Blog Layout

Home Inspection Found Mold in Louisiana?

Home Inspection Found Mold In Your Louisiana Property? 

Springtime is a time when a lot of people are looking to buy homes here in Louisiana. During the process of buying a new home, it is important that you go through the process of getting a home inspection to ensure that the home you choose is in good condition. If you are looking to buy a home, it is important for you to educate yourself on signs that this property may need a more in depth mold inspection. It is common practice when buying a home for you to conduct a thorough home inspection with a professional home inspector. Here at DryMax, we occasionally get questions about what to do if your home inspector finds mold. Let’s take a closer look. 
For the most part, finding mold in a property you are looking to purchase is not the end of the world. In fact, it is highly common for homes to have some form of mold or past moisture issues in Louisiana. During the process of purchasing a home, you should be in direct communication with the seller of the property to ensure that they disclose any history of moisture or mold within the property. Communicating with the seller & being on the same page will save you a lot of hassle when it comes to the home inspection process. As with any other issue that is discovered during a routine home inspection, mold should be properly addressed before you go to the closing table, or at the very least arrangements should be made to address the issue. A reliable home inspector will be able to tell you any issues within the property. Keep in mind that mold does not need to be a deal breaker if you are looking to purchase a property. Oftentimes, mold can be effectively removed from a Louisiana property. A local professional mold inspection & remediation company in your Louisiana area will be able to effectively restore the property to pre-mold conditions.

Signs Of Mold To Look For During Your Home Inspection

Mold can present itself in a multitude of forms. There are a vast number of signs that you can look out for when it comes to mold in a property you are looking to purchase. It is important that both you and your professional home inspector are educated on what to look for during the inspection process. 


Staining or Discoloration on Building Materials

Mold can not exist without the presence of a moisture source. Excessive water damage seeping into building materials such as wood, drywall or other porous building materials can cause discoloration & dark staining. 


Visible Mold Spores 

Depending on the species of mold, it can be found in almost any color of the rainbow. The most commonly seen colors include white, black, grey, brown, green & orange. A fuzzy or chalky substance settled on surfaces of the home can be a sign of mold development. Mold also tends to form in clusters, so if you see any suspicious splotches of discoloration, they may happen to be mold. Ensure that you are thorough when looking for visual signs of mold, as it may not always be visible at all angles or in all light. 


Musty Odor

Mold gives off an earthy, distinct odor that is not always easily recognizable. You may be noticing a suspicious odor in a home that you are looking to purchase. If this is the case, bring it to the attention of both the home inspector & the sellers themselves. Remember that just because mold isn’t visibly apparent, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. 

Do You Need A Professional Mold Inspection? 

If you are in a situation where your home inspector discovers mold in a property you are thinking of purchasing, it is important to schedule a professional mold inspection. A local Louisiana mold inspector will be able to give you a more reliable explanation of whether or not mold is present, the source of the damage, the extent of contamination & a plan for remediation. If your home inspection finds mold, a professional mold inspector may recommend professional mold testing in order to identify the species of mold present, as well as the levels of elevation within the space. Remember that even if your home inspection finds mold, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Most times, there is a simple solution that can be worked out between you and the seller of the property. Don’t let mold scare you away from the house of your dreams.

You might also like

DryMax Mold Blogs

Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

By Thomas Duff • 20 Feb, 2024
Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

Navigating Mold Damage Insurance Claims in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • 05 Feb, 2024
Mold Damage and Insurance Coverage in Louisiana When it comes to homeowners insurance in Louisiana, coverage for mold damage hinges on the source of the mold and the specific provisions in the insurance policy. For instance, mold removal is typically covered when the source of the mold is a peril already covered in homeowners insurance policies in Louisiana, such as water damage from burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances. However, it's important to note that mold damage from natural disasters or homeowner negligence is usually not covered by homeowners insurance in Louisiana. An example of this is when a homeowner experiences water damage from a burst pipe, and this leads to mold growth in their home. In this scenario, the mold removal would likely be covered because the source of the mold (water damage) is a peril already covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy in Louisiana. On the other hand, if the mold is a result of long-term neglect of a leaking pipe, it may not be covered under the policy. Some homeowners insurance companies have gone as far as dropping coverage for mold altogether in Louisiana, making it crucial for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies and seek professional advice to ensure they fully understand their coverage. This underscores the significance of homeowners being proactive in understanding the extent of their coverage and taking steps to prevent mold growth in their properties. Understanding the nuances of mold damage coverage under homeowners insurance in Louisiana is essential for homeowners in safeguarding their properties. It's imperative to review insurance policies diligently and seek professional help if facing a mold damage claim , especially in cases where claims have been denied or underpaid based on mold exclusions.

The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • 31 Jan, 2024
The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana The article explores the impact of mold on property values in Louisiana, discussing how mold can cause structural damage, health issues, and decrease the desirability of properties, while also providing tips for prevention and remediation. Understanding Mold and Its Effects on Property Values Mold's impact on property values in the Louisiana real estate market is multifaceted and can have significant repercussions for both buyers and sellers. When mold infestation occurs, it can result in a myriad of issues that affect the value of a property. From causing structural damage to diminishing aesthetic appeal, increasing maintenance costs, and impacting market desirability, the presence of mold can lead to a decrease in property value. For example, the discovery of mold in a home can lead to potential buyers negotiating for a lower price to account for the costs of addressing the mold issue and the perceived decrease in the property's value. The potential health implications of mold infestation are a pivotal factor in understanding its impact on property values. Long-term exposure to mold can lead to persistent sinusitis, respiratory infections, and even brain disorders, affecting the desirability and value of a property. For instance, if a property has a history of mold infestation leading to health issues for previous occupants, it can significantly reduce its appeal and market value, as potential buyers may be deterred by the health risks associated with mold exposure.
Share by: