Water intrusion

Unintended entry or movement of water into a building assembly or occupied space. It may arise from the exterior, plumbing, groundwater, or other sources.

Why it matters

A condition report should distinguish observed moisture evidence from an established cause. Duration, affected materials, hidden conditions, and occupant concerns influence the next investigation. Repainting a stained surface does not demonstrate that the source was corrected.

In practice

A project example

A ceiling stain documented during a walk-through warrants questions about repair history and current conditions; testing or opening concealed construction may require a separately defined scope.

General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.