Buying or Selling a House with Dry Rot
Dry rot is a dangerous fungus that can affect any home with wood components. When left untreated, it will spread, infecting any wood it reaches and impacting the structural integrity of the building.
Because it can be expensive to repair a home that has been damaged over time by dry rot, it can easily impact the home’s value. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home with dry rot, there are some important things to consider.
Hazards of Dry Rot in a Home
If you are thinking about selling your house, you have probably started considering making repairs. In general, when you’re selling a house, you want to get the best price possible for it. If there are serious issues, you might not be able to make the money back that you spent on the house in the first place. One of those serious issues is dry rot.
Dry rot is caused by standing water that allows the fungus to grow. Over time, it weakens timber, which may ultimately lead to collapse. It can permeate walls, floors, and virtually any other part of the building with wood components.
If you are buying a house, it is critical that you evaluate the space top to bottom. You need to make sure the house is in optimal condition for moving in. If you are purchasing the house to flip it, it is similarly important to make sure you are aware of any and all repairs you will need to make so that you can budget and get a fair price.
Common Signs
While assessing a home to sell or buy, look out for the following signs of dry rot:
- Damp, musty odor
- Whitish-gray fungal growth
- Cracked, peeling paint
- Warped wood
- Discoloration
- Leaks and/or standing water
Dry Rot and Home Value
Dry rot is a serious problem that can’t be ignored. If you are selling a home, potential buyers will need to be made aware of its presence. An assessment should be conducted pre-purchase so that new owners know what needs to be fixed. If dry rot is identified, you, as the owner, will need to either make the repairs or lower the price of the house to account for the extra work the buyer will need to do.
Homes in certain parts of the county may be more at-risk of dry rot. California homes, for example, are susceptible to wood rot due to the climate and proximity to water.
Before listing your home for sale, it is best to have a local dry rot service help you determine whether dry rot is present. That way, you can work with them to fix the source of the rot, remove the rotted wood, and make repairs that prevent the problem from occurring again in the future. These repairs can actually increase the resale value of your home when you go to list it.
Purchasing a Home with Dry Rot
If you want to buy a house that has been affected by dry rot, you should also work with a dry rot repair technician. They can help you determine the extent of the repairs that need to be made before you actually commit and buy the house.
In some situations, the damage may not be as progressed as others, and it may be very fixable. In other situations, the dry rot may have spread through significant parts of the house. The cause of the fungus may also be very expensive to repair, and entire components and sections of the building may need to be removed and replaced. Since the potential for damage is great, only a dry rot expert can accurately assess the damage and give you an accurate quote. You may decide you will need to keep looking if the repairs are too costly.
Even if you do not immediately suspect dry rot damage, a professional inspection can ensure that the home is structurally sound. If you are looking for a home to move into immediately, this is especially important. Dry rot damage is not always obvious or even visible, making it critical that you enlist the help of a professional. Even if you are planning to make repairs or flip the house, knowing what you are dealing with is key before agreeing to buy a house.
Bottom Line
The presence of dry rot does not necessarily mean a home is unlivable. A dry rot service can fix the problem and make the repairs so that you can sell your house for a fair price. If you are on the buying end, they can help you make sure you are getting your money’s worth and are able to budget appropriately for any repairs you might need to make. Everyone wants to receive a fair deal, and dry rot is a constant threat to the integrity and safety of a home.
If you are selling your home, have it inspected and determine the extent of any dry rot damage. If you are buying, make an effort to identify any repairs you might need to make if you purchase the home. If everyone involved is aware of the problem and willing to compromise and work together to fix it, both buyers and sellers can walk away from transactions happy.
Contact Us
If you are planning to buy or sell a home and need the assistance of a Marin County dry rot repair service, contact Victor Construction & Engineering today. We can help you determine whether dry rot is present in your Southern California home and make a plan to remove it and repair the damaged timber.
We can also assist you if you are considering buying a home and are unsure about the extent of any existing dry rot damage. Give us a call at 415-472-9144 to learn more.