When most people thing about mold, they conjure up images of old, damp basements, unused crawlspaces and other out of the way spots where the dangerous fungus spores are given a chance to take hold. While these types of areas are definitely high-risk spots that should be inspected by mold remediation experts, newer properties can have problems as well. Some folks in the Portland area are learning this the hard way.

More Than Meets the Eye

Quadrant Corp., a leading home developer in the Portland area, is coming under fire because new homeowners that have purchased properties in their developments are encountering mold in addition to other problems. Residents are accusing the company of working hastily, skipping over important insulation and using wet, damp materials to get the job done fast. Quadrant allegedly found mold in some of the homes before they were even sold, but cleaned it and did not disclose the situation to the buyer.

I recommend having an inspection for mold and other problems done whenever you purchase a new property. Even if the home is brand new, there’s a chance that the developer rushed their building schedule and in the process compromised the integrity of the home. Not only will the home itself be in danger if a large-scale mold infestation takes over, but the health of all inhabitants will be at serious risk as well. Have a certified mold removal company inspect any property before purchasing so you can have some peace of mind.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold may seem harmless when you spot it hiding out in your bathroom or basement, but don’t be fooled. Many common varieties of household mold are fairly toxic and can cause illness. Symptoms similar to allergies are the most common ailments, but itchy eyes and skin, coughing and sneezing can be just the start. Some molds can cause serious lung infections and even lead to death. Don’t risk your health and try to clean up mold yourself. Aside from the danger, there’s a good chance that you won’t even remove all of it. Trace amounts of mold spores that won’t be visible can linger. Plus, regular household cleaners are generally not a solid defense against mold.

A quality mold remediation specialists will be able to inspect every part of your property, including crawlspaces and other hard to access areas. They will be able to find mold and completely eradicate it using advanced tools and modern techniques. Odor removal is another part of the process that a professional can handle. Mold leaves a distinct mildew odor that can permeate your space if not treated. Professionals will use the proper safety equipment to protect both themselves and every resident of the home, and by following proper protocol cross contamination with unaffected rooms won’t be something you have to worry about. Keep an eye out for mold, even in a new property, and call a certified pro for help at the first sign of trouble.