Monsoons are coming! Are you prepared?

If you’ve spent a summer in Prescott, you’ve probably experienced monsoon season and the heavy rains that sometimes create their own path for runoff. Since drainage issues can go unnoticed during most of the year, it’s important when purchasing a home to have a home inspector determine if there is proper drainage. Platinum Property Inspections wants to help Prescott home buyers by identifying drainage issues before you purchase.

Your home inspector will:

• Examine the area around your foundation to ensure dirt slopes away from the home.
• Look for cracks in the foundation where water might be able to seep into the basement, and potentially cause flooding, damage to floorboards and even electrical problems. Seepage can create areas where mold and mildew can flourish.
• Identify if gutters and downspouts are working correctly. Inadequate drainage can create pools of standing water which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which in turn, carry viruses and disease.
• Determine if there have been drainage issues that could affect the home’s value. Telltale signs are water stains in the basement or on foundation walls.      
                              

Improper drainage is damaging, not only to your prospective home, but also to neighboring properties at lower elevations. Heavy rains can cause mud to flow downhill to adjacent properties. Plat maps in Prescott indicate where drainage ditches are to be maintained.

As you prepare for the coming rainy season, remember that a thorough property inspection can identify issues that, if undetected, could mean costly repairs later. Drainage issues can be corrected before you sign that purchase contract on your new Prescott home. Don’t let your dream home become a nightmare or a money pit. To schedule a home inspection in Prescott or nearby areas, call Platinum Property Inspections today at 928-713-0889.