Water Intrusion Risk Checker (Free)
Water Intrusion

Water Intrusion Risk Checker

Free water intrusion risk score. Combine visible signs, drainage condition, and history into a 0-100 score with a clear next-step recommendation.

Enter your inputs and we'll show you the estimated exposure, severity, urgency, and recommended next steps.

About this calculator

Water is the #1 cause of post-close regret in real-estate inspections. This checker quantifies your exposure across visible moisture, efflorescence, smell, and drainage signals — and tells you whether the right fix is a $300 gutter extension or a $15K interior drain tile system.

Free calculator vs full Buyer's Leverage report

What this calculator shows you

  • Estimated repair exposure range
  • Severity, urgency, and negotiation relevance for this issue
  • General next-step checklist
What a full Buyer's Leverage report unlocks
  • Issue-by-issue inspection analysis across your whole report
  • Total repair exposure with prioritization
  • Negotiation strategy + seller-credit guidance
  • Repair timeline and specialist recommendations
  • Related-issue patterns the inspector may have missed
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Frequently asked questions

What's the cheapest way to stop a wet basement?
Surface water management: gutter cleanings, downspout extensions to 6+ feet from foundation, and re-grading the first 6 feet of soil to slope away. $200-1,500 total — resolves 60-80% of basement leaks. Always try this BEFORE spending $10K on drain tile.
Is a musty smell always mold?
Not always — but it's the single best leading indicator. Musty smell without visible mold usually means hidden growth behind drywall, in insulation, or under flooring. An indoor air-quality test ($300-500) can confirm without demolition.
Does flood-zone status affect this score?
Not directly in the score — but FEMA Zone A/AE/V properties require flood insurance and significantly raise total cost of ownership. We add a 'history of flooding' factor that overlaps with flood zones. Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
What's efflorescence — and is it bad?
Efflorescence is the white powdery deposit on concrete or masonry. It's mineral salts left behind when water migrates through the wall and evaporates. The salts are harmless — but they CONFIRM that water has been moving through the wall. Treat efflorescence as a diagnostic flag, not a cosmetic problem.
Calculator results are estimates for educational planning only. Actual repair costs, negotiation outcomes, and professional recommendations vary by property, location, contractor, inspection findings, and market conditions. Buyer's Leverage does not replace licensed inspectors, contractors, engineers, real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, or insurance professionals.
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