What is Mold? Where is it found? Is it present in the home I am purchasing?
Mold has been around forever but we have been hearing a lot more about it in recent years. Mold grows in warm, wet/damp environments. This growth can be hazardous to your health and can be destructive to your home. Mold is sometimes visible to the eye. We can identify and take samples to be tested in a laboratory when it is visible.
Poor Ventilation, Water Penetration & Damp Conditions
Mold growth can be prevented and stopped by eliminating moisture and warmth; but it will not kill the mold that is already there. Existing mold must be removed and conditions maintained.
Attics, Basements, Kitchens and Bathrooms.
We have found mold in attics with poor ventilation, in basements with water penetration and various other areas. During a home inspection we can identify visible mold, and environment that could cause the growth. Mold can be found in attics with poor ventilation, in basements with water penetration and in kitchens and bathrooms in need of repair/maintenance.
For additional information on Mold check out these sites:
- The National Association of Home Builders to moldtips.com
- The EPA Brief Guide to “Mold & Moisture and Your Home”
“Beware of Fraud”
This video that tells it all – frankly I could not have said it better myself !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlQytXkRnOM
Is Mold testing included in the home inspection?
Mold is a natural substance. The hazard of this substance varies by the amount and type of mold present. As part of the inspection, we will be looking for issues that can contribute to the formation of mold and overgrowth.
We typically find issues with mold in attics, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. In attics, mold issues usually occur due to poor ventilation. In basements, typical mold issues occur due to water penetration and humidity. In kitchens and bathrooms, water and humidity issues are usually the cause of mold growth.
A home inspection is a visual inspection only, so we can only see what is visually accessible. If we see something that looks like mold, we will call it out to you and write it in the report as “a mold-like substance”. We cannot call out mold if it is not openly visually available and we do not offer air sampling.
Laboratory testing is required in order to determine if the substance is in fact mold and the type of mold. In the event that we call out mold, we are prepared to take a sample if you request. We offer laboratory testing at $195 per sample.
Due to these limitations we specially indicate that Mold is Not included in this inspection.
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