As far as house problems go, mold might not be at the top of the list, but it’s still a nuisance. It’s bad for the house and anyone living in it. No wonder buyers wiggle their noses at the idea of buying a home with mold.
But just how bad is it? Here are the most important things you need to consider when dealing with a moldy house.
What’s Mold and Why Does It Matter?
Mold is a fungus that likes growing in moist places. Normally, the humidity inside your house wouldn’t exceed 70%. But unless you measure it (which most people don’t), you wouldn’t know just how humid your home is.
When mold starts developing, it usually just looks like grey, yellow, or bluish spots on the wall. It’s nasty to look at but not necessarily dangerous.
However, if you let it be, mold will turn into a more serious threat. Large mold growths can cause skin irritation, trouble breathing, or other problems. Especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues, mold can be detrimental to your health.
In other words, mold is dangerous enough to discourage home buyers. If you’re selling, it can push you into a corner where you feel you’ll never get rid of your moldy home. But while dealing with mold is unpleasant, it can be done. Here’s how.
Selling a Moldy Home
If you’re selling a moldy home, your first order of business is to try to get rid of the mold to the best of your ability. For this reason, you need to hire a mold inspector.
The mold inspector will perform a thorough inspection of your house. They’ll identify the affected areas that require repairs, as well as the underlying causes of the mold infestation. The latter is crucial since it can prevent further growth.
Even if you’ve dealt with mold before, don’t be fooled into thinking you can solve this problem on your own. You’d need special skills to properly evaluate your house’s flaws — that’s why it’s best to rely on professional advice.
Going for cosmetic fixes might hide the problem, but mold will eventually return. Buyers know this, so unless you can show them you’ve addressed the true cause of the problem, they will likely pass on your property.
So make sure to follow through on all the steps recommended by the mold inspector. Keep all of the receipts and other relevant paperwork. You’ll need to show those to prospective buyers as proof that you have done your best to solve the issue, and not just on the surface.
In general, it’s best to fully disclose the details of the mold infestation to buyers. Plus, all of the remediation work might boost the value of your home.
Buying a Moldy Home
If you’re buying a home that you suspect is moldy (because of its smell or appearance), you should ask for a proper inspection.
Mold inspectors are trained to find the causes of mold and the best means to solve them. Some also offer remediation services. But if you’re worried they might suggest changes just so they can take your money, you can also find private inspectors who only do evaluations.
If mold is the only thing stopping you from buying the house you’ve picked, communicate that to the seller. They’ll be more motivated to address the issue if they know you intend to buy the house afterward.
While mold inside is easy to spot, make sure to look at the outside of the house too. The area around the downspout is key. If you notice mold there, it means water from the roof is not draining properly. It can cause flooding in your basement and future indoor mold growth.
If you don’t trust that the seller would take care of the problem properly, try negotiating a lower price. Do the math on how much dealing with the mold would cost and deduct that from the asking price.
To ensure you’re getting an accurate depiction of the problem and necessary remediation, give us a call to schedule an inspection and a proper estimate. Then you’ll have a better idea of what it would cost you, and you can make an informed choice. Also, make sure you’re focusing on the cause of the mold. That’s the only way to get a long-term solution and enjoy your future home to the fullest.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying or selling a home with a mold problem, the most important step is to hire an expert like Mold Solutions. We will diagnose the problem and find the right solution for ridding your home of mold. Getting rid of the mold will help sellers find buyers more easily. It will also put buyers’ minds at ease, allowing them to enjoy their new homes.
