FAQ
Mold Inspection and Remediation FAQ
Mold Inspection when Buying or Selling Your Washington, D.C. Home
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to buying or selling a home in Washington, D.C. Make sure your checklist is in order. While many aspects stand out immediately, some accidentally get swept under the rug. For one, you may not know about a house’s ventilation and plumbing system. This negligence can lead to dangerous mold. At Indoor Green Solutions, we’ve put together a handful of frequently asked questions for your use and convenience. No matter where you’re considering buying or selling a house, moisture is always a factor that should be considered.
Should you get a mold inspection when buying a house?
Yes! Mold is a leading cause of expensive and dangerous damage in houses. Most people, when buying a home, unfortunately, don't know about mold issues until it's too late. We always recommend hiring a certified mold test before buying a home. On top of being hazardous to your health, mold also has the capacity to create irreversible structural damage if left untreated.
Can you legally sell a house with mold?
Yes. Technically, you can sell a house as-is with mold, but you must disclose it. When you’re in doubt, conduct mold testing. If you're selling a home as-is with mold, your buyer will most likely be paying with cash. On the opposite side, lenders will not typically lend houses with mold problems.
Can you stay in the home during mold remediation?
Not usually. Mold may sound like a dangerous operation to eradicate, but you may not have to leave while the remediation occurs. Typically, with a full-sized crew, a mold abatement job takes one to three days.
Does insurance cover mold damage?
In most cases, no. Insurance policies don’t typically cover mold caused by preventable leaks, high humidity, or flooding. However, your homeowner’s insurance may cover mold damage if it was caused by what’s called a “covered peril.” Ask your homeowner insurance provider for more information.
Will mold come back after remediation?
Most services include prevention techniques as part of the mold remediation process. Certified contractors will cover repairs for underlying causes of the infestation, helping to prevent further development. But it’s always possible for mold to return. It’s important to take additional precautions for prevention.
Can my house be condemned because of mold?
Yes. Moldy, musty smells associated with mold combined with the damage from the mold itself can absolutely cause a house to be condemned. The smell and potentially adverse health problems associated with mold pose a threat to everyone living in the house.
Why do houses fail inspections?
Among mold issues, other houses fail inspections due to roofing issues such as leaks, missing shingles, as well as electrical problems like not being up to code and frayed wiring. Less dangerous but still serious issues also include plumbing not passing inspection due to leaking or improper pipes and failed plumbing.
How long does it take for mold to spread in walls?
Mold is persistent and fast. In only 24 to 48 hours, mold can germinate and grow. The spores then begin to colonize in three to 12 days and then become visible within 18 to 21 days.
Do I have to disclose mold remediation?
Because you had mold in the house, you are required to disclose information about it even if you had it remediated. You owe your potential buyers to tell them the correct information about your house. If you hired a certified contractor to accurately remediate your mold and provide the documentation, you will not have any issues.
How often is mold found in home inspections?
The Environmental Protection Agency found that 21% of the 21.8 million asthma cases in the U.S. can be attributed to mold in homes. If you're in doubt, hire a contractor for an inspection. It's always better to be safe than sorry.