Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Any suggestions on a house that floods
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June 12, 2009 at 12:52 am #591200
fetchwestMemberMy husband and I purchased our house in October 2007. I think it was November 2007 that we had the “record” rains and our finished basement flooded. January (I think)of 2009 it flooded again, but not as bad. It only floods when we have excessive rain. A few days of raining it is fine. It has only flooded the 2 times. We have a sump pump, but have been told by one professional that it is fine, by another that is is too small. We recently had Robbins and Company out and they gave us an estimate on a draining system for the back yard totaling $11,000 with no guarantee it fixes the problem. We had Aqueous Basement Systems out and quoted $6,500 to $8,000, but they will have to tear up the concrete, flooring and drywall. We live in the Highland Park/White center area and have been told by both professionals that the people that sold us the house knew it was flooding, the inspector was refered by the realtor, so we learned a lesson. But we love our house (flooding excluded). It was built in 1920 and has so much character. We have been told there are ways to landscape and such that can help with the flooding. The yard slopes and pushes all the water torwards the house. We are just looking for suggestions, if anyone has any, that could help us without having to tear up the inside of our house. The interior of the house was refinished before we bought it but know we may have to replace a few things. So, if any one knows of any landscapers or contractors that have experience with this sort of things and could help us, please let me know.
June 12, 2009 at 1:08 am #669531
jwwsParticipantWow – what a bummer. Seems like you’ve contacted the appropriate interior contractors but if yard sloping is part of the issue maybe talking to a landscape designer/architect would be appropriate. The Berger Partnership is a good, reputable firm that we have worked with many times (we’re a general contractor) their website is http://www.bergerpartnership.com. Also an alternative, our company specializes in custom remodel/hardscape design and we could take a look at the yard and give recommendations; tjwconstcoinc@mac.com. Good luck – older homes are treasures!
June 12, 2009 at 3:37 am #669532
PDieterParticipantA curtain drain in the back yard (I’m thinking that’s what the 11K bid was) sounds like it would do the trick if you can’t re direct the slope away from the house.
I’m assuming that all these professionals looked at you downspouts and ruled them out as a problem.
I’m also assuming that the flooding is coming up elsewhere than the sump pump area.
June 12, 2009 at 5:57 am #669533
clark5080ParticipantI would certainly check into the previous owners liability because if they did in fact know of the flooding problem and did not disclose it I think you have a case against them.
Jim
June 12, 2009 at 7:09 am #669534
cjboffoliParticipantknee-high Wellingtons?
June 12, 2009 at 1:03 pm #669535
MagpieParticipantWe used to live in a house that the basement flooded during high rains (and the owner lied like they seem to often do about basement flooding…). The backyard was sloped towards the house. The house was built in the teens, so it was probably nothing new..we dug out around the foundation on that side of the house and put in French drains..being the do it yourselfers we are, we did it ourself)…we sold the house a couple of years later and could honestly state that there had been a leak and what we had done to fix it..we didn’t have another flood. of course, the basement wasn’t finished so there was no damage. I read somewhere that a newly finished basement could be a sign that homeowners were trying to hide something…
My daughter was out buying a house a few years ago and one she really liked had a fresh coat of marine paint in the basement…I steered her away to another house because I was sure that there was something they were trying to hide. If the damage is significant, you might have some recourse if it can be proven that the leak was there and the homeowner lied or the inspector missed it, but that can be more expensive than fixing the damage.
June 13, 2009 at 4:13 am #669536
fetchwestMemberWe have considered filing a suit against the previous owners but I was told we have to 1st fix the problem and then sue for the damages. I am not sure it would work since we don’t have 100% proof. I am also a true believer in Karma and think we will fix it and if we ever sell the house will have a clear conscience.
The flooding seemd to be coming fron under the house and along the walls. The house had been refinished, we belive 3 years before we moved in but don’t know for sure, just that it was recent.
Thanks for all the advice. I think we will talk to some landscapers and then consider trying the french drain.
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