Selling a House with Mold Problems: What You Need to Know
Going through a home sale can be a stressful process for everyone involved. Between all the preparation, finding a realtor, and all the inspections, your to-do list can feel a mile long. After all that work, what happens if a once enthusiastic buyer suddenly backs out? One issue could be the discovery of mold. If you’re in the middle of a home sale and suddenly discover a mold problem, the worst thing to do is ignore it. However, selling a house with mold problems doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Getting ahead of the issue can help increase your home value and help you seal the deal.
Where Does Mold Come From?
One of the most unsettiling things about mold is that it can exist – and even thrive – all around your home without your knowledge. It can grow behind walls, beneath the carpet, and even under the roof. Mold’s main food source is actually the structure of your home itself, which is built with organic matter. Wallpaper, subfloor, and wood beams are all ideal foods that mold uses to grow, and moisture is often present in those areas. That gives mold the ideal environment to grow and spread undisturbed. While water damage and leaks are common culprits in mold problems, they’re not the only thing that can bring mold into your home. Since mold spores exist all around us, they simply need to find the right environment. That could be slightly high humidity or a room with poor ventilation.
What to Do Before Selling a House with Mold Problems
Inspection
So how do you know if you have mold if it can hide around the house? Before you sell, part of your preparation checklist should include a mold inspection. Not only will a proper inspection determine the presence of mold, but it will also tell you what kind and exactly where it’s located. Be sure to consult a licensed mold expert since they’ll have the proper training and tools to detect mold, even if it’s behind walls. They’ll even be able to help you find the cause of mold if there is one. Leak detection is a tool that mold professionals use that includes moisture meters and other high-tech equipment that can pinpoint a specific cause of mold. An inspection will stop you from selling a house with mold problems that could lead to issues for both you and the buyer.
Testing
After you’ve determined that you have mold, it’s time for testing. At iMold, we refer you to a third-party mold testing service for accurate results. From there, you’ll have a comprehensive idea of what you’re dealing with and can make a plan of action. Testing is important because it can show the type of mold you have and more details about your specific problem.
Remediation
Once you receive your test results, it’s time to start mold removal and remediation. This can be a multi-step process depending on the severity of your mold problem, but it’s a necessary one. Mold can silently damage the structure of your home, which will be found during a routine home inspection. While mold itself might not be found, the damage it causes will, so it’s important to address the damage before continuing the home-selling process. Mold removal experts will use special cleaners with the right techniques to contain and remove the damage without spreading it further. Since disrupting mold will release more spores into the air, it’s important to leave this part to someone who knows what they’re doing. Removing mold might include removing parts of the affected area, like drywall or flooring. Then you can proceed to the final step.
Repairs
If repairs are needed after removal, it’s a good idea to work with a contractor you can trust. One with experience in mold damage repair can often give you the best results without causing any more damage. They can even take care of upgrades or remodeling while you’re at it, which can improve your property value. Although repairs can be invasive (and expensive), they’re a necessary step in making sure you’re selling a mold-free home.
Why You Need to Handle a Mold Problem Before Selling
Mold is known to cause structural damage. Not only that, but it can have adverse health effects. Living with mold is dangerous, and the issue should be handled immediately. So instead of selling a house with mold problems, call in the experts at iMold. We’re fully licensed and insured mold inspectors and remediators, providing free inspections in Southwest Florida. Knowing whether or not you have mold will help you feel confident when putting your house up for sale, and we’re the fast and most effective team you can rely on to give you results. Contact us today for a free home mold inspection and follow iMold on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about how & what we do and find helpful tips about mold.