If you are thinking of taking a chance on a house for sale that has some water damage in the basement, there are some important housing professionals to contact before you make an offer or purchase the property. You want to know how much damage the water did to the structure of the property, and what it's going to cost you out of your own pocket to repair the damages. Find out the following.

Foundation Repair Costs

Is the foundation crumbling where there was water damage, or are there cracks that allowed water to pass through? Find out how extensive the damage is from a concrete foundation contractor, and then what it's going to cost to make sure the foundation is protected. This could be a substantial amount and could make buying the house a risk.

Water Damage Cleaning Estimate

Water damage restoration companies clean up after floods daily, and can make the basement look like water was never an issue. Get a quote and make sure it includes the following things:

• Water and moisture extraction
• Stain and odor removal
• Mold and mildew treatments
• HVAC ventilation cleaning and sterilizing
• Removal of damaged items or materials

If the company can come in and do all the dirty work, you will be able to finish or use the basement shortly after moving in. Also ask the experts about a latex sealing paint that coats the foundation walls to stop water damage in the future.

New Sump Pump Installation Expenses  

A local plumbing contractor can tell you if the sump pump is the cause of the flood, and if it needs to be removed. The pump lines may not be in an ideal position, the pump may not be large enough for the house, or the plumbing lines could be clogged. If the pump doesn't operate with a battery option, you want to replace the pump before you move in so it works when the power is off at the house.

If you see a house that has a tempting low price, but there is some water damage in the basement that concerns you, find out if the damage is going to be too costly to repair. If you can get the repairs needed at an affordable cost, you may still be making a great investment purchasing the property. Take the time to do your research so you don't get drowned with bills after buying the house. For more information, contact companies like Althouse Restore.