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Moldy houses are a huge problem. If you are in the market to buy a house, you must know what to look for to avoid buying a home with mold. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key things that you need to be aware of when purchasing a new home. We will also provide tips on preventing mold from forming in your new home.
It’s in the smell: One of the most obvious signs that a house has mold is if it smells musty. If you notice this smell when viewing a potential new home, it is important to investigate further. You should ask the seller or real estate agent about the history of mold in the home. If they are not forthcoming with information, it may be best to move on to another property.
Look for water damage: Water damage is one of the main causes of mold growth. When viewing a new home, look for any signs of water damage, such as stains on walls or ceilings, warping floorboards, or peeling paint. These can all indicate past or present water leaks, leading to mold growth.
Be aware of the environment: The type of environment in which a home is located can also be a factor in mold growth. Homes located in humid or damp areas are more susceptible to mold growth. If you live in an area with high humidity, it is important to reduce the moisture levels in your home. This can include using a dehumidifier, running fans, or opening windows on low-humidity days.
Condensation or High Humidity: One of the most common causes of mold is condensation. When the air inside your home is warm and humid, it can cause water to form on cold surfaces, such as windows or pipes. This water can drip down onto surfaces below, providing the perfect environment for mold to grow. If you notice any condensation in your new home, be sure to dry it up immediately and ventilate the area to prevent further growth.
Visible mold: Of course, one of the most obvious signs that a home has mold is if you can see it. Mold typically appears as black, green, or white patches on surfaces. If you see any mold in a potential new home, be sure to have it professionally inspected and remediated before moving in.
Ways to check for mold before buying a new home:
While there are many different signs of mold, not all of them are obvious in sight. Often, sellers disguise the obvious signs of mold to sell their homes quicker. As a result, it’s important to take your time when inspecting a new home and look for any of the following signs that could indicate the presence of mold:
Not having adequate ventilation: One of the most common places for mold to grow is in bathrooms and kitchens, where there is little to no ventilation. If you notice that a potential new home doesn’t have exhaust fans in the bathroom or kitchen, this could be a sign that the previous owner was trying to hide mold growth.
Plumbing issues: A history of plumbing problems is another indicator that a home may have had mold growth in the past. If you notice that a potential new home has had multiple leaks or flooding issues, this should be a red flag.
Stains on walls or ceilings: Water stains on walls or ceilings are another telltale sign of past or present water damage, which can lead to mold growth. If you see any suspicious stains in a potential new home, ask the seller about their origin.
Performing mold test on a new home:
One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t get cheated into buying a new home with a history of mold problems is to perform a mold test. A mold test kit can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.
These kits usually contain everything you need to collect samples and send them to a lab for testing. If the results of your mold test come back positive, it is important to have the mold professionally removed before moving into your new home.
If you are having trouble using a mold kit, you can also perform an air sample check. These are typically performed by HVAC professionals and can give you a good indication of the mold spore levels in the air. If your air sample check results come back positive for mold, it is important to have the area professionally cleaned before moving in.
Mold can be a serious problem, so it’s important to know the signs when buying a new home. By taking the time to inspect potential homes carefully and perform mold tests, you can avoid ending up with a moldy house.
If you think there is a chance that a home may have mold, it is important to err on the side of caution and have it professionally inspected. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it is not worth taking the risk.
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