General Foundation Inspection

As an established waterproofing contractor, AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing™ has inspected thousands of poured concrete and concrete block / cinderblock basements over the years. A significant proportion of our clients are homeowners who have recently moved into their homes and discovered, shortly thereafter, that they have water leaking into their basements, crawlspaces and cold cellars. On occasion, some homeowners choose not to have their homes inspected by a home inspector during the buying process; however, many homeowners actually have a home inspection done. When a homeowner, who has a home inspection done, discovers a basement leak, they often wonder why their home inspection report did not mention that there was evidence that the basement was leaking or had leaked, that the foundation was cracked or damaged, or that there was obvious evidence of deficiencies which would eventually result in water leaking into the basement.

The whole point of having a home inspected, as a precondition to the purchase of a home, is to uncover hidden defects so that the defects can be corrected by the seller and/or the repair cost be factored into the final selling price of the home. Homeowners who have paid good money to have their homes inspected invariably ask us why their home inspector did not notice what are usually obvious signs of water leakage into the basement. We have met many people who are very dissatisfied with their home inspectors and inspection reports. We can only surmise that some home inspectors do not have the experience and/or necessary equipment to properly inspect and assess the condition of a foundation. For this reason, AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing™ offers a foundation inspection service. It is our belief that, if you want an expert opinion, hire an expert.

It is an unfortunate reality that some homeowners do not disclose known basement leaks and/or foundation problems to potential home purchasers and their own real estate agents. We encounter this situation quite frequently because the disclosure of basement leaks and cracks will certainly hinder a homeowner's ability to sell their home and get top dollar for it. Also, homesellers often know that correcting some wet basement problems will cost thousands of dollars and don't want to spend that kind of money on a home they are leaving. Fortunately, we also encounter many clients with integrity who, in anticipation of the sale of their home, choose to repair known basement leaks prior to putting their home on the market.

The pictures below, taken on July 2nd, 2010, provide evidence of significant mould growth on drywall in a cold cellar. The home inspection, conducted 2½ months earlier did not report the presence of moisture in the cold cellar. It is believed that the homesellers painted the walls prior to putting the home on the market.

The following pictures, taken on June 30th, 2010, provide ample evidence of significant foundation leaks and concrete block movement in the cold cellar. The home inspection report, the purchaser paid for six months earlier, did not mention that there was evidence of moisture problems; furthermore, the purchaser claimed that the vendors stated that they never had any water in the basement. You can draw your own conclusions...

If you are contemplating the purchase of an older home, especially with a concrete block or cinderblock foundation, call AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing™ at 1.888.284.2384 to arrange for a thorough foundation inspection, by an experienced technician, that will likely save you thousands of dollars in unexpected waterproofing costs after you move in to your new home.