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Do I Need a Mold Inspection When Buying or Selling a Home in Baton Rouge?

Especially in today’s competitive market, buying or selling a home is a big decision and the inspection period is a crucial time. Of course, sellers want to make sure they get the best price possible by making sure their property is in the best shape and condition as possible. On the other hand, buyers need to make sure they are getting exactly what they are paying for and know what potential issues to expect along the way. In addition to the standard home inspection, there is a wide range of other inspections and tests to consider conducting for a real estate transaction. But, the real question we’re asking here is… “Do I need a mold inspection with a home inspection?”


Whether you are a home seller trying to prep your Baton Rouge property for sale, or you are a homebuyer trying to make sure you move your family into a safe and health home – Potential mold and moisture issues need to be taken into consideration. Mismanaged mold can potentially interrupt a real estate sale. It is wise to consider get a mold evaluation with mold testing and air quality testing to determine if mold is a potential problem that will need be addressed. 

Local Mold Testing & Inspection Services in Baton Rouge LA for Residential Homes


A professional mold inspector's goal is to detect if mold is an issue in the residential home, identify the source that caused the fungal activity in the first place, and, if necessary, develop for a plan for remediation. Evaluations should be performed by local mold specialists in Baton Rouge with the necessary certifications and the proper training. Certified inspectors use advanced investigative tools and technology like professional-grade moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, and video borescopes to conduct the detailed assessment needed to determine if mold is in fact a problem in the property.  Inspectors are also specially trained in mold sampling protocols. With the collection of air samples and surface samples, inspectors are able gather scientific evidence of elevated fungal ecologies, determine the severity of the growth, identify the species/type of mold present, and develop a remediation plan to address the issue.


While indoor mold growth is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly, there is a solution. If an inspection reveals a mold issue and an underlying moisture problem, the next step is professional remediation by a local mold cleanup company in Baton Rouge. Mold remediation companies are specially equipped to perform the safe and effective cleanup needed to return a health home for closing. Following removal of the fungal growth, it will be important for the new homeowners to get the moisture (that caused the mold) under control, so that they can maintain a mold free environment for their family. 

Buying a Property with Mold in Baton Rouge


When buying a home, of course, you want to make sure that you are making a good investment. Regardless if it is a starter home, forever home, or investment property – you are putting a lot of time, effort and money into the property, so it is important to do your due diligence and thoroughly evaluate the property. Part of that will be to make sure there are no hidden problems like mold growth on hidden surfaces that the homeowner might not even be aware of themselves. It is recommended that home buyers schedule a mold inspection as part of the inspection period. Mold testing like surface sampling and air quality testing for mold, coupled with a detailed site assessment can provide critical information regarding the indoor fungal ecology and potential moisture issues. Even if the inspection confirms a normal, healthy environment – the inspector could uncover potential vulnerabilities to moisture and mold. These might be very minor issues that could easily be fixed, but by addressing and monitoring these vulnerabilities, you can prevent mold and maintain a health home for your family for years to come.


Even in cases where the property is being sold “as is” and the buyer is already planning to put a lot of work into the property anyway – a mold inspection will still be beneficial because it will provide valuable information regarding the interior environment and set realistic expectations for the cleanup and repairs needed, so the buyer can anticipate the upcoming expenses and plan accordingly to accommodate the repair work. 

Selling a Property with Mold in Baton Rouge


Are you hoping to take advantage of the thriving Baton Rouge real estate market? Don't risk losing a home sale just because of mold. To protect the sale of your home, you have to be thorough and make certain that there are no last-minute surprises, like mold discovered during the home inspection. When preparing a property for sale, homeowners typically have a laundry list of tasks to complete -- apply a fresh coat of paint, patch up any damaged walls, replace damaged windows, repair all leaks, and more. If you are selling your home in Baton Rouge, you should add to that list, “Get a mold inspection.”


Having the house inspected for mold is usually a good thing to do before putting the house on the market. It is a proactive approach that will afford sellers the time to deal with issues that the inspection might reveal, without interrupting potential sales or scaring off potential buyers. Rather than having to deal with a tight timeframe if mold is discovered within the brief inspection period, with a buyer waiting to either close or walk away, you can complete the mold remediation on your own terms and on your own timeline. Getting a mold inspection before putting your house on the market will give you enough time to solve any mold issues and ensure a smooth, (nearly) stress-free closing.


In the ideal scenario, your mold inspector won’t find any cause for concern and report that mold is a non-issue. All parties will have the necessary paperwork supporting the findings and (most importantly) have peace of mind as everyone goes to closing. 

Discovering a Mold Problem in a Real Estate Property


Mold does not have to be a deal breaker. If mold is uncovered during the sale of a house -- the seller doesn’t have to panic and lose the deal, and the buyer doesn’t have to walk away from the deal. While mold is a very real problem that should be taken seriously, mold is also a very fixable problem. In the instances where mold is revealed as a potential concern, it is important to consult a mold remediation professional who will be able to properly perform the necessary cleanup to restore a clean, safe and healthy home. Local mold removal specialists also have extensive building knowledge and a firm understanding what commonly causes mold in Baton Rouge buildings. In addition to a detailed cleanup, a remediation expert will also provide valuable insight on the moisture conditions that caused the mold in the first place and what you can do to prevent future recurrence.


If you are worried about buying or selling a residential or commercial property with mold in the Baton Rouge area, DryMax’s local mold specialists in Baton Rouge can help by providing the necessary mold inspection and mold testing services. Call our Louisiana office today to learn more about our assessment services near you -- 337-446-2042. 

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