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There are a lot of things to look out for when buying a new house. Generally the things to check on include things as location, plumbing, wiring, the condition of the roof, and many other factors. One commonly overlooked factor is mold in the home.

Mold can manifest itself in many forms. All types of mold need the same things to grow, moisture and dark spaces. Areas like this include attics, crawl spaces, and basements. These areas are prone to moisture problems through the lack of ventilation or leaks from the structure or the plumbing. Mold will not only cause structural problems with the home, but also have health implications to you and your family.

If you are already seeing mold in your home, chances are the problem is more extensive and will require major repairs or renovations to remove the mold. At this point the best thing you can do is contact a contractor that is certified in mold removal.

The most likely places for mold to form are anywhere that moisture is improperly vented. Potential problems would also occur if the home became flooded and was not completely or properly cleaned and dried after. Leaky plumbing from kitchens and bathrooms and damp basements are other likely candidates.

When an inspector checks your home, he may use a moisture meter or a thermal imaging camera. Tools like these allow the inspector to find moisture problems that may not be visible with the naked eye. If moisture levels of 20% or higher are discovered in the home mold could be present as this is an ideal situation for mold to grow.

Closing Comments

You should have your home checked over by an experienced mold inspector at least annually if there is any worry of mold beginning to grow, or if there has been mold in the past. Mold can be an expensive problem to deal with so be proactive about looking for it, it can save you money in the long run.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA. Get more information on Riverfront House and River Houses in the US and Canada.