Buying a house with mold or selling a house with mold can pose a variety of challenges. For both the home buyer and the seller, the two main issues with a home that has mold are the concerns for possible health hazards and the cost to fix the mold issue. The mold remediation professionals at ServiceMaster Restore have organized a few essential tips for both the buyer and seller of a home that has mold.
Mold and Potential Health Risks
Mold can be a potential health risk to people, in particular young children, elderly adults, and anyone who suffers from allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions or individuals living with a compromised immune system. Mold exposure can cause issues that include but are not limited to:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Runny nose and nosebleeds
- Stuffy nose
- Skin irritations from dermatological contact
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Mold Damage to the Home
Depending on the extent and type of mold issues within the home, the cost and difficulty for mold remediation can vary greatly. A home with a minor mold issue in the bathroom, such as mold growth around the tile and grouting of the shower, generally can be resolved easily. The mold can be removed by various cleaning methods and the tile re-grouted. A new bathroom exhaust fan also may need to be installed in order to help regulate humidity levels in the room.
In a home where there's been basement flooding, leaky windows, or a roof leak, the damage may be significantly more extensive and require a multi-step remediation process. ServiceMaster Restore can inspect the mold issue and customize a mold remediation plan to suit both the buyer and seller of the home.
Buyers and Sellers of a Home with Mold
Buyers:
Buyers should be cautious when considering the purchase of a home that has mold, even if the mold is on the exterior of the building. Did you see mold on the outside of the house near the downspout? A downspout that doesn't direct water away from the foundation is causing more problems than mold on the exterior wall. During a rainstorm, a downspout must direct the water out and away from the foundation. If it doesn't, the water can seep in through the basement, eventually leading to indoor mold issues and even a potential flooded basement.
If a buyer suspects a property may have mold issues, hire a registered home inspector before making an offer on the house. If the inspector finds mold issues, a buyer can then decide whether or not to make an offer and if an offer is made then a condition can be included for mold removal to be done at the seller's expense.
Sellers:
For sellers, laws vary by state regarding a home sale with a known mold issue. It's best to be upfront with your real estate professional who can then guide you through the selling process without any mold-related legal entanglements. You may have to pay for professional mold remediation before the buyer takes ownership of the home or have the cost of mold remediation subtracted from the price of the home. It's best to consult with your real estate professional and/or an attorney regarding any legal requirements when selling a home with mold.
Whether you're buying a home with mold or selling a home with known mold issues, it's best to leave the mold removal to the professionals. By hiring a company like ServiceMaster Restore you know the job will be done safely, thoroughly removing all traces of mold and following all industry standards to prevent the development of mold in the future.