HOME IMPROVEMENT: MOLD CLEAN-UP
I FOUND STEAL OF A DEAL FOR PURCHASING A HOME…
BUT IT HAS SOME MOLD…
This is NOT a DIY job! Mold is not just on the surface!
Just Clean it With Bleach?
This past month I received a phone call from a Realtor who had a house his client was interested in buying, but it needed water damage repairs done to it. He wanted a price to “just use some Clorox on the moldy areas” as a quick and inexpensive fix.
Repairs Are Not So Simple
I explained to him the repairs would not be so simple or inexpensive. First, Clorox is mostly water and that’s what caused the damage to begin with so other products are used. Second, killing the mold on the surface does nothing for the mold that might be on the back side of the drywall or on the wall studs.
Third and most importantly, I explained the correct way to handle water damage: a mold assessor must identify all affected areas and identify what type of mold exists; a mold remediator must seal off the affected area(s), demolish, remove, and properly dispose of the mold affected building components, scrub the air of mold spores, and clean all affected surfaces based on the type of mold; and the mold assessor must return to test the air and surfaces to assure that no mold remains. Only then can the mold assessor issue a clearance report which the building department will require before issuing a permit to rebuild the affected areas of the house. All of these steps cost money, often thousands of dollars.
Liability for Cleaning Mold
I further explained that this protocol must be followed to protect the Realtor and Leading Edge Homes from exposure to unnecessary liability. He thanked me for my honesty and the education I provided him. He decided he was going to tell his client that the house would cost too much to properly repair and continue their search.
Repairs Should Be Done Correctly the First Time
I have always maintained that all repairs should be performed correctly, the first time, so they never need to be performed again and so you never have to worry about repercussions. I may not win every job but I sleep well at night!
If you ever suffer water damage in your house, please call me at 561-795-2551 before doing anything or calling in even a water extraction company. I can recommend an excellent public adjuster who will ensure you are fairly compensated by your insurance company, a highly reputable mold assessor and mold remediator, and of course Leading Edge Homes performs restoration work to put your house back together again.
Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.
If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more! In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.