November 15, 2020
Indoor mold growth can significantly devalue a home. Interestingly, some potential home buyers consider it a good thing because it usually makes a property more affordable. However, no wise person would deliberately purchase a home that’s been infested with mold.
Mold not only looks unsightly but also carries the risk of health hazards. Living in a moldy environment can cause a range of symptoms, including allergies, skin sensitivity, stuffy nose, wheezing, and eye irritation, to name a few.
Every year, homeowners in America spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on mold removal and remediation services. If you want to be able to move into your new house immediately without having to spend extra time and money on improving its livability, it’s important to check the property for hidden mold growth.
Here are the basic steps for DIY mold inspection that you should follow:
Look for Signs of Previous Water Damage
If there are any obvious signs of prolonged water damage on the premises, expect to find mold growing somewhere nearby.
Some areas that are commonly affected by water damage include:
Baseboards
Bottom of a drywall
Plumbing lines in the bathroom and kitchen
Pipes leading into the house
Unfinished walls dividing the finished and unfinished area in the basement
Walls bearing household appliances that have a water supply line, such as washing machine and air conditioner
Check Common Areas Susceptible to Mold Growth
Mold thrives in cold, damp and dark places. It can settle on and prolifically reproduce in areas where there is a high level of moisture in the air. Therefore, look under sinks and bathtubs, around all household drains, and at the ceiling joists as well, especially in the basement.
The roof sheathing and framing the attic are also prone to fungal growth, so pay attention to them too.
Trust Your Sense of Smell
If there’s a damp, musty odor at your place or your house just smells off in any way, there’s a good chance there are elevated levels of mold spores present indoors. This definitely calls for further investigation and testing of air quality by a professional mold remediation company.