Buying a home is on the top of the list for one of the most significant, stressful, and exciting investments in your life. Much of your time is spent touring homes, looking at listings, and communicating with your real estate agent until you finally find the home that checks all your boxes. There is one last crucial step for homebuyers that is commonly overlooked in Florida: a mold inspection.
Home inspections are one of the most important parts of buying a home. Why shouldn’t having a mold inspection be at the top of the list as well? It can certainly become a costly home hazard if left unchecked. At Air Quality Experts, we are passionate about helping new homeowners understand the potential risks mold has on structural integrity, your health, and your bank account.
What Is Mold and Why Is It a Problem?
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp and humid environments, commonly mistaken for mildew. Mold is common in crawlspaces, attics, inside walls where humidity has built up, within your HVAC system, and bathrooms where improper ventilation may occur. It can thrive anywhere where there is organic material and moisture. Some types of mold can be harmless, while others can cause serious health problems and be an allergen for specific sensitive individuals, dogs, and kids.
Mold can create significant damage to the property, weakening structural integrity, ruining insulation, causing funky musty odors, and resulting in cosmetic problems throughout the home. Damage is not always visible during the initial inspection by a home inspector, which is why it is important to have a company trained to inspect for even the smallest signs of potential mold growth in your home.
Why Did My Home Inspector Not Include This on Their Walkthrough?
Home inspectors are essential to ensure the home is built, working, and running efficiently and effectively. They play one of the most important roles when you are buying a house. Some home inspectors include the “mold” inspection in their walkthrough, but unfortunately they may not be trained to look for specific signs that a mold inspection company is.
In our experience, about 55% of the homes we inspect following a home inspector have mold growth that is not easily seen. Home inspectors have an abundance of locations and working systems to address; sometimes mold is not high on their radar. A mold inspection is not required by the state of Florida; therefore, it is typically not included in a 4-point inspection.
The Hidden Dangers of Mold in a Home Purchase
Health Risks
If the mold is growing in hidden areas like behind walls or under flooring, you may not notice its presence right away, but exposure to mold spores can have long-term health effects. Even a small amount of mold can trigger respiratory problems, especially in children or those with asthma.
Damage to Property
Mold doesn’t just stop at affecting your health; it can also damage the structure of your home. If left untreated, mold can weaken wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to expensive repairs down the road. A mold inspection can identify any existing issues before they become a major financial burden.
Unexpected Costs
A mold infestation isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a cost. Mold remediation, which includes removal and preventing future growth, can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s a lot easier to address potential mold issues during the buying process than to deal with it after you’ve already moved in. Getting a mold inspection before purchase could potentially save you thousands in future repairs.
Legal Issues and Insurance Concerns
Some homeowners insurance policies may not cover mold-related damages, or they may only cover it under specific conditions. If mold is present in the home you’re looking to buy and the seller hasn’t disclosed it, you could be left with a big financial responsibility.
What Does a Mold Inspection Involve?
A professional mold inspection is more thorough than a simple visual check. Our inspectors at Air Quality Experts go beyond surface-level inspections to look for hidden mold, moisture, and conditions that promote mold growth. Here’s what to expect during a typical mold inspection:
Visual Inspection
We’ll start by carefully examining the property for visible signs of mold. This includes checking areas prone to moisture like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and attics. We will inspect the ductwork and your HVAC unit. Every part of the home is thoroughly checked.
Moisture Detection
Even if there’s no visible mold, we’ll use specialized equipment to detect any moisture issues that could promote mold growth in the future. This is critical because mold thrives in damp environments.
Surface and Air Samples
We test the air quality inside the home for mold spores. We may even swab an area to identify if there is any mold growth on a surface. The air samples give us an idea of the air quality in the home in relation to potential mold growth.
Reporting and Recommendations
After the inspection, we provide you with a detailed report outlining any findings and recommendations for remediation if necessary. This will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about the property or address the seller with your concerns.
Benefits of Getting a Mold Inspection
Peace of Mind
Buying a home is stressful enough without worrying about hidden problems like mold. A mold inspection provides peace of mind, knowing that any issues will be identified and addressed before you finalize the purchase, especially if you have kids, are immunocompromised, or have pets.
Negotiation Power
If mold is found, you may be able to negotiate the price with the seller or ask them to take care of the issue before closing. This could save you money and prevent you from having to deal with costly remediation later. There is always room for negotiation if what is going on in the home can affect your health.
Prevent Future Problems
Addressing mold problems before you move in can save you from bigger headaches down the line. With proper remediation, you can rest easy knowing that your new home is safe and healthy for you and your family.
How to Choose a Mold Inspection Company
Not all mold inspectors are created equal, so it’s important to choose a reputable company withexperience and the right tools for the job. At Air Quality Experts, we’re dedicated to providingthorough, accurate inspections to ensure your home is free from mold and other air qualityconcerns. We use state-of-the-art equipment and follow the highest industry standards to giveyou the best possible service.
Final Thoughts
When buying a new home, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding the perfect place. But taking the time to schedule a mold inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It can save you money, protect your health, and help ensure your new home is truly a dream home.
If you’re a new homebuyer looking for expert mold inspection services, contact Air Quality Experts today. We’re here to help you make the most informed and confident decision before you buy.
If you are using Mike Rance or anyone at RE/MAX 200 Realty, we are
offering 10% off our services for new homebuyers! Call 561-298-9431 and
mention code NEWHOME24 to schedule our discounted full-property
inspection!
Grace Perry
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