The other day, I received a call from a Beacon Hill condo owner who’s upstairs neighbor had a major water leak which the poured into his luxury Beacon Hill condo. He asked me what he can do/ Whether you live in a Beacon Hill condo worth $1,000,000 or Beacon Hill condo under $800,000 the necessary steps are the same.
Living in a damp environment can be a little inconvenient because mold flourishes in moist regions. If you notice spots of black, grey, or green beginning to appear in your home, you will need to get a test done to confirm whether or not you have mold. Mold can cause a lot of health issues if allowed to grow unchecked, so you will need to correct the mold issue as quickly as possible. If you own real estate in downtown Boston and think you have mold in your home, follow these tips to manage the issue.
Get in Touch with Your Insurance Company
Many home insurance policies include coverage for mold, so your first step should be speaking to your insurance company. Depending on the location and cause of the mold, you may be able to cover the cost of testing for and removing mold. Since mold removal can be rather pricey, starting the insurance process as soon as possible can save you quite a bit of money.
Locate All Mold
Part of the danger of mold is that it can grow behind walls, under baseboards, and in other areas you cannot view. Do not make the mistake of thinking you just have a slight mold problem because there could be a lot growing in hidden areas. Hire a licensed mold expert to inspect your home, find the mold, and let you know what type of mold it is.
Repair the Source of the Mold
It will be pointless to remove the mold if there is still a source of leaking or dampness that will result in more mold growing back immediately. Make sure you immediately take care of any leaking from a pipe, appliance, window, or roof. To reduce the risk of flooding and general dampness, make sure all your gutters and drains are clear, and caulk around water fixtures and gutters.
Remove the Mold
Your method for removing the mold will depend on how much mold is present and what type of mold is growing in your home. For cases where the mold is contained to a fairly small area, you can probably remove it yourself. DIY mold removal normally just involves mixing a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 15 parts water and using it to wipe away the mold. However, if the mold has spread throughout your home, it may be better to hire professionals who have more experience removing mold.
Check for the Reappearance of Mold
Mold can be tricky to remove completely. Therefore, you will need to take the time to test for mold again once the removal is complete. You may want to regularly test for mold in the future because it might occur again if your home is still damp. To make sure the mold does not come back, try to keep your home as dry as possible.
When searching for your dream home, make sure to watch for signs of mold in each property you view, and enlist the help of a reliable agent at Ford realty 617-595-3712
