There are many things to consider when buying a home. You want to secure a loan from the bank, make sure the property is in a neighborhood you like, all while thoroughly checking for any damages or problems. One issue you need to look out for is mold. Mold, especially black mold, can be hiding in plain sight. Although it might seem fairly innocuous, if left untreated, it can wreak havoc on a property and your health. Take these three precautions when looking at potential homes, so you don’t end up with a seemingly never-ending mold problem.

Check Yourself

Mold could be inside the walls or within the home’s structure tucked out of the line of vision. But there are occasions when signs of mold will be visible to you. Some signs to be on the lookout for include excessive moisture levels in the home, standing water, wet markings on walls, or dank smells in areas that have water fixtures.

Hire a Home Inspector

The best way to avoid buying a home with black mold is by hiring a home inspector. An inspector is professionally trained to see signs of mold or water damage. If they so much as suspect a trace of water damage that could be connected to mold, they’ll press the issue and look further to either confirm or deny its presence.

Talk to the Seller

Lastly, you can make a good faith effort to talk to the home’s previous owner. There are some states that require sellers to disclose mold-related issues. However, no matter where you live, you can ask for disclosure and hope it’s provided. Talking to the former owner about their issues with the home will help you avoid future problems and put your mind at ease.

Do you have a black mold problem and need assistance? The knowledgeable team at Rainbow Environmental Services in Cincinnati, OH, can help you with removing mold, asbestos, or lead paint. The company also offers basic home inspections if you’re considering buying a property in the near future. For more information about their services, visit their website or call (513) 624-6470.