Buying a home can be an exciting, yet stressful time.There can seem like there’s so much to do, so many decisions to make, and more importantly- how will you know when you’ve found “the one”? When it comes to buying a home, you should always consider having a mold inspection done before sealing the deal. Mold can be a very serious problem for not only your home, but also your health. Mold isn’t always a visible problem either. Also, don’t get confused! Mold inspections are not the same thing as your typical house inspection. Continue reading and we’ll go over just exactly what a mold inspection is, how much it’s going to cost and how to know when it’s time to get one.
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus, and it’s anything but fun. Like most fungi, mold thrives in cold and damp places. Mold grows and spreads by emitting these microscopic particles called spores. These particles are almost smaller than a single cell! Once emitted, these spores then float around the air until finally landing on a surface. Spores are found outside, as well as inside your home. It would be near impossible to completely eliminate all of the spores from your home. Don’t worry, these spores only produce mold if they were to land on a damp surface. Keeping the interior of your home as dry as you can is the best way to eliminate any possibility of mold growth. It’s important to take mold seriously as some types can cause serious health problems such as respiratory issues, seizures, skin rashes and even severe fatigue.
When is it time to have an inspection done?
The one good thing about mold, is it’s rather easy to spot when it’s in visible areas of your home (rather than inside the walls). Any time you see mold within your home it means it’s growing and is continuing to spread spores all throughout the surrounding area. When mold begins to grow in places you’re not able to see, such as under the floorboards or inside of the walls is when it begins to get tricky. These are just a few situations in which you should be wary of potential mold growth:
- Water damage: Here in Florida, flooding is a common occurrence. If your home has been through any type of water damage, you should always be wary of mold growing. Roofs damaged from hurricanes, windows cracked and letting moisture in are all ways mold can begin to grow within your home.
- Purchasing a new home: There is no way to know what type of previous water damage has been done to a home. Having a mold inspection done is one of the only ways to truly know what the home has been through.
- Reoccupation: After a home has become unoccupied for some time, moisture can be trapped inside of the home causing mold to grow. If you have a home you’re selling, be sure to frequently pass by to air it out, to ensure proper ventilation.
What exactly happens during a mold inspection?
Mold inspections are for the most part simply a visual inspection of the home. Contrary to belief, there are no special tools necessary to detect mold growth, just a flashlight and a pair of trained eyes. Inspectors will however use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels of the home, especially if there was a previous mold issue. Be sure to always hire a licensed inspector to ensure you get a professional opinion.
Mold is an issue no homeowner or buyer wants to have. It not only has the potential to cause serious damage to your property but also puts your health, and that of your family also at risk. It is important to have a mold inspection done by a professional to ensure the quality and safety of your home. The cost of mold inspections is generally dependent on homesize. If you fear your home, or a home you’re interested in purchasing may have a mold issue contact us at Discount Water and Mold Removal today!
