7 Reasons Home Buyers Should Get a Mold Inspection

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, mold may be present in up to 47% of residential homes in the United States.

While we may not think of mold exposure too much in the cold climate of Northeast PA, the sweltering heat of the summer combined with the poor ventilation that many older homes, unfortunately, provide can make any home the perfect breeding ground for mold. 

We recommend all home buyers and sellers conduct a separate mold inspection to protect their investment and bypass expensive mold remediation. Many clients are surprised to learn that mold is not typically caught on regular home inspections simply because it is so good at hiding behind surfaces we would never suspect. 

With that said, here are seven essential reasons all parties should conduct a mold inspection when transacting a home. 

What Is a Mold Inspection?

Not all mold is created equal. In some instances, we may find harmless species of mold that can be wiped away with a bleach solution, while others may necessitate professional mold remediation.

A mold inspection is a thorough examination of a property designed to detect three important things:

  1. The presence and extent of mold exposure in the home. 
  2. The species of mold and its threat level to human health.
  3. Potential sources of moisture or water damage that is accelerating the proliferation of mold growth.

During an inspection, our team of trained technicians will look at common areas where mold tends to be present, such as:

  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Bathrooms
  • HVAC Systems

What most of these areas have in common is close proximity to moisture and, typically, poor ventilation. 

Once we uncover mold in your home, it will be sent out for testing to determine its severity. 

Mold Inspection vs. Testing

As a small note of clarification, mold testing and inspections are different. In most cases, mold testing is recommended to determine whether or not the presence of mold in your home is dangerous. 

Nevertheless, we will recommend removing any mold found immediately. However, the difference will be whether or not professional remediation is required.

7 Reasons Every Home Buyer Should Get a Mold Inspection

Certainly, home inspections are an important part of the closing process, but why should you get a mold inspection? Doesn’t my regular home inspector check for mold anyway? 

1. Mold Inspections Are Not Included in Regular Home Inspections

Unfortunately, mold inspections are not included in a traditional home inspection. 

A home inspection aims to determine whether the house is liveable from a structural perspective. This includes looking at the roof, floors, walls, appliances, etc., to see any obvious signs of damage that may impact the home’s value or livability. 

However, mold tends to hide beneath the surface and requires separate investigation. Home inspectors simply don’t have the time to peel back every floorboard or peer behind your drywall to look for mold if there are no obvious signs already on these surfaces. 

That’s why a separate mold inspection is recommended, especially if an inspector does detect water damage during the initial inspection report. 

2. Protects Your Health

Mold exposure can cause a range of health problems, including:

  • Allergy like symptoms
  • Asthma attacks
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Rashes

For individuals with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems, mold exposure can worsen these symptoms over time. 

A mold inspection and testing can identify toxic species of mold, such as Stachybotrys (also known as black mold, to determine if remediation is required. 

3. Uncovers Potential Water Damage

Mold is a massive red flag pointing to potential water damage in your home. Remember, mold requires moisture to proliferate, so the presence of mold will indicate a possible leak or poor ventilation that does not allow excess humidity to exit the home.

4. Mold Can Weaken Structural Integrity

Water damage can warp wooden structures and lead to cracks in concrete that weaken the structural integrity of your home. But did you know that mold can also damage surfaces and degrade their integrity? 

Mold feeds on organic materials like cellulose, meaning that significant mold exposure behind drywall or floorboards can actually weaken these structures over time. 

5. Mold Cleanup Can Be Expensive

According to Architectural Digest, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,230 for mold remediation. When factoring in other closing costs, furnishing your home, and possibly paying for other repairs, this is an expense that most home buyers simply can’t afford. 

6. Buyers Can Negotiate a Better Deal

Instead of being on the hook for expensive mold remediation, buyers can pre-empt this expense by negotiating for the sellers to pay for the remediation before the sale of the home or by lumping it into the closing costs. Performing a mold inspection, along with other important inspections, such as radon or water quality, can help buyers avoid expensive repairs and protect their investment. 

7. Provides Helpful Advice for Future Mold Prevention

Our team of trained inspectors provides our clients with comprehensive advice on remediation and prevention so that they can avoid mold growth in their new homes. 

Performing a separate mold inspection may not be something you budgeted for, but it can help you save money, protect your investment, and preserve your health. For mold inspections in Northeast Pennsylvania, call the experts at Mountain to Valley Home Inspections for a free quote. 

FAQs

What does a mold inspection involve?

A mold inspection involves a visual assessment of the property, moisture readings, and sometimes air or surface sampling to detect the presence of mold spores. Inspectors will check common areas where mold grows, such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and HVAC systems.

How much does a mold inspection cost?

The cost of a mold inspection typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size of the home and the extent of the inspection. While this may seem like an added expense, it is minimal compared to the potential costs of mold remediation.

Can I perform a mold inspection myself?

While you can check for visible signs of mold and moisture, a professional mold inspection is recommended. Professionals have the tools and expertise to detect hidden mold and assess potential risks that you may not notice.


The Importance of Radon Inspections | Should I Get One?

After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. 

Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection estimates that 40% of PA homes have radon levels above the EPA recommended level. According to one chart, all counties in Northeast Pennsylvania are in the highest potential zone for radon exposure. 

This guide will illustrate the importance of radon inspections so you can decide whether or not one is right for you. 

Radon Overview: Why Should I Be Worried?

Radon is a silent gas that is found in all soil and rocks. The end product of radioactive decay, radon can destroy lung tissue when inhaled in large quantities.

Unfortunately, radon is ever-present around us, rising from the ground through cracks in your home’s foundation and entering homes where it becomes concentrated in high quantities. Due to its unstable nature, radon can differ in quantity among homes on the same street block or neighborhood. 

What Is a Radon Test?

Radon testing determines the level of radon gas in your home by the amount of picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Essentially, anything above 4 pCi/L is considered dangerous. 

Radon testing can either be administered by a professional certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) or with an at-home kit that your state agency can provide. 

There are generally two types of radon tests that can be administered for short-term or long-term readings: 

  • Passive Testing: A charcoal canister is sent to a lab to determine the amount of radon exposure.
  • Active Testing: An electronic device collects radon readings over a long period of time (90 days or more) to determine the amount of exposure. 

For more radon inspections, a passive or short-term test will suffice. However, if there are found to be unsafe levels of radon in the home, an active test may be employed for further observation. 

Is Radon Testing Included in My Home Inspection?

No, radon testing is not included in your home inspection, which is why it’s so important that homeowners looking to buy or sell a home should get a proper radon test. 

Importance of Radon Testing

As we explained, radon exposure can lead to several health complications, including lung cancer. Since radon levels tend to fluctuate the EPA even recommends getting tested every two to three years. Furthermore, they recommend all homes below three stories get tested as radon levels tend to be highest on the lowest levels of a home. 

Should I Trust DIY Radon Testing Kits?

While DIY kits are accurate, there are many reasons to trust a professional with your radon inspection.

First, like any test, results can be manipulated or obfuscated if the test collector does not follow the right procedures. This may result in an inaccurate number, putting your health at risk.

A professional radon inspection will be able to provide the most accurate results, even with a short-term test that can either spot or rule out the presence of high concentrations of radon. 

For trusted radon inspections in Northeast Pennsylvania, turn no further than the experts at Mountain to Valley Home Inspections–a certified radon inspector with decades of experience.

FAQs

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized testing. Radon can enter homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation and accumulate to dangerous levels.

Why is radon dangerous?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. When inhaled, radon gas releases radioactive particles that can damage lung tissue over time, increasing the risk of lung cancer. The risk is especially high for smokers exposed to elevated radon levels.

How does radon enter my home?

Radon enters homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, floors, and around pipes. It can also be released from well water. Because it comes from the ground, radon is often found in higher concentrations in basements or lower levels of a home, but it can be present at any level.