Does Water Damage Decrease Home Value?

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Explore the effects of water damage on the value of your home with SERVPRO in Mandarin.

Does Water Damage Decrease Your Home’s Value?

Water damage of certain types can cause severe depreciation of a home's value due to resulting structural damage, mold growth, and other undesirable consequences. Such damage makes a property less attractive to potential buyers, who may worry about future issues and the expenses involved in repairs.

SERVPRO is here to help you understand the effects of water damage on your home’s value and guide you through how you can improve the situation for a more favorable outcome when it comes time to sell your home. 

Common Sources of Water Damage

There are several potential sources of water damage in a home. Some are more detectable than others, and some may cause significantly more damage. These sources include:

• Leaking pipes due to corrosion, damage, or poor installation
• Appliance failures such as washing machines, water heaters, or refrigerators
• Flooding from heavy rain, melting snow, or failure of a dam or levee
• Sewage backups
• Water heater leaks
• Roof leaks

Damage That Decreases Home Value

Any type of water damage can potentially decrease the value of a home, as it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and more. However, some damage is easier to resolve than others, and may not play a major role in affecting the value of your home.

Widespread Damage

Water damage that affects a large area of the home or that causes profound damage to the structure or foundation of the home is likely to be more costly to repair and may have a greater impact on the home’s value. This may include warped ceilings or walls, foundation problems, and buckled flooring.

Mold Growth

Mold growth can be exceptionally difficult and costly to remove, and it can cause several health conditions, such as respiratory issues and other harmful conditions. Mold growth can decrease the value of a home, as it is challenging to remove, making it a major concern to potential buyers.

Contaminated Water

Water damage that is caused by contaminated water, such as sewage or floodwater, can be particularly detrimental to a home’s value. This is because it can lead to the proliferation of bacteria and other pathogens that can cause serious illness, and it may also require more extensive cleaning and disinfection.

Electrical Damage

When water damage affects your electrical systems, you are faced with costly expenditures and serious concerns. A faulty electrical system due to water damage can pose a risk of electrocution. Therefore, this type of damage is not something potential buyers take lightly.

Trust SERVPRO to Preserve the Integrity of Your Home

To mitigate the negative impact of water damage on a home's value, it is crucial to promptly address the issue with the help of certified water damage restoration experts. SERVPRO's top-tier team is an industry leader in handling such restoration work. Contact our experts to discuss how we can improve your home’s value with comprehensive water damage restoration and clean-up services.