Dealing With Mold When Buying A Home
When looking to buy a home, potential purchasers are generally concerned with finding the right size and type of property, in a particular desired location. The more specific details you add to your new home wish list, such as a large outdoor area, lots of storage, or a fireplace, the harder it is to find the specific place that is right for you. Buying a home is a major investment, so it is worth putting in the time and effort to get the features you want. Unfortunately, once you finally find the home that seems perfect for you, the building inspection may reveal conditions that are less than ideal. Mold is one of those things that makes homebuyers wary, and can be a deal breaker despite the other features the house possesses. Should you buy a home that has mold or shows the potential for a mold problem? The following are some suggestions to help guide you through this potential issue.
The Causes and Ramifications of Mold In A Home
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the presence of mold can be found pretty much everywhere, both in the air and on surfaces, including those inside and outside of your home. Exposure to mold can cause a runny nose, wheezing, and breathing difficulties, and those with severe mold allergies can suffer potentially serious and even life threatening reactions. Mold enters the home through doorways, heating and cooling vents, and windows, and it generally grows in places that have been exposed to moisture. A home inspection which reveals mold can indicate underlying issues, including the following:
- Leaks in the roof or ceiling materials;
- Problems with inadequate insulation;
- Gaps around doors and windows which allow moisture to get in;
- Cracks in the home’s exterior or foundation;
- Previous water or flood damage.
Smaller areas of mold on hard surfaces, such as on a section of your wall or ceiling, can be removed by using a strong bleach mixture, using care not to spread the mold spores to other areas. If you have carpeting or insulation materials affected by mold, they will need to be thrown out and replaced, while mold in a large area must be dealt with by a professional.
Should You Buy A Home That Shows Signs Of Mold?
While mold was once a deal breaker when discovered by potential home owners, a Wall Street Journal report claims there are situations in which you may wish to go ahead and proceed with the sale. While the overall amount of mold damage could require extensive repairs to correct the problem, it is not unusual to have to invest a certain amount of money in making repairs or upgrades in a home that meets your needs in other areas. The bigger concern is whether your building inspector can locate the source of the mold. While knowing where the mold originates can guide you in taking the necessary corrective measures, not knowing what is causing mold in your home can result in future headaches. In addition, if the mold originates from flood damage, you may find either it difficult to get a homeowner’s insurance policy, or the rates could be more than you planned to spend.
Reach Out to Us for Help
If you are considering buying a home, get the professional legal guidance you need and contact our experienced New York real estate attorneys. At Cavallo & Cavallo, we are your neighborhood law firm, providing the kind of full service real estate assistance you need to ensure you are protected when buying a home.
