I'm about to purchase a townhouse condo, and the sellers are offering a $4,400 credit for some basement waterproofing due to moderate leakage issues. They provided a quote with several items, including Aquastop products like gutters, FreezeGuard, and wall seals, adding up to $4,384. Another quote they received was only $2,500, but they opted for the more expensive one. As a first-time homebuyer, I'm looking for some insight on whether this quote seems reasonable and what exactly I should be paying for.
3 Answers
Honestly, I would be cautious about this option. It sounds more like a temporary fix to manage water than a real solution. They’re just installing drains to move water out, which doesn’t address the cause of the water intrusion, like bad grading or cracks. Plus, the fact that they included a freeze guard suggests that they expect water issues during thawing periods – not ideal! I'd recommend getting a thorough inspection to figure out the underlying cause before jumping into this.
Additionally, being in a townhouse could complicate things with shared structures.
For sure! Just be sure that whatever waterproofing you choose actually addresses the core issue.
It's important to understand what the root of the leakage is here. If it’s just an issue of aging materials leading to leaks, then this solution might work. But if there's a deeper issue, like foundation cracks or drainage problems, this approach could only be a temporary fix. Just be sure you're not just burying the problem instead of solving it!
Most quotes are going to offer similar solutions, possibly with different products. It's crucial to identify why the water is entering before committing to any fixes. But getting a credit at this stage is definitely a plus. Once you take possession, you have the freedom to choose the best solution for your situation—whether it’s this quote or another option. Sometimes it could be a minor fix, like a blocked downspout, that could save you a lot of money!
That makes sense. We're planning on getting a home inspection and consulting a structural engineer to pinpoint the leak's source before any waterproofing. But shouldn't I waterproof it if we want a dry, usable basement?