Special offer

Should You Avoid Mold When Building or Decorating?

By
Home Inspector with WWW.ExecutiveRestoration.Com

            The media is full of horror stories today about toxic mold.  They’re reported from all over the world, and most people have begun to pay attention to them and to take care of water problems or mold as soon as they discover it.  Many people are aware now of some of the symptoms to look for when you suspect illness caused by dangerous mold.  I believe, however, that the average home or property owner has failed to consider mold when they are building and decorating a new structure or redecorating and renovating an old one.  The best way to begin to solve this problem is to survey your structure to see what needs to be done.  If you’re building, check as plumbing is installed and foundations are laid to be sure no water gets within walls.  In older homes, any evidence of water leaks should be examined. You also want to verify with sampling and testing from a lab to verify you have an active mold issue and if you do have Mold, to see what you have been exposed to for health reasons.  What type of Mold is present and what health concerns will the lab tell us about the kind of Molds you have.

          Choose materials for your home that are resistant to mold or that discourage its growth.  For example, have kitchen cabinets built to the ceiling so that dust won’t gather on the tops.  Choose flooring other than carpet because the fabric in carpeting holds dirt, dust mites, or pet hair and can grow mold if it becomes wet.  Use water-resistant drywall where appropriate.  Avoid fabric in furniture like couches, headboards, chairs, and drapes.  Use wood, leather, or shades that can be cleaned easier and won’t collect dust.  Set your bed on slats instead of platforms to allow the bedding to breathe.  Reduce the number of knickknacks, books, or wall hangings you have because they often are dust collectors.  Choose paint that is washable and can be wiped clean.

          Mold is especially likely to be found on things that have been stored for a while or that require water for maintenance, so be careful that holiday items or interior plants don’t have mold growing on them.  Look carefully at your closet.  If you organize it, you can store more things there that need to be removed from other areas of your home.  The house and closet will look neater, and things will be easier to find.  If you do find any evidence of mold or water damage as you look through your home that you have not been aware of, you should take steps to have the area checked immediately.  A reliable mold remediation company can detect mold in the air, on objects, and even behind walls when they come out to conduct a mold inspection.  For your safety and peace of mind, as well as the safety of your home and loved ones, don’t underestimate the dangers that accompany the presence of mold. 

David Snell is the owner and operator of Executive Restoration and he has been in business since 1987.  Call David for assistance.  He is passionate about Mold Inspections and Mold Removal.

WWW.EXECUTIVERESTORATION.COM

704-545-0098