Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Rehabbing & House Flipping
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 9 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

48
Posts
18
Votes
Tracie Davis
  • Wickliffe, OH
18
Votes |
48
Posts

Help--questions to ask a contractor

Tracie Davis
  • Wickliffe, OH
Posted
My tenant called, an outside facing wall is damp. I've googled and the best info I can find is that the water source is either from rising water, condensation, or penetration. I have a home improvement guy coming out tomorrow to take a look. What kinds of questions should I ask? What type of things should I be looking for? Any advice that will make this quicker/easier to fix? Thanks, Tracie

Most Popular Reply

Account Closed
  • Frederick, MD
256
Votes |
654
Posts
Account Closed
  • Frederick, MD
Replied

When you say damp - are you referring to visible condensation on the drywall surface or damp to the touch?

How high up the wall is the moisture?

Has there been a humidifier running in this room/house?

Are the gutters clean and flowing freely to the downspouts?

Pics of both sides of the wall may help evaluate.

For what it may be worth:

Rising water typically is ground water or flooding.

Condensation has to do with the difference of temperature on opposing sides of the wall along with humidity levels (layman's definition for sure...)

Penetration has to do with leaks and differences in pressure on each side of the wall (i.e., strong winds)

Multiple potential culprits.  Keep in mind, generally speaking, water seeks the path of least resistance and seldom defies gravity... more times than I can count, the source of the water problem was not where the evidence of the problem was discovered.

Good luck finding and resolving the problem.

Loading replies...