Mold Found in a Home Inspection? Ask This Next

When mold is found in a home inspection while you're buying a home in Austin, treating the mold alone isn't enough. The moisture source needs to be found and eliminated or mold can return. So, ask beyond "Has it been treated?" to "Has the problem behind it been addressed?"

My clients were picturing a life in a home. Then mold was found in our home inspection. There was this split-second cartoon sound of brakes before impact: "errrrrr!"

I'm Jennifer S. Goodman, a REALTOR® with ΓEA⅃ Broker, LLC in Austin, TX. Here's what happened next.

What Happened When Mold Was Found In Our Home Inspection

Our inspector found the mold. A mold-remediation company, meaning a company that treats mold, is treating the mold.

Now picture yourself in a home you're already picturing a life in. You've already given every room a job. You know where everyone lands at the end of the day.

Then your inspector says one word. Mold. Brakes.

Finding mold before move-in gives you the opportunity to understand it and address it before your family settles in. That's where a strong inspection team makes a difference.

Why Our Inspector Isn't The One Who Treats The Mold

Our inspector isn't the one who treats the mold because that would be a conflict of interest. Thankfully, he's also a Mold Assessment Consultant. He's not the guy who does the remediation, meaning the treatment of the mold. Finding the problem and treating the problem are two separate jobs. Two separate professionals.

Why Treating The Mold Alone Isn't Enough

Treating the mold alone isn't enough because the moisture source needs to be found and eliminated or mold can return. The details of that work matter as much as the discovery.

Mold can return. That's the cost of treating the mold and stopping there.

What To Ask Beyond Has The Mold Been Treated

Ask beyond "Has the mold been treated?" to "Has the problem behind the mold been addressed?" Your family's health deserves more than a quick reassurance. It deserves clear answers, the right professionals and time to get the work done properly.

You aren't picturing four walls. You're picturing a life. It's never about four walls.

Questions About Mold Found In A Home Inspection

What should I ask after a home inspector finds mold?

Ask beyond "Has the mold been treated?" to "Has the problem behind the mold been addressed?" Treating the mold alone isn't enough. The moisture source needs to be found and eliminated or mold can return.

Why isn't the person who found the mold the one treating it?

In my clients' case, our inspector is also a Mold Assessment Consultant. He's not the guy who does the remediation, meaning the treatment of the mold, because that would be a conflict of interest. Finding the problem and treating the problem are two separate jobs for two separate professionals.

What does finding mold before move-in give me?

Identifying an issue before move-in gives you the opportunity to understand it and address it before your family settles in. That's where a strong inspection team makes a difference.

Who can help me find the right professionals in Austin?

My job is to bring the right people, help you ask the right questions and connect you with exceptional professionals to do that work. I work with Buyers in Northwest Hills Austin (78731) and across Austin.

Your Agent Matters

You can see how I guide Buyers at livinginaustintexas.com. I'd rather tell you than sell you. My job is to bring the right people. Your agent matters.

Buying in Austin? Message me and I'll bring you the right people.