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 Jacksonville Beach, Ponte V, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach, FL.

Does Water Damage Decrease Your Home’s Value?

Certain types of water damage can significantly decrease the value of a home, as it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other unpleasant occurrences. When a home has water damage, it becomes less appealing to potential buyers, as they may be concerned about future problems and the cost of 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 minimize the impact of water damage on a home’s value, it is important to address the issue as soon as it is identified by qualified water damage restoration professionals, such as the industry-leading team at SERVPRO. Contact our experts to discuss how we can improve your home’s value with comprehensive water damage restoration and clean-up services.