Buying or Selling a Home/Mold Issue

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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 4/30/2008


Question
Hi John,

We are pursuing a house which was taken back by the bank due to lack of payment from previous owners.  The bank turned off the power and consequently the sump pump stopped working and allowed 2 inches of water to go all over the basement floor.  Now, we have found a small piece of mold in one of 4 of the existing drywall walls in the basement (basement was unfinshed but had started some electrical and drywall work).  I am leaning towards requesting or paying to have a Certified Mold Inspector come in and look at the home prior to agreeing on any offer.  Is this what I need to do to make sure there is not more mold in the basement that could be hidden or air borne at this point?  Will this get it or do I need to demand some form of mold clean up before we accept the offer?

Thank you for your time!

Emily

Answer
You need a complete home inspection and professional mold inspection.  The lab samples will verify the presence of mold and you can have the proper remediation done according to things that are found during the inspections.  Also get a pest control inspection.  Previous flooding and moisture can be conducive to fungi-mold, decay, and wood destroying insects that are not always visible.

Never purchase a house without a complete home inspection.
For quality home inspectors you can go to nachi.org

Good luck and I hope this helps.

John McKenna,CMI
Certified Master Inspector
http://texas-inspection.com
Infrared Certified Training
http://www.infrared-certified.com

Buying or Selling a Home

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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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