Some idiot left a (ball check) in place fully inflated on the 3" line.No wonder water form the tubs wasn't draining.Apparently there was work done to the kitchen 7 to 8 years ago before I bought it a few months ago.The plumber says the ball check is to check holding water and pressure test and then is supposed to be taken off and a regular line used or just remove the ball and cap the pipe.Instead he said many times dry wallers just goes over it before the plumber comes back and the plumber says screw it and leaves it.I just couldn't believe it but the plumber has found this before on other properties he has worked on.

This house stayed dry through Irene here and I checked with the neighbors as well as the owner prior to this one who owned the house since 1962.Anyway, the current owner bought this house for a song via estate sale to rehab.

I bought my first rental about 5 years ago before the financing dried up.

Just give it a quick powerwash, let dry, start painting - brush, roll, or spray - all looks good.

Is it better to use a lawyer when buying a condo, as opposed to a bank-owned SFH where it's fairly cut and dried to buy without the help of a lawyer?

I don't mind hanging dry wall and the demo but Im not going to get myself electricuted!

There is new carpet in the dining room and we don't think it's received any water there as it's nice and dry.

I'd sure get a smooth, sensitive approach down pat, get on these too early and you're a vulture waiting for the dirt to dry, too late you can miss the deal.

You have no idea what chemicals were in such flooded waters, how they will effect materials even if they appear clean since wood can absorb chemicals and dry out, like petrolium products.While some of this may not be a problem for the seller, it can increase liability issues especially if not disclosed.

The ordinances for storage after eviction are typically local to your municipality.Although every location may have different laws, I suspect most only require the belongings to be stored in a dry and secure place.