Purchasing a home is a significant undertaking, especially if that property comes with existing issues, such as mold. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether a house has this particular problem, which is why you need to have a professional home inspector look over each room. Learn more about how mold can affect your closing, including some tips for making your final home buying decision, below.

Where to Look for Mold Issues

Mold tends to thrive in dark, damp places, so keep an eye open when you walk through the bathroom, basement, and attic, and take a look behind appliances in the kitchen. In addition to seeing spots on the wall or ceiling, also pay attention if you smell the distinct musty odor of mold.

However, your observations shouldn’t be the final word, since a professional home inspector can give you a clearer picture of the extent of the problem. For example, some spots can be easily remediated, while others may indicate significant leaks or structural issues.

How Mold Impacts a Home’s Value

Mold almost always negatively impacts a home’s value since it can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. Mold remediation may also be a very involved depending on the cause, especially if the spores are the result of a roof leak or foundation crack. These problems may cost even more to address, so knowing what you are dealing with prior to purchase is always a good choice.

How to Determine Your Next Steps

Just because a home has mold, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to walk away. Once you've had a home inspector give you an idea of the extent of the damage, you may need to contact a remediation company to fix the issue. Also, you could ask the seller to handle remediation before closing. Please be aware that just cleaning up the mold may only be a temporary solution, that’s why consulting with a qualified contractor is always recommended. 

If you’re looking for a home inspector who can evaluate your dream space, contact New Home Inspectors in Huntington Station, NY. Serving customers throughout Long Island, this company brings 30 years of construction expertise to every job. The team is also certified and insured, so you can always feel confident in the quality of their work and the accuracy of their insights. Visit their website to see a full list of their services, or call (631) 368-1800 to schedule an inspection.