In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on why mold is a major concern in any home you’re considering purchasing, plus some possible signs that it might be present. Whether a home seller is actively trying to conceal mold from you or simply isn’t aware that it’s present, being able to spot these signs yourself as you inspect the home and negotiate with the seller is very important.
At Aerolite Consulting, we’re happy to offer the very best home inspection services in Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, including testing for environmental contaminants like mold to help buyers be aware of any such presence in the home they’re considering. What are some other ways you’ll find out about such a presence, and which should cause you to immediately schedule a mold inspection with our team if you have not already set this up? Here’s a primer.
Seller Disclosure
In some cases, especially if you’re dealing with an honest home seller who has a good realtor advising them, the seller will be forthcoming with you about having had moisture issues in the home. They may even note that they did their best to resolve the issue, but if mold was found, they didn’t hire anyone to do any testing or remediation.
If asked point blank if there is mold in the house, sellers will need to answer honestly. However, our experience has been that even if mold is present, many sellers will take the approach that they “can’t see any” themselves, which isn’t exactly a guarantee of safety for you. If their disclosure statement at closing indicates that no tests have been done for mold or other contaminants in the home, we’d recommend proposing and accepting an amendment to this language requiring them to have a professional mold inspection done within the next 30 days, which you will pay for.
Agent Expertise
Your real estate agent, who will often be touring homes with you, has likely been inside hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. They’ve seen many examples of mold, and know some of the additional signs that might be present. Watch for them to bring up the issue of mold on their own, which is an indicator that they’re concerned enough about it to have done some research on their own. You can also let them know you’d like a mold inspection completed prior to accepting any purchase offer, and see what they say.
Mold Inspection
Finally, a mold inspection should be a standard part of most home purchase situations — if you haven’t already had one done. Mold is extremely common in older homes, and can be found hidden behind walls or under floors, including crawl spaces. Even if the house doesn’t have visible signs of mold, it may still present serious indoor air quality concerns which need to be addressed. The best way to know for sure is to get a professional inspection completed by an expert in the matter. At Aerolite Consulting, that’s what we do best.
For more on the ways you’ll learn about mold in a home you’re considering, or to learn about any of our home inspections or environmental contaminant checks in SLC and surrounding areas, speak to the staff at Aerolite Consulting today.
