Mould Found in a Home Inspection? Help for Buyers & Sellers

When an inspection finds mould

Home inspections often flag “possible mould” in attics, basements, bathrooms or around windows. That’s a reason to look closer, not necessarily a deal-breaker. What matters is how much there is, what it’s growing on, and what’s causing it.

For buyers

• Get a proper look during your conditions. A mould inspection tells you the extent and the moisture source.
• Get a written quote. It gives you a real number for negotiations instead of a guess.
• Ask about the cause. Mould from a one-time leak that’s fixed is different from ongoing moisture like a foundation leak or a bathroom fan venting into the attic.
• Ask for clearance results if the seller fixes it before closing.

For sellers

• Find out what you’re dealing with before buyers do.
• Fix it properly. Bleaching or painting over mould isn’t remediation. Alberta Health Services says biocide-only treatment such as bleach is not acceptable remediation. The material has to be removed and surfaces cleaned.
• Keep the paperwork. Before-and-after photos and clearance test results answer buyers’ questions.

Common places inspectors find mould

• Attics, from frost and from bathroom fans venting into the attic. See attic mould.
• Basements, from foundation leaks and past floods. See basement mould.
• Bathrooms and windows, from humidity and condensation.

Older homes and asbestos

Older Edmonton homes may have asbestos in the materials that mould removal disturbs. If we suspect it, licensed abatement professionals test and remove it before our work. Our crews don’t do asbestos abatement. Factor that into timelines if you’re working to a closing date.

Clearance results

After remediation, clearance testing confirms the work passed. You get written results to share with the other side. See clearance testing.