Buyers Beware of MOLD

Recently a client of mine indicated their interest to purchase a home in the East Cobb area.

It was a beautiful and majestic home.  It was priced right with it's elegant two-story entry way and circular staircase.  The first time we entered the house my client envisioned the day his now 16 year old daughter would get married.  They'd have a dramatic staircase for pictures of his daughter and the wedding party.  The huge chef's kitchen featured granite, Subzero and Wolf appliances, a large keeping room offered built-in's and a fireplace, the Gentlemen's Study had it's own "secret room" behind a floor to ceiling built-in bookcase.  Additionally the house had 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 3-car garage, large yard and was located at the 12 noon position in a cul-de-sac.  What was the problem?  The only problem was MOLD.

I begged my clients to run away from this house when we learned of mold problems and an extremely high count of mold spores present in the house -- especially on the terrace level.  During our due-diligence period and inspection of the property we learned that a terrace level theater room had unusually high concentrations of mold growth on three walls -- from floor to ceiling.  You could literally see the mold -- even when the room was dark.  An air quality study indicated that the mold spore count exceeded "extremely dangerous" levels.

The mold growth in this particular house was caused by a lack of flashing on the roof and the fact that a gutter was sagging allowing a huge penetration of water to flow down the brick facade.  Every time it rained, the water from the outside gutter was streaming down an outside brick wall.  The moisture on the brick wall backed up to the internal theater room.  Our inspector snaked a camera behind the sheet rock walls which revealed the back and front of the sheet rock was affected as well as the wood studs too.   Over time mold developed from the moisture leaking into the house from the outside brick walls.  The mold in this particular house is so significant, that a lengthy remediation process is needed.  I am happy to say that my clients have moved on to another house.  The house with mold was a short sale property, that went into foreclosure and was recently acquired by unsuspecting investors.  I submitted our report of existing mold in the property and the investors are now in the process of full remediation of the property.  However, future prospective buyers will need to be mindful of the mold problems within this particular home. 

The question is:  Why Is Mold Growing In My Home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth



Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia.  Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market or specifics regarding the buying / selling process.  Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!