Mold Inspection – Buying A Home With Mold – Albany, NY

Mold can be a significant health risk. Large quantities of mold in a home are not only a nuisance but can also be considered a violation of public health code in most parts of the country. This means that sellers must disclose any mold problems when they find potential buyers. However, buyers should take the initiative and ensure that the house is mold free by investing in mold inspection.

Why mold is so bad

Mold is a fungus. However, there are thousands of species of mold present in a home at any given time. Molds can range from those that grow on your bread or fruit to those that grow on surfaces when conditions are humid. Some of these species are toxic while others aren’t as harmful. Mold spores that are easily distributed in air are known to produce toxins that can cause various health problems including breathing difficulties, worsening of asthma, coughing, and allergic reactions. Children and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to the effects of mold.

The cost of mold infestations

While mold spores are present in every home, some homes have full blown mold infestations. This results in consistent exposure to large amounts of mold. People living in these environments put their health at risk.

Molds are often an indication of a moisture problem. Therefore, if you’re planning to purchase a home that has mold, you should be ready to have to invest even more money in resolving moisture issues. While some issues are easy to resolve such as ventilating the home, others such as foundation seepage may require significant investment.

What to do when you want the house

Many buyers are out off when they encounter a house with mold. However, some buyers will see this as a great opportunity for a deal. The presence of mold in a home can significantly lower the value of a home. There’s a good chance that you’ll get the house of your dreams at a great discount.

If you’re determined to buy a home that has or is suspected to have mold, ensure that you:

  • Inquire about it from the seller

The law in most states requires sellers to disclose any mold issues to potential buyers. They should tell you whether there was a significant infestation and what they did about it. They should also tell you if they resolved any moisture issues.

  • Invest in mold inspection

Mold inspection will tell you how deep the infestation is, what species of mold is present, and the source of moisture.

The information you receive from the inspection should help you make an informed choice of whether or not to buy the home.