Home buyers often have concerns about mold, but are the concerns justified?

Posted Dec. 22nd 2011 under Buying Real Estate

Mold gets a bad rep! There are various types of mold and only a few are actually harmful to people, many forms of mold are actually very beneficial and are responsible for many scientific break-throughs. Molds are microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments that are called 'hyphae'.

Mold must be present in large quantities to have an effect on people.

Mold likes to eat wood cellulose and can potentially affect the structural integrity of wood. Some insurance companies have excluded mold damage from both first and third party coverage but as another option insurance can be obtained for specific environment insurance that includes mold coverage.

Smell should be the first red flag, even with cosmetic cover ups. If moisture damage has built up in the basement over the years, its smell will be revealed right away. Mold can be caused by water damage or excessive humidity, poor ventilation, wet construction materials or poor construction design.

When viewing a home inspect moisture prone areas such as.

1. Basements
2. Bathrooms
3. Kitchen Cupboards
4. Discolouration on finishes
5. Spotty patterns revealing visible mold growth

Yes they can usually be solved. The source of the moisture needs to be located and stopped and then the mold needs to be removed. If you have any concerns, then seek professional advice. Remember having the knowledge and knowing what to do is worth its weight in gold.