If you've ever gone through the process of buying a home, you know there are so many things to consider. These include such elements as location and number of bedrooms.
But there is one little-known item to worry about amidst all the hustle and bustle that goes along with making an offer and closing on your new abode: hidden mold.
While you may think a house is perfectly fine just because it looks clean on the surface, that may not be enough to ensure the air quality within is safe and breathable.
Hidden mold can be a serious health hazard, and it can also be difficult to spot. Let us look at the different ways you can detect hidden mold in your home so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth the risk.
Mold at Home
Buying a home can be a stressful and hectic process. The last thing you want to do is worry about hidden mold in your new home. However, this can become a real concern if you are not careful. While it may seem unlikely, molds can grow in some of the most surprising places in your home. Here are some common places where mold can hide:
Attics
Basements
Behind walls and ceilings
Furnace ducts
Under kitchen sinks or bathroom cabinets
Garage walls
Closets
How Would You Know if There is Mold?
When buying a home, you must know what you're getting into. And one of the first things you should look for is hidden mold.
Mold can be difficult to detect, especially in a basement or attic, where it can grow without being seen. Here are some tips on how to find out if your next home has a problem with mold:
1. Look Around the Basement or Attic. If you're buying an older home, there's a good chance it has an unfinished basement or attic. These areas are especially prone to mold because they often have minimal ventilation and are dark places where moisture can accumulate easily. If you notice any discoloration on the walls or ceiling of these rooms, it's time for further investigation.
2. Check for Signs of Water Damage in Other Parts of the House as Well. Mold can spread quickly if there is moisture in your home from leaks or flooding from rainstorms and hurricanes.
3. Watch Out for Musty Smells and Humidity Levels When Touring Properties. If the home you’re looking at smells musty or has high humidity levels, there could be a mold problem.
4. Get an Inspection from a Professional Inspector with Experience Identifying Mold Problems. A qualified inspector will use specialized equipment that detects hidden spores before they become visible signs of mold growth.
Conclusion
Mold is a dangerous and insidious problem that can sneak up on you. It’s easy to overlook the signs of hidden mold in your home, especially if you don’t know what to look for. But you must do whatever it takes to detect hidden mold early to protect yourself and those around you from its effects.
If you are worried that you may have a mold problem in your home, it is important to get it checked out by a professional. Let's Do It Home Inspections will provide you with a thorough mold inspection in Birmingham, AL. Contact us now.