Planning To Repair A Leaky House

Considerations

There are a number of things to consider when planning to repair a leaky house.

Finance - expect that banks will not see this repair as an improvement in the house and therefore not add to the capital value. Most will recognise that it is necessary to protect the residual asset.

Health - the health of yourself and the building contractors is paramount. It the home has Stacybotrys Mold [which is most likely], precautions must be taken to protect both the buiders and anyone remaining in residence during repairs. It is very easy for others to suggest you rent or stay elsewhere during repairs, but the financial burden of repairing the house often prevents this. Consider the option of renting or borrowing a small caravan, so you can at least sleep in a clean environment.

Ants - wet walls attract ants. No amount of normal fumigation will keep them away for more than a couple of weeks. Out of consideration for the builders, I would suggest you fumigate the wall cavities immediately before construction begins. Alternatively - buy a carton of ant spray!!

Pyschological wellbeing - undertaking such a costly repair that adds little in value to the home [unless your home needed recladding or updating anyway] can be soul destroying. Plan a small budget to do some luxury modifications and consider changing colors of walls and carpets so you at least feel like you are getting something new and exciting for your efforts.

Contractors - find building contractors that have experience with fixing leaky homes. You will find they have some good ideas on how to approach the project, and how to incorporate some new design features to improve both the water-tightness and look of your home.

Wealthertightness - do not trust anyone!!!  This is how you got into this situation. Research the building codes on weathertightness and go over these details with your builder and designer. Let them know that you will be personally checking every flashing detail and design to keep you home water tight and healthy.

HAV - consider adding a HAV system into the home if it does not already have one. All houses leak to some extent. The key is to provide avenue for the water to escape and a healthy environment in the home to prevent the build up of mold.

The Remedy Process

1. Establish exactly the nature and extent of the problem
2. Quantify the cost to fix the problem
3. Identify and evaluate the options to repair a leaky house
4. Make a decision
5. Decide how to best manage the rebuild project
6. Choose a Building Contractor [and Designer if you are doing any major changes in the process]
7. Arrange finance
8. Prepare for Rebuiding
9. Oversee the rebuilding process
10. Sign Off the job
11. Evaluate any ROI on completion of the project
12. Maintain the property to ensure no further problems occur

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