Northeast Pennsylvania is known for having cold winters and fairly warm summers. While it doesn’t rain as much as, say, Portland, annual rain and snowfall totals are higher than national averages, producing a somewhat wet and humid climate throughout the year.
However, rain and excess heat are not the only causes of mold inside homes. Water damage from leaky or busted pipes can often cause massive damage hidden beneath your walls, one of which is mold.
Unfortunately, mold mostly lies beneath the surfaces of homes and can be easily missed during a home inspection. Among all of the additional closing costs you need to negotiate during a home transaction, a mold inspection may be one you’re liable to overlook.
Even if you own a home and have discovered signs of a water leak or poor ventilation, a mold inspection can be very valuable to your health.
What Are the Health Effects of Mold Exposure?
Mold is a fungus that can enter our lungs when we breathe in or irritate our skin when we come in contact with it. While some strains of mold are more dangerous than others, the CDC lists the general symptoms of mold exposure as:
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Soar throat
- Wheezing or coughing
- Asthma-like symptoms
The effects are worse for people who are immunocompromised.
While it is possible to live among mold, it can greatly affect your quality of life and point to deeper issues in your home.
Why Mold Points to Deeper Issues in Your Home
Mold requires moisture in order to reproduce, which is why mold is found on wet surfaces of your home. While mold in and of itself is certainly hazardous, it can point to one of two issues in your home:
- Previous or existing water damage
- Poor ventilation
The former could mean deeper structural issues if the water damage was not properly repaired before putting the home on the market. Water-damaged homes value significantly less and can have other outstanding issues, such as pests or a musty odor that lingers.
Poor ventilation will also need to be fixed and will certainly be marked in a home inspection report.
Where Does Mold Typically Grow in a Home?
What makes mold so difficult to detect with a visual inspection is that mold typically grows on the inside of your home, behind your walls and floorboards.
While some areas, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, may be more prone to mold, mold can grow just about anywhere there is exposure to moisture.
The most common areas in a home where mold is found include:
- Behind walls that have had water damage
- In damp basements with poor ventilation (typically on ceilings and walls)
- Underneath sinks with water leaks
- Underneath floor boards where water has seeped through
- In HVAC systems that have not been properly cleaned
- Inside chimneys
- Between windowsills and screens
- Behind outdoor shutters exposed to the elements
- Around siding and decks that have not been properly sealed or stained
How Does a Mold Inspection Differ from a Regular Inspection?
Mold inspections differ from regular inspections, which investigate the areas above where mold is most commonly found. A mold inspector is specially trained and licensed by a credentialed agency to know where to look for mold and what signs to look for.
These signs often include:
- Previous water damage in the home.
- Areas with poor ventilation, such as bathrooms.
- Homes without proper waterproofing, such as sump pumps.
Your mold inspector will also send off any mold samples they find for testing to determine the species, hazard level, and best course of action.
When Is a Mold Inspection Recommended?
While we recommend conducting a mold inspection anytime before purchasing a home, there are several situations where it may be more recommended than others:
- You are buying or selling a home.
- The home lies in a flood zone.
- The home is older and has poor ventilation.
- The home shows previous signs of water damage.
- The home is well taken care of and has other issues.
How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost?
Many people may be interested in a mold inspection but put off by the cost. According to Angi’s List, the national average for mold inspection costs ranges between $302 to $1,046. However, prices in Northeast Pennsylvania tend to fall on the lower end of the range and you can shop around among several inspectors for a more competitive quote.
In our opinion, the cost of a mold inspection is well worth it compared with the cost of mold remediation and the ability to potentially bundle these costs into closing or have the seller cover them.
Is a Mold Inspection Worth It?
It can be easy to forgo a mold inspection, but there are many personal and financial benefits that the added peace of mind of having a mold-free home can afford.
- Identify Hidden Issues: Mold often grows in concealed areas like behind walls, under flooring, or in HVAC systems, which aren’t typically assessed during standard home inspections. Detecting these hidden problems early can save you from future surprises.
- Protect Your Health: Mold exposure poses risks to your health, especially if you or your family members have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. A mold inspection ensures a safer environment in your new home.
- Prevent Costly Repairs: Mold remediation and repairing underlying issues like leaks can be expensive. Identifying problems during the inspection phase allows for price negotiations or requiring the seller to make repairs.
- Assess Moisture Problems: Mold is a symptom of moisture issues such as leaks, poor drainage, or inadequate ventilation. Understanding the source of moisture can help prevent long-term damage and recurring mold growth.
- Ensure a Safe Investment: A mold inspection provides peace of mind, ensuring that your financial investment is sound and you won’t face unexpected remediation costs post-purchase.
When it comes down to brass tax, ordering a mold inspection is a matter or risk vs peace of mind. While some people may be put off by the cost of a mold inspection, it is also significantly less than the cost of remediation and can be covered by the seller in some cases. Overall, we like to say that you can’t put a price on peace of mind or your health.
FAQs
Do I need a mold inspection if the house looks clean?
Yes, mold can grow in hidden areas like behind walls, under carpets, or inside HVAC systems, even in clean-looking homes.
Are mold inspections included in regular home inspections?
No, mold inspections are typically separate and require a specialist to conduct air and surface testing.
What happens if mold is found during the inspection?
You can negotiate with the seller to address the issue, reduce the purchase price, or decide not to proceed with the purchase. Read more on what to do if you find mold in your home.