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Mold Mitigation in Homes and Buildings- Posted by an EcoBroker Cerified Agent in CO

By Cyrus Green

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado

July 04, 2007 02:57 AM

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Molds occur naturally in our environment. They reproduce by means of tiny spores. When a person touches or inhales mold or mold spores, sensitive individuals may have an allergic reaction. The key to mold control is moisture control, as mold spores cannot reproduce without moisture or water. Controlling moisture reduces the threat of mold problems. Where mold is already a problem, you must clean it up. Qualified mold mitigation contractors can be very helpful in cleaning up mold problems and preventing costly damage and/or adverse health reactions.

Estimated Cost Savings:
When it comes to controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth in homes, cost savings are measured in terms of health benefits and preventing damage to your home and furnishings. Mold eventually destroys things it grows on. Eliminating mold growth saves money and avoids potential health problems associated with toxic molds and/or allergic reactions to all types of mold.

Issues:
Molds cannot be completely eliminated, as they are a part of our natural environment. Fixing your water or moisture problem will prevent mold problems from developing. Some molds can be toxic and homeowners should not attempt to remove such types of mold.

Regional Issues:
Some geographic regions are naturally more humid than others. Areas on the coast or near large lakes and areas that receive large amounts of precipitation are more likely to have moist climates. In these areas, moisture is ever-present and homes are more vulnerable to mold.

Getting It Done:
Be sure to get bids from two or three (or more) experienced mold mitigation contractors. Multiple bids will allow you to gain immediate perspective on a fair cost for quality mold mitigation.

More Information On This Topic:

Energy and Environmental Building Association: Mold Issues

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

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Rick Bunzel

Pacific Crest Inspections - Anacortes, WA

Mold is one of the four letter words in Real Estate. Fortunately in Colorado with its low humidity you see much less than we in the Pacific NW do. However I did inspect for several years in the Boulder and Fort Collins area and found a number of cases. Slow plumbing leaks - ice maker line leaking at the wall, 2) Leak in the washer drain 3) Pin hole leaks in Polybutylene or copper lines. Leaks around the roofs particularly at the junction where flashing is missing.

My tip of the day is to avoid mold cleanup guys. If they advertise with MOLD in the company name, don't walk but run away from them. A better suggestion is to use a restoration company. Restoration company deal with flood damage on a regular basis and byproducts such as mold. 2) Document all the cleanup efforts. When it come to selling the home proper documentation can erase some of the concern that problem still exist.

//Rick

Jul 04, 2007 03:26 AM

Cyrus Green

Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado - Fort Collins, CO

e-PRO, EcoBroker

Thanks for the comment Rick. I do not completely agree, however. I think there are reputable and competant Mold remediation specialists out there who just happen to use the word mold in thier company name. The word does scare consumers, but I can't in good concious exclude a company based on the company name. They could be the best around at what they do, but just chose a poor business name.

I also can see where a mold specialist could scare the seller into huge concessions. If I am representing a buyer, and there is mold... I want that seller to be pacing and wringing thier hands in worry. This helps my client by creating uncertainty. The mold, asbestos and lead paint boogey men can help to make a case for seller concessions. It's an ill wind that blows nobody good! Thanks for your input, I appreciate your post.

Jul 04, 2007 03:43 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Thanks for all of the resources. We had a very good home inspector who detected at least 2 different types of mold in a home and suggested that further testing was indicated and should be done by a qualified mold inspection company. The sellers agent started on a "Rant" right in front of my clients saying this was just a "gimmick" to let the buyers get out of contracts! I couldn't believe my ears -- The most ironic part was that the buyers really wanted the house and were willing to work with the sellers to do further testing -- however, this was a real turnoff and insulting to the buyers. It turned out the broker told the agent since it had to be disclosed -- should be tested. It was tested -- and it was the really bad mold!

Jul 04, 2007 05:33 AM

Mold Mitigation in Homes and Buildings- Posted by an EcoBroker Cerified Agent in CO

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