The Connection Between Real Estate Transactions and Mold Inspections | Mold Inspection Manalapan

The Connection Between Real Estate Transactions and Mold Inspections

Many people buying or selling a home or business worry about what the inspection will reveal. Unfortunately, mold is a common type of fungi that is found in structures of all kinds. Mold is usually black or brown in color, growing wherever there are damp, moist, shady conditions. That’s why you’ll frequently see it in bathrooms, attics, basements and crawl spaces, appearing as fuzzy dots on decaying wood or on the walls of your shower stall. Most mold is harmless, but when it involves toxic black mold, it can be deadly.

This may spur you on to wonder why mold is found in so many homes and buildings these days, despite so many advancements in building materials and practices.

The National Association of Realtors says this is due to three factors:

• Public awareness of the topic of mold has increased in recent years.
• Modern energy-efficient building practices actually encourage mold proliferation.
• More lawsuits are emerging where people sue over the presence and effects of mold. As a result, there have been many recent multimillion-dollar judgments.

Did you hear about the court in Texas that awarded a family $32 million from their insurance company due to mold exposure in their home? This amount was designed to cover property damage, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees.

It stands to reason, then, that mold liability is an increasing concern for many home and business owners, as well as real estate agents. Keep in mind that real estate agents are not experts on mold. However, they are legally required to disclose any information pertaining to the presence of mold to potential buyers. Many sellers understandably don’t even know they have mold until the building inspector tells them.

While you could conceivably wash away a few spots that may accumulate in your bathroom, using bleach or a similar household cleaning agent, it’s best you leave mold detection up to the experts because you never know which strain is present. Aspergillus and stachybotrus strains, for example, can be potently toxic, resulting in dangerous health conditions or even death with prolonged exposure.

Mold is known for flourishing unnoticed when out of sight, such as behind walls, under the roof, in insulation and even under carpeting, because humidity acts as a catalyst. This concealed mold grows out of control and releases spores into the air, which are then breathed in by occupants. Mold exposure is punctuated by respiratory problems, mold infections in the lungs, nasal stuffiness, headaches, fatigue and more.

Selling your home or business and suspect there is mold? Did your inspector reveal the presence of mold? Are you a real estate agent looking to close a deal on a home? You’ll have to disclose the mold presence to potential buyers, and it could compromise the sale of the building if you fail to get an expert to test and inspect for mold.

Stock Environmental Consulting is your resource for extensive mold testing and inspection. We can help you get this important matter addressed as quickly as possible to save the sale of the home or business in question. Schedule an appointment with us now at 732-383-5190.

Mold Inspection Manalapan | Mold Inspection Marlboro