I recently purchased a home in Ohio and, among other things, I found termite damage after 2 weeks of ownership. The damage was found after water damage was found. I believe the damage (termite) to have been repaired quite some time ago, but there was a water problem that was ignored and continued. Disclosure included a water problem that had been fixed (100% problem free according to the disclosure form) and added that there is no mold in the house because the previous owner had asthma and had never had an attack while in the home. The home inspector missed a major crack in the foundation that has been allowing water intrusion for years in the area of the termite damage.
I believe the previous owner knew a lot more than was disclosed. She offered the water damage disclosure in an effort to say "I told you so". The damage is in 4 rooms as well as a hall and the garage. Every room that has damage has black mold. Every room that has damage has rotten wood framing. I am not an expert, but I estimate the cost of repairing the rooms and framing, resquaring the house, excavating the exterior walls that are below grade, installing proper drainage and sealing the exterior will be near $20,000 if not more.
I am a 3 time Iraqi war veteran, shortly out of active service, currently unemployed and going to school. This is my first home that my wife and 4 year old plan to occupy but we are stuck because we spent our savings on getting the home and don't have nearly enough to cover this massive expense. Any advice as to the laws in Ohio would be greatly appreciated. Currently we have contacted a lawyer but have yet to hear back from him regarding the paperwork he requested about the home. The home inspector offers a refund, but at this point I have declined pending lawsuit. Again... thanks for any help.
I believe the previous owner knew a lot more than was disclosed. She offered the water damage disclosure in an effort to say "I told you so". The damage is in 4 rooms as well as a hall and the garage. Every room that has damage has black mold. Every room that has damage has rotten wood framing. I am not an expert, but I estimate the cost of repairing the rooms and framing, resquaring the house, excavating the exterior walls that are below grade, installing proper drainage and sealing the exterior will be near $20,000 if not more.
I am a 3 time Iraqi war veteran, shortly out of active service, currently unemployed and going to school. This is my first home that my wife and 4 year old plan to occupy but we are stuck because we spent our savings on getting the home and don't have nearly enough to cover this massive expense. Any advice as to the laws in Ohio would be greatly appreciated. Currently we have contacted a lawyer but have yet to hear back from him regarding the paperwork he requested about the home. The home inspector offers a refund, but at this point I have declined pending lawsuit. Again... thanks for any help.