Hey everyone! We're first-time homebuyers and recently checked out a house that caught our eye. However, I noticed there was a significant amount of efflorescence on the basement walls, particularly under a window and in one corner. I'm curious about how concerning this really is. From what I understand, efflorescence happens when moisture seeps through the concrete, leaving behind mineral deposits. We know the real estate market is really tough right now, and we don't want to bite off more than we can chew—though we also understand that no house is perfect. Is tackling this issue going to be costly?
1 Answer
Efflorescence is pretty common in basements and usually isn’t a sign of a serious issue. But it’s tough to give a definite answer without seeing the specific situation. If you're considering making an offer, wouldn’t it be wise to hire an inspector and possibly add a contingency? I know the market is competitive, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Yeah, we’re in a really tight market and a lot of buyers are waiving inspections to stay competitive. But we’re hesitant about doing that, especially if efflorescence is a warning sign. We’re just worried we could end up stuck with a big problem if we don't investigate!