Does the basement smell musty?
Check for the presence of a dehumidifier and note if it is running. It is common to have a dehumidifier in a basement to help keep the musty smell out. Just be sure that if there is one that it is doing an adequate job. Take notice of the furnace. If you are looking at an older home the chances are that you are looking at an old furnace. Check for any leaking or odor of oil or gas. Also, ask the home owner if the furnace is the original and what has been done to update it. Often with an older furnace, some parts, such as the burner, have been replaced. If there is water on the floor directly under the furnace this could be a sign that the boiler has cracked in the heat exchanger. Rust along the bottom can, once again, indicate a wet basement problem. There should be an inspection tag from the last time the oil or gas company did an inspection. A cleaning and maintenance should be done on a furnace at least once a year, usually in preparation for the winter season. If the tag is missing
