Many homebuyers assume that mold is only a problem in older homes, but new construction is just as susceptible, especially when builders cut corners or fail to follow best practices. Small construction defects, often hidden from plain sight, can create the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.
Absolutely. Mold is not an age problem it is a water/moisture/air flow problem. new houses can have just as many problems as old houses, and if not properly sealed and adequately ventilated, will frequently have more problems than older houses.
Mould often occurs because of condensation. It appears as pinpoint black spots, usually on the side surfaces of external walls, in corners and in poorly ventilated spaces, such as behind cupboards and wardrobes.
A 2022 report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that around 47% of all homes in the United States have some mold or dampness. Seeing mold is a clear sign, but sometimes you can smell mold.
The presence of mold in construction defect cases naturally means contractors may be responsible. You may sue those responsible for your structural damages and remediation costs. Potential defendants include: Contractors and subcontractors (including general contractors, roofers, framers, siding/stucco contractors)
If an inspector finds mold damage in the home you want to buy, ask the sellers to hire a remediation expert to resolve the problem. If the sellers refuse, consider walking away. The expense of paying for mold remediation could quickly drain your savings.
More than a third of all households (37%) report they have condensation issues. New builds, in particular, are susceptible to condensation as the building dries out. It can take up to 12 months for a new build property to fully dry out.
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.
Worst States For Mold
Texas ranks #1, and following Florida is Oklahoma, South Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, California, South Dakota, Tennessee and Kansas. It sounds bizarre that dry states such as Nevada and Arizona could rank so high for mold occurrence but it is possible.
And since virtually every home has trace amounts of mold growing, it's nearly impossible to avoid buying a mold-free house. However, there are some significant dangers to buying a house with mold growth.
Good ventilation is essential to maintain moisture balance in your home. All new homes therefore have ventilation systems that are designed to prevent the build up of moisture in normal circumstances. Sometimes a temporarily increase in ventilation may be needed to avoid dampness and the growth of mould in your home.
Using dehumidifiers can also help to dry out your new home. The most important thing is to identify the moisture source. This is key to eradicating the beetle infestation and controlling mould growth.
Given the proper conditions, mold will start to germinate and grow as early as 24 hours after encountering the moisture source. In 3 to 12 days, the mold spores will colonize. In 18-21 days, the mold can become visible. In general, the longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mold to grow and spread.
The presence of mold can lower the price of a house by up to 10-30%, depending on the extent of the infestation. According to researchers in a 2001 study, one particularly serious mold infestation decreased the overall value of a luxury home by more than half.
Home inspectors are not looking outright for mold when going over a property. Yet, if the history of the home includes water damage, more than likely an inspector will make it part of their inspection.
Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions, making weather a significant factor. During mold season, which spans from early spring to mid-fall, the combination of higher temperatures and increased moisture in the air creates an ideal environment for mold spores to germinate and spread.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
Buying a house with mold can be a risky move. Mold can significantly reduce your property's value and fill your home's indoor air with health-devastating mold spores. This can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
What happens if you live in a house with mold? If you have allergies or asthma, mold in your house may occasionally cause you to become ill. Mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs whether or not you have a mold allergy.
Often the high remediation cost has led people to look toward new construction. Their logic is that a newly built home would never have mold because it doesn't have a history of water damage. Unfortunately, this is wishful thinking. If you take a close look, you'll see there's mold all over the framing.
A new house can take about a year to settle. If you live in a climate that has four distinct seasons, the house will need to experience and adjust to each season before it truly settles completely. Kurt says, “A house really is a living organism. I mean, it's no different than anything else.
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.