Testing Your Home For Mold

No one likes to think of the greasy and decaying mold that infects the confines of their family home. But even as much as we would like to believe it would, our thoughts and imagination won’t keep out the horrors of the outside, especially when it comes to mold. 

While it’s far exciting, testing your home for mold is one of the most important things a homeowner can do when ensuring their house’s security. There is a multitude of consequences that a mold problem could lead to. This can include damage to a home’s foundation, infection of a home’s water supply, and even dangerous health deficiencies. To avoid any of these repercussions, you must check your house for mold frequently and regularly. 

Keeping Your Family Safe And Healthy 

It’s only human nature to want to keep our family safe from any harm or danger. But sometimes, we fail to realize that the risk can be lurking in the outlines of our own homes. From radon to leaking ceilings, your home needs the same care and attention as your car would. But instead of taking your home into the shop, you would get an expert to inspect it. This is why a check for mold is one of the first steps you should take when it comes to making sure your home is safe and clean. 

Infection of mold can result in numerous health defects, especially those with severe allergies and asthma. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. For these people, a variety of side effects could happen, such as runny noses, red and itchy eyes, and even struggling to catch your breath. While these side effects may not seem as dangerous as one would think, they can quickly develop into something more severe if not deadly if left unattended. 

Selling Your Home Without Mold 

Nobody wants to buy a dirty home. So why would you expect them to buy a home infested with mold? The first thing that will turn a prospective buyer away from your home is the spot of mold. You wouldn’t buy water if there were a bit of brown at the bottom, would you? This is why it is essential to have a mold inspection before putting your home on the market. This way, you could avoid any unnecessary conflict in the future. 

Keeping Mold Away To Pass Your Home Inspection

The first thing a home inspector is going to look for is mold. While it may not be an automatic failing grade, it surely won’t push your home towards a passing grade. Contrary to popular belief, a mold inspection is strictly a visual examination. There’s no special equipment or fancy tools involved when it comes to looking for mold. 

A mold inspection will occur most of the time in either the attic or the basement of a home. Because mold is a fungus, it is attracted to moist and wet areas. So mold usually thrives when a basement floods or a roof begins to leak from heavy rainfall. But just because mold usually infects these two areas doesn’t mean it can’t occur in other parts of your house. Say a pipe bursts all over your kitchen. Mold could quickly spread throughout your cabinets and even across the floor. 

 

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Appraisal Vs. Home Inspection

When it comes to most prospective homeowners, it’s easy to become confused between what an appraisal is and what a home inspection is. While on the outside, the two may share many similarities, they are vastly different when it comes to their purpose, execution, and even outcome. Like every other aspect of buying a home, it’s always a good idea to do your research before taking any first steps. This includes researching the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection and if you need either one. Now, this may sound like a lot of work, but luckily for you, you have us. 

What An Appraisal Is

While an appraisal may seem similar to a home inspection, the two couldn’t be more different. One of the major differences between an appraisal and a home inspection is the fact that most mortgage loans require an appraisal before moving forward with the signing. 

Appraisals are usually known to be more laid back and lenient than a home inspection, offering a casual process that includes an appraiser walking through a home to spot any prominent or glaring issues with the house in question. Things appraisers look for can include but are not limited to the foundation of the home, any damage to the walls or roof, and even the location of the home to determine the overall worth of that home. It’s important to keep in mind that appraisals are required when it comes to purchasing a home where home inspections are not. 

What A Home Inspection Is 

Contrary to an appraisal, a home inspection is a thorough walkthrough of one’s entire home. These inspections occur to determine the overall value of a house after it has been lived in. A home inspector will be on the lookout for any glaring red flags. These inspectors are on the lookout for any damage to the ceiling, gas system, electrical system, and even the plumbing of the home. 

It’s also good to note that if you are present for the inspection, then the home inspector will take you step by step on the process of their inspection. Unlike an appraisal, the homeowner will usually receive a report of how the home inspection went and if there are any current problems or red flags that need to be taken care of in the home. 

The Difference Between An Appraisal And Home Inspection

Most people would be hardpressed to spot the many differences between an appraisal and a home inspection. From why they are required to the specific processes each takes, there is an assortment of differences between them. A major difference between the two is that a homeowner is usually encouraged to go through a home inspection with the home inspector. In contrast, an appraiser usually conducts the appraisal on their own. A home inspection differs as it is an in-depth examination of your home’s condition. This can include any damage to the roof, walls, and even the electrical system. On the other side, an appraisal is a process that determines the market value of one’s home. This is usually required whenever one goes out for a mortgage loan. Aspects that are taken into consideration during an appraisal can include location, the home’s condition, and even the value of similar houses.

 

 

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