By If you are thinking of purchasing a property, it is important to be aware of the potential for mold. Mold can cause health problems, including asthma and bronchitis, and can also damage property. Mold can be difficult to detect, but there are some tips that can help.
First, have a mold inspection on the structure for any signs of water damage or leaks. This may indicate that moisture is collecting and creating conditions suitable for mold growth. Second, look for black or brown patches on the walls or ceilings. This is a sign of mold growth and often indicates a high concentration of the fungus.
The third way is to look for spore prints. Spores are tiny structures that mold creates as it grows. They will most often form on surfaces that have been wetted or humidified, such as ceilings or walls. If you see spore prints, you should investigate the source of the moisture and make sure it is not coming from any leaks or cracks in the property’s foundation. Or of course, from mold.
Another way to detect mold is to smell it. Mold release a strong smell when it is growing and this smell can be detected actively using your nose.
Finally, always inspect the property in daylight. This will increases your chances of detecting mold growth in a property that you plan to purchase.
What To Do if You Discover Mold in a Property That You Want To Buy
If you’re considering purchasing a property and you discover mold, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Immediately contact the seller or property manager and let them know about the mold.
2. Make sure to take pictures of any areas that appear to be affected by mold, and document the condition of the property in general.
3. Request an inspection from a professional organization such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
If the condition of the property is determined to be dangerous due to mold, do not make an offer on it until it has been remediated. Be aware that if you do purchase a property with mold present, you may have difficulty selling it in the future if potential buyers are aware of the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are in the market to purchase a property, be sure to inspect it for any signs of mold. If you see any mold or spores, do not buy the property. Instead, have your real estate agent investigate the issue and find another property for you to invest in.
Author Bio
Building off over 3 decades of experience from working with his father Jim Mayfield (Mayfield Enterprises, Inc.), James mastered the industry in Foremanship for over 15 years on HAZMAT and Superfund Sites throughout Southern California. Among many other partners, we has worked with Project Navigator, RE Solutions, Crew Grading Inc., WSP, SCS Engineers, TRC Corporation, GeoSyntec, NV5 Environmental, Entact Corp, Waste by Rail, Michael Baker, ERRG, O&M Corp, Largo Concrete, B&D Construction, Xebec, WorkSmart, JLL Enterprises, Mayfield Enterprises, Inc., Arcadis, and more. In addition to being a Stanford-educated Professor with over 30 publications and books in several languages (see Academic Resume), James’ real passion lies in Construction-related Project Management, Environmental Cleanups, HAZMAT, Excavation, and Field Labor. We are also Minority-Owned. James Mayfield is a Native American citizen of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska.
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