home inspection reveals water leak

[scarah]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I am purchasing a condo from the company I currently rent from. I just had the home inspection, during which we noticed a water bubble in the ceiling that was not there when I signed the purchase contract. There seems to be a leak coming from the tub in the bathroom upstairs. There is also evidence of previous repairs to the ceiling in that area. The inspector found that subfloor next to the tub moves a quarter of an inch.

The company has said that they will repair the leak and the ceiling, but they say the subfloor 'feels very solid'. They said they will fix the linoleum, but not the subfloor. I am not very comfortable with this. I am concerned that the subfloor is moving because of water damage. I want to know if they are responsible for repairing any damage to the subfloor and/or joists. I would assume any water damage would be apparent when they go in and fix plumbing as the subfloor should be visible then.

thanks!!

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I am purchasing a condo from the company I currently rent from. I just had the home inspection, during which we noticed a water bubble in the ceiling that was not there when I signed the purchase contract. There seems to be a leak coming from the tub in the bathroom upstairs. There is also evidence of previous repairs to the ceiling in that area. The inspector found that subfloor next to the tub moves a quarter of an inch.

The company has said that they will repair the leak and the ceiling, but they say the subfloor 'feels very solid'. They said they will fix the linoleum, but not the subfloor. I am not very comfortable with this. I am concerned that the subfloor is moving because of water damage. I want to know if they are responsible for repairing any damage to the subfloor and/or joists. I would assume any water damage would be apparent when they go in and fix plumbing as the subfloor should be visible then.

thanks!!

Is part of your written contract that all defects found by an inspection must be cured before there is a closing? If so, then the answer is yes, they are responsible for repairing any damage to the subfloor and/or joists.

From what I know about building houses, this is a major defect so be very careful.

 

[scarah]

Here is how I see the issue at this point.

We are buying the condo as-is, but the seller is responsible for any damage that occurs after signing of the purchase contract until closing.

There were no signs of the leak when the contract was signed or even four days later when we did a thorough inspection of the kitchen because of our plans to remodel.

Now there are signs of the leak, which in my eyes makes the seller responsible for all repairs relating to this leak. Even if there was previous water damage, this leak would have aggravated the situation further. In my opinion, I would think that the seller is then responsible for all repairs, including the subfloor and/or joists that are water damaged.

Does this seem reasonable??