Purchasing a home with a basement can be a plus, but it can also be a hassle. This is especially the case if you don't know what to look for. When touring potential houses to buy, there are two factors you always want to look for and consider when checking out the basement. 

Signs Of Water Damage

It's imperative to look for any indication of water damage, both recent and past. Unfortunately, basement flooding is a common issue in many homes. To keep your stress level low and keep your repair costs even lower, you need to be on the lookout for signs that could indicate a water issue. Start by focusing on smell. A telltale sign of water damage is a musty odor. If there is water damage in the under layers of the floor or walls, this smell is almost impossible to mask.

You should also inspect the area where the wall and floor meet. If there was ever a flood that left a water mark, it can be difficult to get water stains out of this area so staining or discoloration in this area is often indicative of past water damage. If you recognize any of these issues, make sure you bring it to the attention of your agent so that they can investigate further.

Usability Of The Space

If you find a home with an unfinished basement, but your goal is to eventually finish the space, you want to consider just how usable the space is given its current condition. With the right amount of money, sure, you can transform any space. However, the overall goal is to spend as less as possible so the readier the space is, the better. For example, if your goal is to transform the space into a bedroom and bathroom, is the required plumbing already installed or is this something you will have to pay to upgrade?    

If you want to set up the area like a den or playroom, are there a sufficient number of outlets available in the space? Is there enough room for lighting? These are just some of the questions you need to ask so that you can get somewhat of a general idea what type of cost you might incur.

The purchase of a home is a significant investment. In order to ensure you are getting what you need and that you are making a wise investment, make sure you keep your eyes open in every area of the home, including the basement.