For instance, the previous homeowner supposedly installed and tested the sump pump in the basement, and it failed shortly after moving in, flooding the basement. Then, the sunroom was filled with termites, costing the couple $2,000 in repairs. After the termites were eradicated, they discovered the
sunroom was entirely covered in mold under the siding, and there was no caulking around the windows to keep the moisture out. A better home inspector would have been able to see the signs of termites and mold. The sump pump should have also been checked by the inspector, It is possible it could have been working at the time of the inspection but failed afterward. Sump pumps can burn out, lose power, become clogged or misaligned, or malfunction in a variety of other ways. It’s valuable to have a warning device installed that will signal water buildup. These alarms can alert homeowners or neighbors of flooding, so that it can be resolved before water damage occurs. I also recommend getting either a battery backup sump pump or even the newer water pressure fed sump pumps. Those work even if you lose power and don't have to rely on a battery that can run out of power in long prolonged power outages. However you must have city water and not be on a well to have one of those as if you lose power the well pump will not work. Be careful. Be smart. These horror stories are real and happen every day. Do your homework before jumping into a new home. Always get a home inspection from a reputable home inspection company and have a radon test and even a sewer line inspection for older homes performed as well. (more on home inspections
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