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Water damage is a serious issue that can lead to costly repairs and long-term problems for homeowners. Understanding the common causes of water damage and how to prevent them is crucial for maintaining a safe and dry home. In this post, we’ll explore the top five causes of water damage and provide practical prevention tips.

1. Leaky Roofs

Cause: A damaged or aging roof can lead to leaks, allowing rainwater to seep into your home. This can cause extensive damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation.

Prevention: Regularly inspect your roof for missing shingles or signs of wear. Schedule professional roof inspections and maintenance, especially after severe weather.

2. Burst Pipes

Cause: Frozen, corroded, or poorly insulated pipes can burst, leading to significant water damage. This is particularly common in older homes during cold winter months.

Prevention: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, keep the heat on during cold spells, and regularly check for signs of leaks. Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve can help minimize damage in an emergency.

3. Flooding from Heavy Rain

Cause: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flooding in basements and crawl spaces.

Prevention: Ensure your property has proper drainage systems, such as gutters and downspouts, that direct water away from your foundation. Consider installing a sump pump in high-risk areas.

4. Appliance Malfunctions

Cause: Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can malfunction and leak, causing water damage to nearby areas.

Prevention: Regularly inspect and maintain appliances. Replace old hoses and fittings, and consider using appliance leak detectors that alert you to leaks before they cause damage.

5. Sewage Backup

Cause: A backup in your sewage system can lead to significant water damage and health risks.

Prevention: Be mindful of what goes down your drains and toilets. Regularly inspect your plumbing for blockages, and consider installing a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

Conclusion

By understanding these common causes of water damage and taking proactive steps to prevent them, homeowners can protect their properties and save themselves from costly repairs. Knowing the types of water damage can also help you in finding the right water damage restoration company to handle the drying process. A good water damage restoration company will be able to mitigate the damage so mold doesn’t grow, whilst working with your insurance company if you’re filing a claim. Ask any water damage restoration company you’re interviewing for their certifications, license and insurance info before hiring them, so you’ll know you’re safe in the event of an additional loss.

Does a Finished Basement Add Value?

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When considering ways to boost your home’s value, basement finishing often comes up as a potential upgrade. Transforming an unfinished or partially finished basement into a fully functional living space can offer numerous benefits. But how exactly does finishing your basement impact your property’s value? Let’s explore the key factors and benefits of basement finishing, and understand its potential return on investment.

What is Basement Finishing?

Basement finishing involves converting an unfinished basement into a livable space. This process typically includes installing drywall, flooring, lighting, and other essential features to make the area usable. Popular basement finishing ideas include adding extra bedrooms, creating a home office, establishing an entertainment room, or even designing a rental unit.

How Basement Finishing Can Increase Home Value

  1. Increased Usable Square Footage: One of the most significant advantages of basement finishing is the increase in usable square footage. This additional space can enhance your home’s value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. More square footage often translates into a higher home appraisal and increased selling price.
  2. Enhanced Home Functionality: A finished basement adds valuable functionality to your home. Whether you choose to create an extra bedroom, a playroom, or a dedicated home office, these improvements can make your property more versatile. The enhanced functionality can appeal to a wider range of buyers, potentially increasing your home’s market value.
  3. Potential Rental Income: Converting a finished basement into a separate rental unit can provide a source of passive income. In areas with high rental demand, this feature can be particularly appealing. The potential for rental income can significantly boost the overall value of your home, although it’s essential to check local zoning laws and regulations before pursuing this option.
  4. Increased Market Appeal: A professionally finished basement can enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Move-in-ready spaces are highly desirable, and a well-executed basement finish can be a key selling point. However, the impact on value can vary depending on current market trends and buyer preferences in your region.
  5. Return on Investment (ROI): The return on investment for basement finishing can be substantial, though it varies. On average, homeowners can expect to recover a significant portion of their investment. Factors such as the quality of the finish, the real estate market, and the specific characteristics of your home influence the ROI. High-quality finishes and professional craftsmanship generally result in better returns.

Key Factors to Consider

  1. Cost vs. Value: Basement finishing can be a considerable investment. Costs may range from a few thousand dollars for basic updates to tens of thousands for high-end renovations. Weighing the potential increase in home value against the renovation costs is crucial. Consulting with a real estate agent or appraiser can provide insights into how much value a finished basement may add in your local market.
  2. Quality of Work: The quality of the basement finishing plays a critical role in determining its impact on home value. High-quality materials and professional installation will likely yield better returns compared to a DIY approach or substandard work.
  3. Local Real Estate Market: The value added by a finished basement varies based on your local real estate market. In some areas, finished basements are highly desirable, while in others, they may have a more modest impact. Understanding local market trends can help you gauge the potential value added by basement finishing.
  4. Condition of Your Home: If your home is in good condition and the basement is underutilized, finishing it can offer a good return on investment. However, if your basement is prone to water damage and thusly mold, you’ll need to take preventive measure to avoid such problems after the basement is finished, If the basement is finished, then having water damage and mold issues will only ruin the basement and increase the cost for water damage restoration and/or mold remediation.

Conclusion

Finishing your basement can be a valuable investment, enhancing both functionality and market value. While a finished basement generally improves your home’s appeal and can increase resale value, the exact return on investment will depend on factors such as the quality of the work, your local real estate market, and your home’s overall condition. And offering an added space, albeit free from the usual basement issues that can arise like water damage and mold, can add your home’s value and quality of life as you enjoy the finished space.

Does Homeowners Cover Water Damage?

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Homeowners insurance is a must have to protect yourself and your belongings from a catastrophic loss. But most homeowners have never filed a claim, nor do they know what is even covered. Generally, if the cause is sudden and accidental — if an appliance or bathroom fixture springs a leak or a storm blows a tree through your roof and rain pours in — the typical homeowners insurance policy covers resulting water damage. It will not fix the root cause, only the damage sustained from the loss. Example: If your roof leaks and you’re covered for such a loss, it’ll cover the ensuing damage but it won’t cover a new roof or a roof repair. Otherwise no one would ever get a new roof, they would just wait for their old roof to leak.

If the cause is gradual (over a long period of time, or what the insurance company deems as a long period of time), and preventable, including wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, then water damage is generally not covered by home insurance. For example, damage caused by a leak from a rusty old pipe or a roof with missing shingles that’s past its replacement age likely isn’t covered.  

Flooding and sewage backups are usually not covered, unless you have a separate flood and/or backup policy added to your insurance. Sump pumps need to have backup coverage and also need to be noted in your policy to have a claim covered if you have a sump pump failure. There are also coverage limits you’ll need to check as some backup policies can be as little as $5,000. The extra fees in monthly charges may be worth it as most water damage claims for sump pump backups with reconstruction can easily reach $10,000 and even higher for sewer loses.

Regular maintenance of your plumbing and appliances can help eliminate or decrease your chances for a flood. But in the event of water damage in your home or business, it is always better to know what you’ll be covered for and what is not covered. Consult with your agent about your coverage limits. In the event of a water loss, our 24 hour emergency service team at Mold Solutions & Inspections is at the ready and we can work directly with your insurance company if the event of a claim.