mold found in crawl space by home inspector

[vanana]

What is the name of your state? Virginia
Since mold was found in the crawl space is it the sellers responsibility to clean it up

 

[JETX]

"Since mold was found in the crawl space is it the sellers responsibility to clean it up"
*** Depends. What stage of purchase are you in??

 

[vanana]

Contract is out of attorney review, home inspection done*, buyer is calling the appraiser. They want to close Aug. 28th. *That's when the mold was discovered.

 

[JETX]

Okay, now what EXACTLY does your agreement say as to who is responsible for repairs found during your inspection??
Is there any specific mention in ANY of your paperwork as to what impact a discover of mold will have??

Also, you need to consider that mold in itself is not proven to be harmful. In fact, mold has been on this earth far longer than man.... and will be here after we are long gone.

So, have the seller remove the mold and whatever caused the moisture that promoted the mold.

 

[HomeGuru]

I would like to clarity that the writer should require t hat the Seller test the mold first them remove it. Results of the testing would dictate the methodology for removal.

 

[vanana]

I am the Seller. My contract stipulates that I (seller) warrants that heating/cooling, plumbing systems and electrical systems will be in good working order at the time of settlement. There is no mention of mold in our contract. It does state that the buyer may inspect for radon, asbestos, and urea formaldehyde and if discovered, I (seller) shall cure such defect. Further, the home is being sold "as is" with a provision of $1,000.00. I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[vanana]

I (seller) was told by the buyer, after they confered w/the home inspector, that a cleaning w/bleach would be acceptable.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Hell, that's nothing. When I sold my home, I left a stack of pancakes made from Bisquik!

IAAL

 

[HomeGuru]

I (seller) was told by the buyer, after they confered w/the home inspector, that a cleaning w/bleach would be acceptable.

**A: unless the home inspector is an EPA certified environmental consultant, I would not follow anything the inspector says to do.

 

[HomeGuru]

I am the Seller. My contract stipulates that I (seller) warrants that heating/cooling, plumbing systems and electrical systems will be in good working order at the time of settlement. There is no mention of mold in our contract. It does state that the buyer may inspect for radon, asbestos, and urea formaldehyde and if discovered, I (seller) shall cure such defect. Further, the home is being sold "as is" with a provision of $1,000.00. I don't know if that makes a difference.

**A: makes no difference. Do a search using the words toxic mold on any major seach engine.

 

[vanana]

mold in crawl space

Thank you for the advice. I now know how to proceed.

 

[faithandhope]

FYI-inspectors are taught during continuing education by mold experts that the most common mold can be removed with soap and water, toxic by bleach. Also, no house is without some type of mold somewhere (drains alone are notorious). We are not allowed to remove substance for mold testing w/o seller/owner approval. Didn't see in your contract that you gave that approval. Point being, if mold is found you then have to disclose. Take that up with your realtor. Best of Luck.

 

[vanana]

Thank you faithandhope for the info.

 

[HomeGuru]

FYI-inspectors are taught during continuing education by mold experts that the most common mold can be removed with soap and water, toxic by bleach.

**A: welcome back faithandhope.
Who is telling inspectors to remove toxic (stachy) mold with bleach?

 

[faithandhope]

Thanks Home Guru, teenager keeping me busy (But Mom, I'm a SENIOR now), plus I've been on extended vacation and took the son and a friend to Jamaica w/ the hubby. Been popping in now and again but if I can't contribute much or know nothing usueful, I just stay silent, aren't you glad?
On the bleach issue, 4 different companies/experts during continuing education for inspectors say that the most common mold repsonds to soap and water, more stubborn to bleach and that toxics can be killed w/ bleach but with more extensive cleanup and removal/disposal of household items if contaminated. Also I have a friend at the UT systems dept. who specializes in this area and also works w/ a huge list of mold remediators and she confirmed that. It's more of a combination of insurance, media and public hysteria. Unless you are extremely allergic or w/ weakened immune syndrom to the point of bubble boy, mold is not harmful, irritating maybe. Houses are built so energy efficient and tight these days we have no choice but to live with it or, Heavens!, open a window. It's the scare dejour and mold companies feed on the frightened.