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Don’t Fear the Mold Inspection! Especially When Buying or Selling a Home.

Where did mold come from all of a sudden?

Although awareness of mold issues in the home have only been in the news and on our minds for the last 15 years, mold has always been with us. As building materials evolve and homes become “tighter” to be more energy efficient, mold becomes more prevalent. Many times, the issue of mold does not come up until a home is being sold. Most states, including New Jersey, require a seller to disclose if their home has any mold issues, to the best of their knowledge. Unfortunately, mold likes to hide and is not always readily visible. Also, the average person may not know mold when they see it and some sellers can have “mold blindness” when it comes time to complete the seller’s disclosure form. Some mold can look like old water stains on wood, or blend in perfectly to the color of the wall behind it. A certified mold inspector is specifically trained to identify mold and the conditions that are ideal for mold growth.

The importance of a professional Mold Inspection.

Most home inspectors do a great job reviewing all aspects of a home, including identifying potential problems and issues. Some are even good at identifying potential mold issues. What they do not do is perform visual inspections that focus on mold, evidence of mold AND the conditions that create the perfect breeding ground for mold which are the key parts of a professional mold inspection. Additionally, a certified mold inspector is able to take surface and air samples that are laboratory tested to confirm or deny the presence of mold AND can identify the type of mold found, which is very important because of the varying health effects of different types of mold. Not every mold needs an air test to identify airborne mold spores to be remediated in the same way. Knowing which family of mold is present plays a part in the mold remediator’s plan for containment and cleanup. The ability to perform air sampling and surface sampling for lab testing is one of the signs you are working with a real professional mold inspection company. Many contractors, cleaners and waterproofers present themselves as “mold experts” and attempt to scare homeowners into purchasing unneeded mold remediaiton. Make sure your mold inspection company can perform lab tests, is insured and has a good reputation. The health hazards associated with mold can be significant for many people, so trust an expert for a professional mold inspection.

The cost of a professional Mold Inspection.

The cost varies depending on the size of the property, the amount of test samples taken and the particulars of each home. Expect to pay at least a couple of hundred dollars for a typical inspection. The cost of something missed during a mold inspection that can turn into an expensive house wide cleanup later on is not worth saving a few dollars during the house buying process. If you have questions about mold, mold inspections, mold remediations and potential costs, contact Mastertech Environmental at 973-346-2650 or 201-477-8360.

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