Real Estate Inspections

Congratulations on your accepted home offer! This step in the buying process usually starts an option window where buyers seek out a home inspection, but did you know that traditional home inspections may not identify mold?

Should you get a mold inspection before purchasing a home?

The short answer is YES!! Mold inspections are not required when purchasing a home but getting an inspection by a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC) can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

I got a home inspection; do I still need a mold inspection?

Absolutely. Although home inspections are very important, they often miss what an experienced MAC will not. Home inspectors look at structural, plumbing, electrical and cooling/heating systems. There are some home inspectors that will comment that a mold like substance was observed during their inspection, but they will almost always recommend a mold inspection by a licensed MAC.  

Mold assessment and remediation is regulated in Texas through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and a license is required to perform these services.  Therefore, many home inspectors are reluctant to document or report mold growth because it is outside of their expertise, and they don’t want to expose themselves to liability.  

This home was just renovated—do I still need a mold inspection?

You guessed it, yes.  Just because a home has been remodeled doesn’t mean it’s free of mold.  Not all contractors and house flippers are created equal. Some may do the right thing when it comes to removing mold growth; however, others will not.  

These are some of the hardest inspections a MAC will perform because the damage has been hidden in one way or another. There are tell-tale signs that an experienced MAC will see: a patch here, slightly off-color paint there, and warping or bubbling paint.  A trained eye and curious inspector will want to know why and will generally find the answer.  We are a curious breed!

The inspector found mold. Now what?

Most homes will contain some mold, but only some homes will have a mold problem.  A mold problem is something that will require a licensed remediation company to perform remediation. Finding a mold problem before you purchase a house is extremely important because remediation can be very costly. 

If you love the house, you can renegotiate the sales price to include the cost of remediation. After all, everything can be removed, cleaned, and brought back to a safe condition.  However, you can also tuck tail and run for the hills! It’s important to consider your available time, resources, and patience because remediation is not a quick process.  

Buying a home is one of the largest investments a person will ever make and spending $500 – $1000 for a mold inspection is a great way to protect your investment. You can always roll the dice, but it’s a gamble that may cost you tens of thousands of dollars down the road.