House not winterized, what should I do

[Bryan H.]

Hi, I am looking to purchase a property in Detroit that has been sitting Vacant for the past 2 months. The property seems to not have been winterized from what I saw when doing the walk-thru. (water in toilets, tanks, and bowels from leaking sinks) I am using this as a point of negotiation with the seller to get a significant reduction in price due to this. I have not seen any water damage through the property but I am afraid that there might be leaks in the walls once I get utilities turned back on. I am doing the renovation on the property myself and wanted to know if anyone would know what I should do. ( this will be my 4th self renovation and I have 6 years of experience from my time in the military) There is only a kitchen and bath on the first floor with laundry in the basement which is not finished so it would not be too difficult to replace plumbing but is it necessary to open up the wall and replace everything?