Insects, pests, and rodents are just some of the common culprits that can wreak havoc on any well-built home. While these traditional nuisances are cause for concern, they can often be easily dealt with.

But the biggest mistake that most new home buyers make is not inspecting for one of the most problematic pests affecting homes in the United States today -- mold!

At the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), a seven-state study presented by the University of Arizona found that 83% of households had mold growing in windowsills, around refrigerator seals, and air vents¹.

East coast states, especially Maryland, also find mold and mildew build-up to be prevalent in crawl spaces where moisture, humidity, and condensation can create the perfect environment for growth.

If you are buying a new home with a crawlspace, mold should be a very serious concern as it can cause structural issues, health implications, and lower the aesthetic appeal of your home.

It’s always a good idea to include a mold inspection contingency in any new offer to purchase to address any mold-related issues with the home.

Here are five reasons to inspect your next Maryland dream home for mold and how you can remediate the issue before moving in.

Identify Structural Issues

While it may not seem overly concerning, having mold and mildew in your crawlspace can actually put you and your household at serious risk.

Mold tends to grow in places that are damp and moist. Over time it can cause structural supports to rot and deteriorate. Furthermore, it can help exacerbate the damage caused by water leaks, seepage, or flooding.

Having crawl spaces inspected for mold and mildew will identify structural issues pertaining to flooring, walls, and beams that will allow you to negotiate and remediate before moving in.

Not only can structural issues be a safety concern, but they can be extremely costly to repair so addressing these early in the purchasing process is crucial.

Related: Home Inspection Red Flags Buyers Should Know

Prevent Long-Term Damage

If an inspection does identify the presence of mold or mildew in the crawl space, it doesn’t always mean that serious damage has been done that would impact the safety, soundness, and integrity of the home.

If you can catch mold growth early in the sales process and find it hasn’t yet reached critical mass, you can negotiate it to be cleaned and removed before you finalize your sale. This will help prevent long-term damage to the property for years to come.

But you shouldn’t just stop at your initial inspection. Servicers recommend you check your crawl space for mold and mildew on a quarterly basis to prevent any future issues from occurring.

More: 18 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Keep Yourself and Your Children Safe

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold has been linked to a number of health concerns. One association, in particular, is the possible link between mold exposure and acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants².

Although additional data needs to be collected to determine the full extent of the relationship, the CDC recommends any building found to have mold should have it removed (promptly).

Maintain Proper Air Quality

Mold found in crawl spaces and air ducts is especially concerning because the air flow can carry mold particles throughout your entire household. Consequently, if mold has been allowed to proliferate then the air quality in your home may suffer.

Spore growth and other particulates can trigger allergic reactions and be especially detrimental to asthmatics. These sources can also create distinct musty odors, making your home less aesthetically pleasing to habitate.

Lastly, mold contamination can create long-term issues for your HVAC system and network. Growth can get into and spread to mechanicals and, over time, may even cause maintenance issues.

Increase Resale Value

If you want to protect your investment, make sure to inspect for and remove mold before it becomes a bigger issue. It's especially important to remove mold before you go to sell your home in effort to optimize your home’s resale value.

Prospective buyers do not want to live in a home that has mold in the air vents and crawl spaces and that can cause health and other safety risks. Furthermore, if mold is found it can impact the value of your home in a negative way.

To get ahead of this nuisance, consider installing smart leak detectors which can be utilized throughout areas of your home to detect water leaks. Many newer models can send notifications to your phone.

Since mold likes to grow in moist areas these devices are essential for any Maryland homeowner to help prevent and protect their home from mold and mildew contaminants.

Sources

1 Indoor Mold Pervasive in U.S. Homes, According to Study Presented at Allergy and Asthma Meeting. (2003, March 10). Retrieved September 16, 2020, from https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/indoor-mold-pervasive-us-homes-according-study-presented-allergy-and

2 Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum (aka "black mold"). (2019, December 16). Retrieved September 16, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm