What Does it Mean to Buy a Home "As Is"? How We Can Transform the Interior for You!

There has been a new generational trend in purchasing "fixer uppers" and "as is" properties to transform into their homes. Purchasing an "as is" home means the property will be sold in its current state and the seller will not repair the home before completing the sale (Chase, 2025). Essentially, what you see is what you will be getting. When purchasing an "as is" home, buyers must be aware that this could come with many issues. However, American Waterworks offers several solutions that will turn the "as is" house into your dream home. 

Possible Risks

When purchasing an "as is" home, there are plenty of risks that can come along with it. There is a risk of structural damage. The signs can include cracked foundations, wall cracks, sticking doors and windows, sagging floors, and bowing walls.

Along with structural issues, homes can be at risk of water intrusion. Homeowners may notice signs of mold or mildew. The presence of mold or mildew are indicators of moisture issues in the home. 

Additionally, if mold is present, it would be a good idea to check the crawl space in the home. Damaged crawl spaces can smell moldy, have fallen insulation, and have damp walls.

Finally, "as is" homes are at risk of having dangerously high radon levels. Radon, an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas, is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. The Minnesota Department of Health states that radon testing and mitigation are not required during real estate transactions, but testing is highly recommended (Radon, 2025). When purchasing an "as is" home, it is likely that the radon levels have not been tested and could be above the EPA action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter, which is the standard level radon is measured at. 

How We Can Help

No matter the issues homeowners run into, American Waterworks provides several solutions to provide their homeowners peace of mind. 

American Waterworks offers several basement waterproofing products that will restore and keep your basement dry. To ensure water does not sneak into your basement, install WaterGuard around your basement perimeter. Additionally, our TripleSafe Sump Pump System provides three levels of protection and has backup pumps to ensure heavy volumes of water leave your basement. 

In addition to waterproofing, American Waterworks offers foundation repair options that will secure buckling and bowing walls. Our award-winning foundation repair solutions provide a permanent solution for your home. PowerBraces, a patented foundation wall repair system, is designed to stabilize failing basement walls and provide the potential to straighten them over time. In addition to PowerBraces, American Waterworks offers GeoLocks, an anchor system that permanently stabilizes and has the potential to straighten your foundation walls as well. 

Just like any other part of a home, a crawl space needs attention too. If a crawl space is struggling, it will lead to rot, mold growth, and structural issues. To prevent these issues from occurring, stay ahead of the problem by properly encapsulating the crawl space. CleanSpace and Drainage Matting will create a boundary between your crawl space and the ground. Additionally, American Waterworks offers Smart Jacks, a high-capacity adjustable steel support designed to stop failing beams and columns and has the potential to raise the floor back up to its original level. 

If a homeowner is concerned about their radon levels, it is highly recommended to have a radon test performed in their home. After receiving the results, the next steps would include installing the Radon Mitigation System. At American Waterworks, each radon mitigation system is customized depending on the structure of hte home. Instead of entering the home, the radon-rich air will be sucked from beneath the foundation and pushed outside. Once the structure is installed in the home, the concentration of radon gas will lower to the minimal level recommended by the EPA and other health and safety agencies. 

Don't let the term "as is" home intimidate you. American Waterworks offers top-notch, lasting products that will help you build your dream home. Click HERE to sign up for your FREE, no-obligation estimate with one of our professionally trained Design Specialists. 

Sources

Buying a House “as is”: What you should know: Chase. Credit Card, Mortgage, Banking, Auto. (2025). https://www.chase.com/personal/mortgage/education/finding-a-home/buying-a-house-as-is