Expert Advice for a Mold and Mildew Inspection on a New Home

A lot of research goes into a real estate purchase because you want to ensure you are making a wise investment. You can never be too careful when buying a home because a property can keep many secrets hidden beneath the surface.

There's no getting away from the fact that every home will need regular maintenance over the years. Still, you want to minimize the amount of work that needs to be done early on by getting the home thoroughly inspected.

Just about every contract of sale will require a home inspection, but these are prone to only highlighting surface problems. Most inspections will not recognize if there is a mold or mildew issue or the possibility of future outbreaks.

Many home inspectors even go as far as removing mold from their contracts as a way to protect themselves against future liability. What this means for the home buyer is that you will have no way of knowing the risk of mold or mildew developing in your new property even after a building inspection.

The Benefits of a Mold and Mildew Inspection

Mold and mildew are unlikely to cause serious structural damage to a home. However, the conditions that allow them to grow and spread can be a cause for concern. Mold and mildew need moisture to thrive, and moisture in the structural wood can lead to wood rot.

Unfortunately, it's relatively easy to clean off surface mold that hides an underlying moisture issue. It’s an issue because building inspectors will only inspect easily accessible areas as part of their service.

While sellers are required to notify potential buyers of any mold and mildew issues, it's easy for them to claim ignorance after the deal is closed, and it's an expensive process to prove otherwise.

Getting a professional mold and mildew inspection on the property before you take ownership is the best way to protect yourself against future issues.

There is a greater chance of a mold outbreak in older homes due to the wear and tear a property goes through over the years. Roofing materials and plumbing degrade and break down, sump pumps can fail, and water pipes develop blockages that can cause flooding.

Newly built homes come with fewer risks, but there is still a chance of moisture control issues developing during construction. Specialist mold cleaning services are experts at identifying areas most at risk of mold outbreaks or revealing hidden mold damage.

There is no such thing as a completely mold-free home but knowing how much of a risk is acceptable is not easy without experience and an understanding of how mold behaves.

How to Do Your Own Mold and Mildew Inspection

A professional mold and mildew inspection is always an option, but there are a few things you can check for yourself to rule out the most common issues.

Check the New Finishes

Sellers of older homes usually do renovations to attract a higher price. Unfortunately, a quick coat of paint will temporarily cover up problems during a cursory building inspection. Thoroughly check the workmanship and look for underlying problems in out-of-the-way areas.

Examine inside closets, under cabinets, and in corners. These are all harder-to-reach areas that can get overlooked when cutting corners and are the best places to search for hidden mold or mildew.

Look for Evidence of Past Moisture Issues

Water damage will always leave some evidence behind. Check for swollen baseboards, stains, water spots, and bowed or buckled floorboards. A past water problem does not always mean a mold outbreak, but you should never ignore the clues.

Get a Nose for Mold

Mold has a musty smell because it produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If a home has a musty or mildewy smell, mold is the most likely culprit. You can get an idea of how big of an issue it is based on the strength of the odor.

Your nose can also provide clues about any cover-ups the sellers may be attempting. Does the basement smell strongly of bleach, or have they used scents to create a pleasant odor? There's every chance the homeowner is simply trying to present their home in the best light, or they could be trying to cover up the presence of mold in the house.

Check for Past Cleaning Habits

Mold needs warmth, a food source, and moisture to survive, and a home has all three of these in abundance, even if the property is kept reasonably dry. Cleanliness plays a significant role in keeping mold under control.

Poor cleaning habits, such as allowing dirt and grime to build up on interior surfaces, could indicate a future mold problem. The best places to check for clues include under the refrigerator, in window casings, and around heavy furniture.

If in Doubt, Call an Expert Mold Cleaning Service

In-depth mold and mildew inspections are a small price to pay for peace of mind that your investment is sound. While mold does not always mean a property is a bad deal, knowing about it will help you make better choices when shopping for your next home.

Best Option Restoration is a professional mold remediation service that can help you understand more about how mold can impact your property's value. If you suspect you may have a mold problem, call today and take advantage of our expert mold cleaning service.

Expert Advice for a Mold and Mildew Inspection on a New Home with Best Option Restoration

If you’re experiencing mold or mildew problems in Denver, Arvada, Thornton, Broomfield, Boulder, or the surrounding areas, Best Option Restoration can help you. We are aware that mold or mildew problems can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and our goal is to instill peace of mind throughout the project and restore your property in the most efficient way possible. We have many years of experience in restoration reconstruction and all our general contractors are licensed and insured. If your property has been damaged due to water, fire, or mold we will give you the personalized service and expert marksmanship needed to get the job done right. To learn more about our services, call us at (720) 620-3272 or contact us online to receive an estimate on your project.