Facts About Mold Testing Prior To Purchasing A Home

Should a mold inspection by a certified professional be on a "Due Diligence" list when purchasing a home?  If the home is older?  If the home has been foreclosed?  Certainly not when a home is new, right?

Well, maybe.

The temptation to avoid spending a few hundred dollars on a good mold inspection is certainly great.  The market is loaded with purchasers who are pulling their hair out dealing with problems that could have been caught prior to purchasing.  What are the reasons a purchaser would hire a mold professional to look over that bargain?

1. The home was foreclosed at one time.  The chances are good that power was also disconnected.  That would mean that climate control was not operating for some time.  The chances that humidity has caused problems is very high.  Mold Rule #1, it must have moisture to grow.

2. During a walk-through, signs of water leaks, rotted kitchen or bathroom cabinets were found, or there was a "musty" smell.  Remember, mold must have moisture to grow.

3. One of the future occupants has severe allergies, is elderly (or very young), or has a compromised immune system.  Most people think that HIV/AIDS patients are the only immuno-compromised individuals, but those with diabetes, asthma, Rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin deficiencies, chronic sleep disorders, cigarette smoking and chemotherapy patients should all be considered to have a compromised immune system.  See http://goo.gl/cig3 

4. Peace of mind.  If the roof is new, was the old roof leaking?  If the interior painting is fresh, could it be covering up old water damage?  Mold and water damage are not always visible.  Let the people who know help you with answers.

While many home inspectors offer mold testing, a professional mold inspection is truly the best alternative.  Many home inspectors in Florida offer mold testing at a very reasonable price to go along with the home inspection.  While many home inspectors offer certificates that they attended a four to eight hour course on mold testing, they often do not have the experience a certified mold inspector has.  If the person offering the mold testing cannot explain the difference between the types of mold that could be found, they are not the person to bet your family's future upon. 

Florida now licenses Home Inspectors, Mold Assessors and Mold Remediators.   Experience in each field is the key to licensure.  Many mold inspection firms offer discounts for pre-purchase mold inspections if a recent home inspection report is available to them.