The Ultimate Guide to Recognizing Water Damage in Homes You’re About to Buy
Introduction: Why This Guide Matters
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. Yet one of the most expensive and often overlooked threats to that investment is water damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 1 in 60 insured homes files a water damage claim each year (source). Spotting the signs before you close can save you tens of thousands in repairs and months of headaches. Recognizing water damage before buying a home is an important skill for your homebuying journey.
In this ultimate guide, we break down exactly how to recognize water damage in homes you’re considering buying—even when it’s not visible at first glance.
Why Sellers Might Hide Water Damage
- Fresh paint covering stained drywall
- Strategic furniture placement
- Rushed home flips without permits
- Disclosure laws vary by state, and some sellers may downplay or omit water-related issues
Pro Tip: Bring a moisture meter or hire a home inspector who uses thermal imaging.
Common Signs of Water Damage (and Where to Look)
| Area of the Home | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Ceilings & Walls | Stains, bubbling paint, warped drywall |
| Floors | Cupping hardwood, peeling laminate, soft spots |
| Basement & Crawlspace | Musty odors, efflorescence, foundation cracks |
| Windows & Doors | Discoloration, swollen wood, condensation |
| Roof & Attic | Water stains on sheathing, mold, sagging beams |
| Bathrooms & Kitchen | Leaky pipes, warped cabinets, water under sink |
Even small signs can signal bigger issues lurking behind walls or under floors.
High-Risk Areas and Construction Types
- Homes with finished basements
- Properties built before the 1980s (less advanced moisture barriers)
- Flat-roofed homes
- Homes in flood zones or areas with high water tables
Source: FEMA flood risk data, floodsmart.gov
Questions to Ask the Seller or Agent
- Have you ever had a water leak, burst pipe, or roof issue?
- Was there ever mold remediation work done?
- Has the basement ever flooded?
- Can I see documentation for past water damage repairs?
- Is the home in a designated FEMA flood zone?
These questions are essential when trying to recognize water damage before buying a home. They help you uncover both past issues and ongoing concerns.
The Role of Home Inspectors (And Their Limitations)
Most buyers rely on the general home inspection—but not all inspectors are trained to spot hidden water damage.
- Request a licensed inspector who uses moisture meters and infrared cameras
- Ask if the inspection includes:
- Attic and crawlspace access
- Behind-appliance moisture checks
- Roof drainage assessments
According to InterNACHI, water intrusion is the #1 defect found during inspections (source)
Hiring the right inspector is a critical step in recognizing water damage before buying a home.
Red Flag Words on Seller Disclosures
Watch for these phrases:
- “Previous minor leak”
- “Was professionally cleaned”
- “No known water issues”
- “Small area of mold remediated”
- “Seasonal moisture only”
These often signal past issues that may still be active or were poorly resolved. Always be skeptical when disclosures downplay water-related problems.
What to Do If You Suspect Water Damage
- Pause before making an offer or proceeding with escrow
- Hire a water damage restoration company for a second opinion
- Get repair estimates in writing
- Renegotiate or walk away if repairs are extensive
Need a trusted opinion in Chicagoland? Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons before you sign.
Water damage home inspection is not just a step—it’s a necessity for any smart buyer.
Bonus: Hidden Moisture Tools & Technology
Professionals use advanced tools to detect signs of hidden water damage:
- Moisture meters for drywall, flooring, and wood
- Infrared thermal cameras to find cold spots and trapped moisture
- Hygrometers to measure humidity in basements and crawlspaces
These tools offer peace of mind and help recognize water damage before buying a home.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment
Water damage is often hidden—but it leaves clues. Knowing where and how to look gives you the power to make an informed decision. Don’t let your dream home turn into a financial nightmare. This guide helps you walk into your next home showing with a trained eye and the right questions.
Recognizing water damage before buying a home is more than due diligence—it’s essential.
Optional Next Steps:
- Download our Pre-Purchase Water Damage Checklist
- Request a pre-closing walkthrough consultation with our IICRC-certified restoration experts
- Explore our full Residential Water Damage Restoration services
How Can ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Help?
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we help homeowners and prospective buyers identify and address water damage before it becomes a costly disaster. Whether you’re concerned about hidden moisture behind walls, a history of basement flooding, or past water intrusion that wasn’t properly mitigated, our IICRC-certified team offers expert assessments and solutions. We proudly serve Chicago, the North Shore, and the surrounding suburbs. Learn more about our residential water damage restoration services or contact us for a pre-purchase consultation before you close on your next home. If you live outside of Illinois, we can refer you to a ServiceMaster Restore franchise in your hometown.
About the Author
Sam Simon is the owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Lake, Cook, and DuPage counties, including Chicago and the North Shore. With over 30 years of experience managing residential and commercial restoration projects, Sam holds the distinction of IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, the industry’s highest certification.
He is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating water and fire disasters. Sam also brings a background in videography, which plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic marketing and educational outreach.
Under his leadership, along with his wife and company CEO, Nasutsa Mabwa, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned multiple honors including the 2024 Chicago Star Award, the 2021 SB100 Best of Small Business Award, the 2020 BBB Torch Award, the Stevie® Award for Business Excellence, and Skokie’s Business of the Year (Honorable Mention). The company is proudly MBE/WBE certified, reflecting its commitment to diversity and service excellence.
Recognizing water damage before buying a home is the first step in protecting your most valuable investment—and Sam’s expertise ensures you don’t have to do it alone.