After last year’s Hurricane Irene bogged down basements with storm water, I think all of York County learned a valuable lesson. For those who don’t remember previous flooding
This submitted photo shows flooding in the kitchen of a York County home after Tropical Storm Lee hit in September of 2011.
from tropical storm Lee or Agnes from years past, Irene was a brutal reminder to homeowners to ensure their homes are properly equipped for Mother Nature’s worst.
During my house hunt this Summer, I toured dozens of homes that had been hit hard by Irene, and even 8 months later, were still showing very visible effects of the damage. Not only were homes physically damaged by the storm, but the value of the house was greatly effected. Personally, I did not want to buy a home that took so long to recover from such a storm.
To future homeowners, I advise you be wary of faulty sump pumps and possible mold that has formed due to flooding. I was warned of poor landscape gradation, which in laemon’s terms means to make sure the landscaping surrounding your home scales uphill the closer you are to the outside walls of your house. If water on your property runs downhill toward your basement, there is sure to be eventual flooding or damage.
The last thing I wanted to worry about was drying out my basement after buying my first home. This evening, my sump pump is working it’s muscles, and thankfully, I will be able to go home with peace of mind.
Were you affected by Irene or Sandy?
What lessons would you pass on to current or future homeowners?
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