How Water Damage and Mold Affect Property Value

Water damage can do a number on your home’s property value. Even if you managed to quickly remove all of the standing water from your home after a storm, flood or backup situation, or if you’ve patched leaks in your ceiling, there’s still a chance that lingering moisture could cause damage beyond what you can see in your walls, floors and ceilings. And when moisture is an extended issue in a home, so is mold.

If you believe any part of your home has been subject to long-term moisture damage and mold, it is important to resolve the issues before putting your home up for sale so your house’s value does not plummet. Hiring a professional mold removal service is the best recommendation we can give as a real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA to solve the issue for good.

Here are some issues and tips to consider with regard to water damage and mold in your home.

Mold can cause health problems

The long-term presence of mold can be a safety risk for people who are sensitive to its spores, especially if there is a significant infestation of mold. Black mold, for example, can cause itching, watery eyes, rashes, coughing and other problems. Immediate treatment is imperative not just to keep the mold from spreading and damaging more of your home and possessions, but also to protect the other people in your home.

If you attempt to treat the mold yourself, you should always wear gloves, a breathing mask or respirator and goggles so you can avoid breathing in the spores or getting them in your eyes. However, keep in mind that a mold remediation professional is going to be better equipped to take on this task.

Check crawl spaces and attics

Two of the most common places you’ll find mold in your home are crawl spaces and attics, because these areas are more likely to be dark and damp and have little ventilation. These areas will be thoroughly examined by a home inspector before the sale, and if they find mold, they might not allow the property to be sold before you fix the problem.

Find and eliminate the source

You should figure out exactly where the mold is coming from so you can be sure you remove it entirely. Most mold comes from water damage, which may have occurred due to flooding or leaks in your home. Getting rid of the mold and replacing damaged drywall and wood can help, but only so much—you need to make sure the root cause of the water damage is also addressed. This means fixing leaking pipes, improving air circulation, allowing items to hang dry, patching leaks in roofs and putting dehumidifiers in areas that tend to have more moisture.

These are just a few of the considerations you should take into account when dealing with water and mold damage in your home. If you have any additional questions about related issues, we encourage you to contact a professional real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA today.

Categorised in: Real Estate Appraisals

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