Naples FL Real Estate & Homes for Sale – Do I really need a mold test?
When it comes to home inspections most of our buyers agree to have a general home inspection conducted. But, the questions always arise about the extra testing for mold, radon and defective dry wall etc. Do I need a mold test? As a Florida buyer you should be concerned with the summer’s heat and humidity in our area. You should also bear in mind that the home you are thinking of purchasing is most probably a 2nd home for the seller so there is quite a chance that that home was sitting vacant for anywhere between 4 to 6 months and who knows what air conditions existed while the owners were away. So, do I really need a mold test? Our answer is always “Yes”.
Mold is naturally everywhere, inside, outside, all of the time – there’s no escaping it. It may or may not be toxic but, this is not a chance you want to take with you and your family’s health. It doesn’t take much for mold to grow as it just needs some moisture, some food and a place to get started. If unattended, something as basic as a slow plumbing leak in a bathroom vanity can flourish with mold growth.
“Should I be worried about mold in my home?
Yes and no. On the one hand, there will always be mold in your home in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. The presence of mold in the air is normal. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, your level of exposure can increase, thereby increasing the risk of potential health problems. Building materials, household goods and furnishings may also be damaged. Mold needs to eat to survive, and it’s perfectly happy eating your home if you allow it. “
A visual inspection can sometimes identify trouble areas but, conducting an air sample test to measure the spore counts is definitive. Typically, the home inspector takes air samples with a scientific device outside of the building to establish a norm and then takes air samples inside the building in order to compare the spore counts. When the results are returned from the laboratory, the inspector is looking for spore counts of particular molds that are elevated inside the home.
For $350 it is definitely worth your peace of mind and your health.
For excellent information on mold in homes, advice on how to deal with it and the proper testing procedures check out this link from the website of Comprehensive Building Consultants:
www.bestinspector.com/MoldInspection
Comprehensive Building Consultants and its owner, Russell Hensel, have our highest level of endorsement for home inspections in Southwest Florida. For home inspections and home watch services, they can be reached at Russell@BestInspector.com
Our years of experience in real estate as full time Realtors® will prove to be invaluable to you when purchasing in Naples FL, so feel free to call or email with general questions about our local real estate market or any particular community. Visit www.StepstoTheBeach.com for new featured listings and updated information. Hope you enjoy our daily blog too.
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