We bought our house almost three years ago, and after getting an inspection, we were advised to adjust the landscaping. Most recently, we noticed that the flashing around the foundation has pulled away, causing water to seep in during rains, which has resulted in flooding and visible mold on the carpet. We're planning to replace the carpet, the flooring underneath, and the baseboards, but we're worried about potential mold in the walls. Can we hold the sellers or the inspector accountable for this issue? The Seller's Disclosure didn't mention anything about past water problems, but clearly, there was work done to prevent water intrusion that now seems to have failed. What's our best course of action?
2 Answers
Unfortunately, it sounds like you might be on the hook for this since you've owned the house for three years. Typically, inspectors are only liable for what you paid them unless there's clear evidence of a cover-up by the sellers.
I recommend documenting everything; take loads of photos and consider consulting a real estate lawyer. If you can show that the sellers knew about the problem and didn't disclose it, you may have grounds for action. Also, think about installing interior French drains to prevent future flooding.
Good point! Make sure to check if any similar flooding incidents have happened in the past; that info could strengthen your case.
But since they covered up the issue by burying the flashing under too much mulch, you might have a case. It's worth talking to neighbors to find out if there were any flooding issues before your purchase.