I have mold problems, can you help?

Question

I am about to buy a cottage and we just found out it used to have black mold, so the previous owner took down the house and rebuilt it. We are going to get testing on it to make sure there is no more mold, but i wanted to know if anyone had any good questions i should ask the mold inspector. For example (what is the cause of the mold? or How can we prevent it?) I also wanted to know if anyone has had mold problems before and could share some information about it with me?

Thanks a million:)

Answer 1

You need to do some serious self education on this , as black mold is extremely toxic and is a formadable health hazard. My friend lost her house due to mold from a leak from an above floor condo, the Insurance delay and testing and inspections and other related issues were a nightmare and devestating emotionally, physically and financially- so be careful! Mold is present everywhere and is normally not a problem in naturally occurring environmental levels. Mold can  only grow where there is moisture, so IMMEDIATELY ( do NOT wait to do this, not even a day or 2 if possible) exposing and removing all wet materials from a leak and correcting the initial leak source is all that is necessary to prevent mold, then finish up with repair with all new materials. If you incur a leak or flood, and your insurance will not act immediately, then get your own contractor and pay to have repairs done, rather than wait for Insurance co to make the repairs or release the money- their delay could cost you your home and health! Get it fixed then sue the Ins company for reimbursement - it's better than losing your home! Sounds simple but water is a bugger sometimes to trace, so thats where professionals are worth their weight in gold in the long run with serious leaks and damage. Make sure the testing is done correctly and by a reputable company that uses a lab for its results, and takes at least 3 different type test for analysis and DO NOT sign any purchase papers unless it is certified to be mold free by your independant testor! If the house was rebuilt with all new materials, and none of the contaminated materials were left, than the mold is no longer an issue, but any home can get a leak, even new ones so cover your investment . Google mold, mold testing, mold contamination, etc and you will find a wealth of information.