When viewing a house entering the basement first may seem counterintuitive. However, the basement can reveal conditions that are not always visible in the rest of the home. Addressing these may involve significant cost and effort, depending on their extent.

In some cases, basement conditions may be important factors in the overall evaluation of a property. In other cases, basements may offer opportunities for additional usable space that could be considered in future renovation planning.

What do we need to look for?

1. Moisture
It is important to pay attention to signs such as a musty smell when walking in the basement. This could be a sign of a leak or water damage. A visual inspection of walls, floors, and structural elements can help identify stains, dampness, or past water intrusion.
Minor leaks can be taken care of more easily, but more extensive moisture issues may require complex remediation, potentially including drainage work, exterior excavation, or plumbing repairs.

2. Foundations
Carefully reviewing the foundation is recommended. Very small cracks may not be an issue, though their significance depends on factors such as location, width, pattern, and overall structural context.
If any cracks are larger or widening, there may have been excessive settling of the house or other structural issues. These conditions should be evaluated by a qualified structural professional prior to purchase.
Based on location, there may be the need for hurricane/ seismic strapping connecting the superstructure to the foundation already in place. The strapping may reduce the probability of more serious damage in the event of strong winds or earthquake
Retrofitting such systems later can be a significant investment depending on the structure and location.

3. Mechanical and plumbing systems
The labels on the hot water heater, furnace, heat pump and any other equipment should be carefully studied. Any equipment older than ten years may be approaching the midpoint or later stages of its service life, depending on maintenance and system type.
If the existing owner maintained the units regularly, they may last longer – a clean filter is a sign of recent maintenance.
It is important to test heating, cooling, as well as run the hot water to confirm the equipment works. Excessively loud noises may indicate an issue to pay attention to.
Any visible ductwork and pipes can be reviewed for cracks and leaks respectively.

The main takeaway is that the basement can provide valuable insight into a home’s underlying condition and future considerations, and observing it early in the viewing process can help form a more complete understanding of the property.