Even the
most aesthetically pleasing homes can have mold issues. A type of fungus that
thrives on moisture, mold can trigger symptoms such as itching eyes, asthma
attacks and bouts of sneezing or coughing. As a result of the possible health
issues, mold is the sort of problem that should be dealt with prior to listing
a home, and people who are in the market to buy a home would do well to have a
licensed professional conduct a mold test on any home they're seriously
interested in buying. What follows is a rundown of five places in the home
where mold could be hiding.
The Unwanted Basement Tenant
If
climate control measures are not implemented, basements can end up becoming
breeding grounds for mold. Most basements get little or no direct sunlight, are
often more humid than other areas of the house, and get scant ventilation,
which can pose a problem should water somehow get into the basement. Mold can
go undetected for years in such spaces since it can grow behind walls,
baseboards and insulation. Fortunately, detecting mold is possible not only by
sight, but also by scent. A moldy or musty smell should not be ignored since it
could be evidence that there is a mold problem.
The Air Conditioner's Chilly
Reception
Unfortunately,
mold can take root in places that people cannot easily access and monitor such
as on the inside of their air conditioner units. Mold can grow on the coils
and, when moisture enters into the picture, a small problem can become a big
one quickly. People who find themselves coughing or sneezing whenever they turn
on their air conditioners ought to be suspicious since mold could be the
culprit.
Not On The Kitchen Menu
Leaving
leftovers in the fridge for too long can create conditions where mold thrives.
The mold can then get into crevices where it will have even more places to
grow. The problem can become even more serious if contaminated food and
appliances transfer the mold to other areas in the kitchen. Furthermore,
kitchens that are insufficiently ventilated can also have negative implications
as far as food safety is concerned,
The Chimney: Where There's
Smoke...
Leaky
chimneys can cause mold problems that, if not fixed, may end up infecting other
areas of the house. In a leaky chimney, moisture can seep into crevices and
create mold areas that may eventually make their way down to the walls. Therefore chimneys that are in need of repair
should be fixed promptly so that problems don't pop up later.
If Walls Could Talk
One of
the most common places for mold to form and grow is behind walls. Humid air
behind the walls can be problematic, particularly if water finds its way back
there as a result of things like flooding. It's also possible for mold to form
behind wallpaper. People can determine whether or not they have mold behind their
walls by having an inspector come in and check.
Mold is
no laughing matter. Before listing, it wouldn't be a bad idea to address any
mold issues. People who are planning to buy a home should have an inspector
conduct a test to ascertain if there are any problems. Taking the proper steps
will help to remedy any mold situation that may be present. Whether you're
looking to sell or looking to buy, the right real estate agent can make all the
difference. Call your trusted real estate professional today for more
information on how to deal with mold when buying or selling a home.
Interested in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
-Jeff
Cook
Jeff
Cook Real Estate
Charleston,
SC
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