Mold in house we want to buy (New York, Monroe: credit, buyers)
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We've found a house in Monroe New York that we'd like to buy. Problem is the roof has a leak on one side causing mold in one of the bathrooms and a bedroom. Should we stay away from it completely? we've no experience in this area and our Realtor advised us to replace the roof completely and hire someone to get rid of the mold. Is it possible to truly get rid of the mold? The house is 35 years old. Thank you for any advice you can offer!!
Unfortunately - I would probably stay away. We bought a home 10 yrs ago that had undisclosed water damage in the basement - which at the time was completely finished with a bathroom (the source of the problem). We paid a company to do mold remediation which included gutting the entire basement, which cost about 10K. We were left with an unfinished basement with no money to remodel it and our home and personal effects smelled like chlorine for several years after. Despite this, we still have issues with mold throughout the home - particularly in the areas above where the worst mold was found. This now affects our ability to sell our home. I am not saying it's not possible to get rid of the mold completely but our feeling is better to not buy it than spend the money for mold remediation, remodeling and then possible future issues.
I've heard other stories, similar to the one posted above. Mold is very costly and difficult to get rid of. Often the issue that caused the mold in the first place isn't addressed properly, and mold problems persist. Plus, when you want to resell the home it is difficult. Most people don't want to deal with a home with mold problems.
I would not buy it unless the current owner completely replaces the roof (ripping off the current one, not going over it), does a comprehensive mold removal, and then an independent inspector ok's it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felicia327
Hi,
We've found a house in Monroe New York that we'd like to buy. Problem is the roof has a leak on one side causing mold in one of the bathrooms and a bedroom. Should we stay away from it completely? we've no experience in this area and our Realtor advised us to replace the roof completely and hire someone to get rid of the mold. Is it possible to truly get rid of the mold? The house is 35 years old. Thank you for any advice you can offer!!
Walk, run, sprint away! I have seen many examples and they have all been after tearing out the walls. I wish I had taken pictures of the black, jelly-like mass that used to be the framing!
Once mold has developed inside walls, a complete teardown and replacement is the only answer. A leak in the roof has allowed moisture to permeate the walls and framing down to the basement. The mold will eat away slowly but surely and you'll never know.
No need to even consider this house in the buyers market we have now.
You could get an estimate for the cost of doing the repair work (tearing off the roof etc) and then ask for a credit from the seller in your offer.
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