REO Purchase and found mold

[rseth123]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Folks:

We purchased our current house in May 2011 (It was a bank REO). Recently we had severe rains in San Diego and the water from my deck door into my bedroom stater coming in slowly. The carpet was wet, so I decided to pull it for letting it dry. I found mold on the floor underneath the carpet (which I believe has been there from long time) . House is 2003 constructed and I believe this was a construction defect.

My question is
1. Can I do something with the seller?
2. Can I sue builder as it is within 10yrs of the construction

BTW inspection was done and termite was done (termite report says does not cover mold). The place termite guys fix the baseboard, it is same place where mold is found. It looks like they ignored the mold and replaced baseboard.

OR I need to call it as big mistake and eat the cost.

or Can I claim something from my insurance (not a legal question)

 

[FlyingRon]

Houses are sold as is and without warranty either by the builder or the seller.
Your only possible recourse is if the seller knew there was a defect and failed to disclose it. In the case of most REOs that will be impossible to prove.

Your insurance might cover the damage attributed to the storm itself but not damages due to construction defects or failure to keep up the house.

 

[nextwife]

It is the nature of REOs that they may have often sat unattended, without utilities, for months or years. THis is why they are so severely discounted. Betcha you bought this for well less than it cost the builder to build it. There has been no date provided that shows the mold was a defect and not an after market scenario. Unheated or un cooled homes that sit unventilated can produce mold. Pull up the carpet, properly treat the subfloor and see if that kills it off. Make sure that required ventilation exists.

 

[rseth123]

It is the nature of REOs that they may have often sat unattended, without utilities, for months or years. THis is why they are so severely discounted. Betcha you bought this for well less than it cost the builder to build it. There has been no date provided that shows the mold was a defect and not an after market scenario. Unheated or un cooled homes that sit unventilated can produce mold. Pull up the carpet, properly treat the subfloor and see if that kills it off. Make sure that required ventilation exists.

Actually I found more issues. Found mold behind the dry wall and framing too and frame is wet too. Seems like there is a leak somehwhere in the door frame. It is getting big and not sure on how will i prove it to insurance that something damaged because of the condition external to my control not my negligence.