Despite the dry, hot climate San Diego is still home to all kinds of mold and if left untreated it can cause health issues. Not only that it can land you with remediation costs to the tune of thousands of dollars.
So what's the issue?
Black mold is the most common problem found in San Diego homes and it can grow after a water leak, storm, or flooding. It loves areas that are warm and full of moisture as is often found on tiles, in bathtubs, attics, and in air conditioning units. Mold can start growing in just 24-48 hours and can lead to a full blown infestation in just a few days. Its particles spread through the air and it can be extremely harmful to the health of those living in the home.
But it’s not just black mold that’s the problem. Other molds can cause wood rot, which could lead to major and costly repairs.
How do I know if my home has mold issues?
The good news is that black molds are easy to see. They’re dark black in color with a rough, fuzzy surface that discolors whatever surface they’re on.
Musty odors are also a strong indication of mold, especially those inside your walls. Check around air conditioning units, vents, sinks, kitchens, bathrooms, leaky windows, laundry rooms, and anywhere consistently damp or recently flooded.
How can I prevent it?
Avoiding or controlling moisture sources is a good place to start. Be sure to clean up as soon as you experience any sort of water damage. Inspect your home regularly or signs of musty odors.
Check for leaking pipes and be on the lookout for water spots on your walls to find hidden leaks. Always ensure that your bathroom is dry and moisture-free to prevent mold growth.
I found mold. What should I do?
A mold infestation inside a home is a health risk and must be dealt with promptly.
It may be tempting to remove mold on your own, for budgetary or for other reasons, but you should only make this attempt if the affected area is smaller than 10 square feet. Anything larger should be handled by professionals.
What if I want to sell my home?
Ideally, you should begin addressing potential mold problems before you ever put your house on the market. Mold cleanup can take time, and you do not want buyers associating your home with ongoing mold remediation if you can help it. Invest in a home inspection BEFORE you put your home on the market and make the appropriate repairs. We can help put you in touch with some great Inspectors.
If you discover mold you MUST disclose it to sellers. If mold is not disclosed, the buyer can sue you if they can prove it was pre-existing.
Document all repairs you make and all testing results you receive. This is important for two reasons. First, you want to have these documents available to buyers with questions about mold, to demonstrate that you have addressed the problem as thoroughly as possible.
Second, these documents will help protect you in the event that the buyer pursues legal action after they purchase the home.
Mold was found by my buyers in a home inspection. What now?
If the buyer’s home inspector discovers a mold problem in your home, you will have difficulty getting the price you want and may have to drop the price. Many times the discovery of mold is enough to drive off buyers altogether. Others will require you to carry out the remediation work ahead of closing.
We recommend getting a home inspection prior to selling to weed out any issues and fix them before putting your home on the market.
If you are thinking about selling please reach out. We are experts and can help you prepare your home to sell for the best possible price.
