We're considering buying a house, but during the inspection, we discovered mold in one corner of the attic. We're curious if this can be effectively treated and if there's a real chance of it coming back. Has anyone dealt with similar issues? We're concerned it could become a bigger problem later on. Should we proceed with the purchase, or is it wiser to walk away? The owners promise to have the mold treated, but we're worried about it spreading, especially since the attic is quite large. I can't post pictures here, but any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
You definitely want to bring in a professional mold remediation company to assess the situation. We did that when we bought our home, spent about $3500 on full remediation, and we haven't had any mold issues since. If you can strike a good deal on the house, don’t shy away from asking the seller for price reductions instead of fixes—they might just opt for the cheapest option without ensuring it's done right.
Mold in attics typically means there's a ventilation issue. Proper airflow is crucial, otherwise, mold will keep coming back. People often make the mistake of venting bathrooms into the attic, which introduces humidity. If you can pinpoint the cause of the mold, you can fix it and avoid future problems. If the cause is hidden and you can't diagnose it, it might be better to walk away from this house.
A little mold in the attic shouldn't be a dealbreaker for a house you like. Mold needs food, water, and light to thrive, so eliminating moisture or light sources can help. Check for any leaks or ventilation issues—that's often an easy fix. You might be looking at something straightforward to repair unless it's more extensive than it seems. Just keep a close eye on it!
If it’s just a leak, the repairs could be manageable. Just make sure there isn't more damage hiding behind the mold.
Thanks for your input! The mold seems to cover a pretty large area, at least 8ft x 10ft, and it's black. The inspection couldn't check beyond the initial visibility due to obstructions, and we're still unsure what caused it.