As most homeowners know, there’s no end to the number of potential problems that can slow the appreciation of your home’s value. Whether it’s a leaking roof, a fallen tree , or the rendering plant that just opened up next door, homeowners can find themselves at the business end of any number of unpleasant surprises.
Some things (like the rendering plant) you can’t really control (at least, not without a strong influence in local politics). But you can control what happens to your home’s structural integrity and cleanliness. And when toxic black mold strikes, calling a qualified mold removal company is as simple as picking up the phone.
It’s hard to predict the effect toxic black mold will have on your home’s value if you try to sell without cleaning it up – if you’ve had the problem assessed by a certified mold tester, a real estate agent can probably help you come up with a number. Of course, this is only relevant if you discover mold just before you’re about to sell. If you plan on living in the house for another ten years, mold removal is your best option.
No matter what the level of your mold problem, bringing in a mold removal company can go a long way toward solving your problem. When left unchecked, mold can insinuate itself deep into any of the porous surfaces in your home. Both wood and concrete are porous, so the sooner you get a mold removal program going, the better.
Mold can affect your home’s value in a few ways:
Cleanliness and Health
Large amounts of toxic black mold can cause serious health complications in humans, ranging from headaches to severe respiratory problems. A home which has not undergone a complete mold removal process is likely to lose substantial value – nobody wants to buy a house that makes people sick.
Structural Damage
Since mold can infiltrate porous surfaces, it can cause serious damage to the wood and concrete structures in your home. Some of these may have to be replaced; a certified mold removal professional may be able to repair or replace these features once the mold remediation process has been completed.
Other Problems
Black mold doesn’t just come from nowhere, and its presence may be a sign of other problems. Leaking pipes, leaking basement walls, or foundation cracks can create the moist environment black mold needs to thrive. Many mold removal experts are also basement waterproofing experts, or they can recommend contractors who can help with any associated problems.
