QUOTE (manojsingh @ Jun 2 2009, 12:13 AM) Dear Renovation Experts,
I purchased a house in Hamilton and there is sepage in the basement (its not very much but certainly some dampness is there). I want to finish the basement what should I do or where to start to rectify this. Thanks in advance for your valuable guidance.
Hi Manoj,
I agree with the above posts with the only caveat being, How much seepage? If you are simply talking about dampness, ie. no lying water, then the problem is likely just a poor grade outside to move water away from the house. I wouldn`t call in my building inspector for this issue without first improving the grade from the house and checking eavestrough to see if that helps. Save the building inspector for when you really need them to come back.
If you are talking about actual lying water then trace it back to see where it is coming from. Foundation cracks, overflow drain, malfunctioning sump pumps, water heater, plumbing, etc. are all possible causes for this and a quick search should put you in the right direction of whom to call first.
Our recent rainstorm last night and another scheduled for Thursday will also give you an indication of whether the problem is from outside or inside. If the amount of dampness increases over the next few days look for cracks in the foundation, improve the grade, clean the eavestroughs, and go from there.
Hope this helps.
Regards...Randy D.