Homeowners in Southern California have had a pretty bad ride over the last three or more years; what was once seen as a nice way to build a nest egg and build equity has turned into a nightmare of debt and heartbreak. Yes, we’re talking about the housing market.
But now, in addition to the problem of an overstock of inventory, there’s another problem that’s facing foreclosed Southern California homes, and foreclosed homes across the nation: mold.
In a normal situation, a property has residents who naturally enter and leave it daily and, as the seasons change, natural ventilation sucks moisture up to the attic and out through the roof. It’s commonly called the “stack effect”, and in many parts of the country, like California, it’s pushed by air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.
Most people aren’t aware that this happens, and probably assume that it’s fine to leave a house sitting empty—what could go wrong? Because there’s no one at the home living in it, it doesn’t matter what the temperature is inside or outside. It means that the stack effect is not moving the moisture out through the attic, and the results can be devastating.
The fact is that more than half of foreclosed homes have mold and mildew issues, and real estate agents across the country are saying that the mold doesn’t care if it’s a mansion or a beach shack. You may think that the dryness of California’s famous weather would not foster mold growth, and you’d be wrong. Any small leak behind the walls will start mold growth blossoming in no time.
So if you’re thinking of buying a foreclosed home, make sure you get a professional to check it out for mold. You don’t think an investor would just paint over any signs of mold? You’re more trusting of the human race than we are…
Paul Davis Restoration, Inland Empire can come out and give you an honest assessment of the mold conditions in a property you’re looking to buy or in your existing home. We also facilitate mold remediation to make that home safe for your family again—mold can be dangerous, and even deadly, and it’s not worth your family’s health by ignoring this very real problem. Call us now for a quote: (877) 732-8471 or use our online form.