Discovering mold in your home can be unsettling, whether you’re nestled in your longtime residence, on the brink of buying a dream house, or preparing to sell. The initial question that then emerges is: How much does a mold inspection cost, and is it necessary? This guide provides expert insights about mold inspections, addressing costs and underlining the importance for current homeowners spotting mold, homebuyers deliberating the expense, and sellers contemplating a pre-listing inspection. “Mold issues are primarily due to water intrusion,” says Bret Pfeifer, the lead inspector at Golden State Mold Inspections in California, a state prone to mold issues. “Unknown leaks are the leading cause of significant mold remediation work. These are usually in the kitchen and bathrooms because of plumbing issues.” He explains that mold thrives in these moist environments, making your home a potential hotspot if conditions are right. Here are the main culprits behind mold growth: Ed Kaminsky is a HomeLight Elite Agent with nearly 40 years of experience. He says when people are looking to buy or sell a home, mold often comes up in the conversation. “Every house has some type of mold, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the “bad” mold, as they call it,” he explains. “Whether you’re buying or selling, there’s an education process you should go through about what type of mold it is.” If you notice signs of mold in your home, it’s important to act swiftly to address the problem. Here are the steps you can take: 1. Identify the source: Look for any leaks, condensation, or high-humidity areas that could be contributing to mold growth. 2. Limit the spread: Keep the affected area dry and well-ventilated. Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. 3. Consult a professional: For peace of mind and a thorough assessment, consider hiring a mold inspection service to determine the extent of the issue and the best course of action. If you’re buying or selling a home, and a mold issue shows up on a home inspection report, you’ll likely need to order a specialized mold inspection. “An existing mold issue will eventually be discovered,” Pfeifer cautions. “Either during escrow or, even worse, after close of escrow. It’s better to get out ahead of it. The issues won’t fix themselves and tend to get worse with time.” However, mold can sometimes be present in a walkthrough, and not listed as a health concern on a standard home inspection report. However, a buyer or seller might still want to purchase a separate mold inspection. “It often falls more on the personality of the buyer or seller, or the health concerns of the parties involved — more so than the mold itself,” Kaminsky says. “It can be very minor and just common household molds, and that moisture issue has just got to be taken care of, and that solves it pretty quick and fast.”What causes mold in a house?
What do I do if I suspect a mold issue?
