seeking inside knowledge of Reston condos. (Washington: apartments, condominiums, townhouse)

[newkareylou]

Hello, I am moving to Reston and am hoping to buy a condominium. So far I have looked at the Savoy, Carlton House, Midtown and Midtown North, and the Stratford. Here is my dilemma: I was exposed to toxic mold in a workplace environment for many years and it made me very ill. I am largely recovered, but I am still so sensitive to mold that even small amounts of it still make me very ill. I cannot always tell just by touring a place whether I will react; I have to spend a couple nights there.
So I am hoping that someone on this forum will know whether any of these buildings have had mold problems or water intrusion problems in the past. I had a strong reaction to the common area (clubhouse I think it is called) at the Stratford, but have not noticed any problems with any of the other buildings.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[VADude]

There is no way to know but maybe a Google search will tell you. In general you will do better with newer condominiums like at the Reston Town Center.

You may be able to buy a townhouse in Reston for the cost of a condominium. Consider that as an option.

[newkareylou]

VADude,
Thanks for your reply. I was looking at the newer condos precisely for that reason. I had also noticed that I could purchase a large townhouse for the price of a one bedroom condo at the Town Center. But I really have my heart set on a condo.

[leighland]

Maryland requires mold to be disclosed. I think Virginia is not required to disclose it. Townhomes, like apartments (a condo is an apt) can "share" mold and other things If you share a wall, you share everything else. There is a WaPo article yesterday about a REA who bought a home in Potomac that was covered in mold and how he got rid of it.

[VADude]

There are test kits for mold out there. I don't know how good they are.

Mold Armor Mold Test Kit-FG500 at The Home Depot

Presumably you will have the condo inspected as a condition of purchase, so have this as something the home inspector will test for, and if it is other parts of the building you are worried about make it contingent on putting tests kits in certain rooms like the club or gym as well.

Of course if there is no mold problem now it still may happen in the future.

I thought a lot of mold problems were related to Chinese drywall and such. The condo may have some certifications and such about construction standards.

[austindoxie1972]

Years ago, I spoke with a realtor who really knew the backstory of most condos (which had flooded/water damage, etc). She also knew a lot about the townhome communities. I ended up not purchasing a condo through her, but have seen her quoted in the Washington Post, etc. I'll direct message the name to you. Perhaps she can help (though she may want to represent you, etc). Good luck!

[kareylou]

That would be so helpful!! But I have not received a direct message. did you send it?