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Everything You Need to Know to Dry Out a Wet Basement: A Home Inspector's Guide from West Egg Inspections and Home Services At West Egg Inspections and Home Services, we’ve seen firsthand how a wet basement can quietly undermine a home’s structural integrity and even jeopardize your health. Dampness, mold, mildew, and water damage are not just aesthetic concerns—they signal deeper problems that, if left unaddressed, can cost you thousands in repairs. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just starting out, understanding the causes and solutions for basement moisture is critical. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to diagnose and fix a wet basement, offer both short-term and long-term remedies, and help you understand when it’s time to bring in the professionals. Spotting the Signs: Is Your Basement Wet? The sooner you spot the signs of moisture, the easier—and cheaper—it will be to fix. Here’s what to look for: Pools of water on the floor Damp or wet walls Musty odors Mold and mildew growth White, chalky efflorescence on masonry Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper Rusty tools, shelving, or appliances Warped baseboards or wooden posts Any of these signs should trigger immediate investigation. Why Is My Basement Wet? Understanding the Root Causes From our years of inspecting homes across the region, most basement moisture issues fall into one of three categories: 1. Condensation Condensation happens when warm, humid air hits the cooler surfaces of your basement, like pipes or uninsulated walls. Test it: Tape a piece of aluminum foil to a damp wall. After 24 hours, if water is on the outside, it’s condensation. Fix it: Improve ventilation—install fans or a dehumidifier Insulate cold water pipes Apply waterproof coatings like DryLok or Xypex 2. Runoff This occurs when rain or snowmelt isn’t directed away from your foundation and instead pushes water into your basement walls. Signs: Moisture appears after storms or snowmelt. Fix it: Ensure soil slopes away from your home (1" per foot for at least 6 feet) Extend downspouts at least 4 feet from the foundation Clean your gutters Consider installing a dry well or rain garden 3. Subsurface Seepage This is groundwater pushing up through the floor or walls due to high water tables or poor drainage. Signs: Basement is wet year-round, even when it hasn’t rained. Fix it: Seal cracks with urethane caulk Install a sump pump system Create an interior or exterior drain tile system Consult a waterproofing professional How Bad Is It? Assessing the Severity Mild: Occasional dampness, minor puddling after heavy rain —DIY is usually enough. Moderate to Severe: Persistent wetness, signs of mold, or water coming through floors or walls —Hire a professional to avoid worsening the damage. First Response: Quick Fixes to Dry Your Basement Act fast to reduce damage and mold risk: 1. Boost Airflow Set up high-powered fans to circulate air Open windows if weather allows 2. Remove Standing Water Use a wet/dry vacuum or rent a submersible pump Mop and towel remaining moisture 3. Lower Humidity Use a heavy-duty dehumidifier (50-pint capacity or more) Monitor with a hygrometer to stay below 50% humidity 4. Turn Up the Heat (in Winter) Warmer temps reduce surface condensation Long-Term Fixes for a Permanently Dry Basement Temporary solutions only go so far. For lasting protection, take these steps: 1. Improve Drainage Around the House Regularly clean gutters Use downspout extensions or French drains Maintain a proper grade around your foundation 2. Seal the Interior Patch wall cracks with hydraulic cement Apply waterproof coatings to walls and floors 3. Install a Sump Pump Prevents water accumulation from underground seepage Consider battery backup for power outages DIY Waterproofing Options for Handy Homeowners If you’re comfortable with a paintbrush and some elbow grease: 1. Waterproof Paints & Sealants UGL’s DryLok or similar products provide a barrier Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before application 2. Ventilation Improvements Install exhaust fans in laundry/bathroom areas Use foundation vents or fans for crawl spaces When It’s Time to Call in the Pros Some moisture issues are too complex or severe for DIY. Professional waterproofers offer services like: Interior Waterproofing: Perimeter drainage systems under the basement slab Sump pump installation and wall sealants Exterior Waterproofing: Excavating around the foundation to apply membranes Installing exterior French drains French Drains: Installed underground to redirect water away from the foundation Great for homes with high water tables Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Here’s a breakdown of typical costs: DIY: DryLok: $160 per 5-gallon bucket (covers ~300 sq ft) Dehumidifier: $200–$500 Fans: $30–$100 each Professional: Interior drainage system: $3,000–$8,000 Exterior waterproofing: $8,000–$15,000 Sump pump system: $1,200–$3,000 While costly, professional systems are often warranted for 10–25 years and include labor. Choosing the Right Contractor If you hire help, look for: Licensed and insured providers 5+ years of waterproofing experience Transparent pricing and written estimates Warranty-backed work Good reviews and referrals Get 2–3 quotes before committing and ask lots of questions. Proactive Prevention: Keeping Your Basement Dry Long-Term Don’t wait for water to show up. Prevent moisture year-round: 1. Regular Inspections Clean gutters 2–3 times per year Monitor humidity and seal new cracks Test sump pump quarterly 2. Smart Landscaping Keep soil graded away from foundation Avoid water-heavy plants near the house Install rain gardens or dry wells if needed Final Thoughts from West Egg Inspections As home inspectors, we know that what lies beneath your house matters just as much as what’s on top. A wet basement doesn’t have to spell disaster—but it does demand attention. Drying out a basement requires equal parts diagnosis, action, and prevention. Whether you tackle it yourself or call in a pro, the key is doing it right the first time. The comfort of your home—and the integrity of your investment—depends on it. If you need a trusted eye on your moisture issue, West Egg Inspections and Home Services is here to help. Reach out anytime for an inspection or referral. Let’s keep your home dry, healthy, and worry-free. Stay Dry, Stay Safe — The West Egg Way.

If electricity puzzles you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when trying to understand what terms like amps, volts, watts, and ohms really mean—especially when it comes to working safely on household electrical systems. This post will break down each of these essential electrical terms in simple language, explain how they relate to each other using Ohm’s Law, and provide important safety tips for any DIY work around your home. Let’s flip the switch and start making sense of the electricity flowing through your walls. What Is a Volt? Volt (V) is a unit of electrical potential or pressure. It tells you how strongly electricity is being pushed through a circuit. You can think of volts like the water pressure in a hose—higher pressure (higher voltage) pushes more electricity through the system. In the U.S., most homes use 120 volts for standard outlets (like for lamps or TVs), and 240 volts for heavy-duty appliances like electric dryers and ovens. The more volts, the more “force” behind the electrical flow. What Is an Amp? Amp (A) stands for ampere, which measures electrical current—the flow of electric charge through a wire. If volts are the pressure, amps are the amount of electricity (the flow) being delivered. Back to the hose analogy: if volts are the pressure in the hose, amps are how much water is coming out. A thick stream of water (high amps) does more work than a trickle. In your home, a typical outlet can usually handle 15 to 20 amps. Exceeding that can trip a breaker—or worse—overheat wires and create a fire hazard. What Is a Watt? Watt (W) is a unit of power. It tells you how much work is being done or energy is being used. It’s the result of both volts and amps working together. Here’s the basic formula: Watts = Volts × Amps For example, a 120V circuit powering a device that draws 5 amps is using: 120 × 5 = 600 watts A 60-watt lightbulb, then, is drawing half an amp at 120 volts. Wattage is what your electric utility uses to calculate how much electricity you use—and how much to charge you. What Is an Ohm? Ohm (Ω) is a unit of electrical resistance. It measures how much a material or component resists the flow of electricity. Higher resistance means less current gets through. Think of ohms as the size of the hose nozzle. A narrow nozzle (high resistance) restricts the water flow (electric current), while a wide nozzle (low resistance) allows more water through. Materials like copper or aluminum have low resistance (good for wires), while rubber or plastic have high resistance (used for insulation). Ohm’s Law: How It All Comes Together To truly understand how volts, amps, watts, and ohms relate to each other, we turn to Ohm’s Law, a foundational formula in electrical science. The basic relationships are: • V = I × R (Volts = Amps × Resistance) • I = V ÷ R (Amps = Volts ÷ Resistance) • R = V ÷ I (Resistance = Volts ÷ Amps) • W = V × I (Watts = Volts × Amps) You’ll often see these represented in the Ohm’s Law Wheel, which makes it easy to remember how each value is connected. Ohm's Law Wheel Let’s look at an example: If you have a device that runs on 120 volts and it draws 10 amps, the power (watts) it consumes is: 120 × 10 = 1,200 watts If you know the device’s resistance (say, 12 ohms), and you apply 120 volts, the current (amps) would be: 120 ÷ 12 = 10 amps It all interconnects. Changing one value affects the others. Why These Terms Matter in Your Home Understanding these electrical units isn’t just for electricians—it’s important for any homeowner who wants to stay safe and informed. Let’s say you’re installing a new ceiling fan or replacing a light fixture. You’ll need to: • Check the wattage: Make sure your fixture doesn’t exceed the capacity of your circuit. • Understand amperage: Overloading a circuit with too many devices drawing too many amps can cause overheating and trip your breaker. • Use the correct voltage: Using a 240V appliance in a 120V outlet won’t work—and could damage the device. • Consider resistance: Using too thin a wire (high resistance) for a long run could cause voltage drop, reducing efficiency and safety. Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners Electricity is powerful—and potentially dangerous. If you plan to do any work on your home’s electrical system, here are some essential safety tips: 1. Turn Off Power at the Breaker - Never rely on a light switch alone. Always shut off the power at the main circuit breaker before working on a fixture, outlet, or switch. 2. Test for Power - Use a voltage tester or multimeter to verify that no electricity is flowing before you touch any wires. 3. Know Your Circuit Limits - Don’t overload a single circuit. If your breaker trips often, it’s likely being asked to handle too much current. Spread out high-wattage appliances across circuits or upgrade your panel with a professional’s help. 4. Use the Right Wire Gauge - Higher amps require thicker wires. Using a wire that’s too thin for the current can cause overheating and fire. A 15-amp circuit typically uses 14-gauge wire, while a 20-amp circuit uses 12-gauge wire. 5. Avoid Aluminum Wire for DIY Projects - Aluminum has higher resistance and is more prone to corrosion than copper. If you have aluminum wiring in your home, any updates should be handled by a licensed electrician. 6. Use GFCI and AFCI Protection - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) protect against shock and fire. Install GFCIs in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, and consider AFCIs in bedrooms and living areas. 7. Label Your Breaker Panel - Take time to label your circuits clearly. It saves time and confusion later—and helps everyone in your household stay safe. When to Call a Professional While changing a light switch or outlet cover might be simple, anything involving your breaker panel, new wiring, or high-voltage systems should always be left to a licensed electrician. The risk of shock, fire, or code violations is too high for DIY guesses. In Summary: Power Knowledge is Power Understanding the difference between volts, amps, watts, and ohms helps demystify how electricity works and gives you confidence as a homeowner. Here’s a quick summary: • Volts = electrical pressure • Amps = amount of electrical flow • Watts = total power (volts × amps) • Ohms = resistance to flow These four components work together and are all governed by Ohm’s Law, which helps you calculate unknowns and stay safe around electricity. Armed with this knowledge and a strong commitment to safety, you can make smart decisions about electrical projects—and know when to bring in the pros. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: when it comes to electricity, it’s better to pause and double-check than to rush and regret.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that: Radon is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. You can take steps to reduce and control the amount of radon in your home. Testing is the only way to determine radon levels. EPA guidance suggests mitigating if levels are at or above 148 Becquerels / cubic meter or 4 picocuries / liter, typically abbreviated as 4 pCi / l. Usually, radon problems are resolved using an underground ventilation system, or ASD (Active Soil Depressurization). I am investing in equipment and the appropriate certifications / licenses required by the state of Minnesota to perform this testing service for my clients. My hope is to have everything in place starting in 2022. Full article is found below.

A home inspection helps you make a more informed decision about the home you're considering buying. A home inspector can identify potential issues, plus give you a better idea of the ongoing maintenance the property will require. When you’re buying a house, a thorough home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs — or from unwittingly buying a money pit. Found below is the full article.

Something a little different to start off the new year. Rogers was the sort of TV host that both kids and parents trusted and enjoyed. The series ran for 31 seasons, from 1968 through 2001. On the show, Rogers dispensed timeless wisdom about how to be kind to others, how to feel good about yourself, and what to do when you’re up against your worst fears. Found below are 20 of Rogers’ most memorable quotes, reminders of the good old days of turning on the TV and spending an afternoon in the neighborhood.

First time homebuyers and others that are unfamiliar with how a house is constructed will benefit from this article. There are many occasions where a homeowner will need to know how to. find the "studs" to hang a heavy object, picture, etc. Wall studs are structural elements in the construction of homes. Studs are part of the framing of the building and are typically vertical wood beams that run from floor to ceiling. Full article below.

During my time as a home inspector, and as a home owner, I have seen a wide range of electrical issues. I thought it would be interesting to our readers to compile the top electrical issues that I have observed: GFCI Outlets Missing or Defective Ungrounded Outlets Reverse Polarity Outlets Electrical Panel Age Concerns Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Detector Concerns Full article below:

Check your furnace filter monthly and change it when it’s dirty. You’ll get better heating in the winter and air conditioning in summer. You’ll save on your utility bills and extend the life of your furnace too. Full article below.

Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos and could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Full article found below:

Summer is one of the best times for you to do maintenance at home. While the sun is up and it’s safer to stay outside you can take the opportunity to repair or maintain areas of the home to avoid future major repairs as well as for your peace of mind. Found below are some areas of the home that you can give extra attention to during the summer.

There's nothing worse then having your air conditioner fail in the sweltering summer. To prevent this, be sure your AC condenser is free of dust, dirt and other debris. Tools Required Cordless drill Hose and spray nozzle Screwdriver w/socket Soft-bristle brush Full article below.

There is a great brochure created by the Minnesota Department of Health, "Keeping You Safe from Radon". In Minnesota 2 in 5 homes have high radon. It is estimated that 21,000 people die each year in the United States from lung cancer due to radon exposure. A radon test is the only way to know how much radon is in your home. Radon can be reduced with a mitigation system. Radon is a serious public health concern in Minnesota. The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three times higher than the U.S. radon level. This is due to our geology and how our homes are operated. Minnesota homes are closed up or heated most of the year, which can result in higher levels of radon. I am licensed in the state of MN for radon measurement. Contact West Egg today to have your home measured for levels of radon. Additional information can be found below: