What Do I Do If I See Mold Growing During a Home Inspection?
Last updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
Document the Mold You See
Point out all visible mold growth to your home inspector so they can document it in the official report. Take clear photographs of the mold and the surrounding area, noting any signs of water damage like stains or warping. A detailed record is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem and for any future negotiations or repairs.
The inspector's report will typically note the presence of mold as a concern requiring further evaluation. This finding gives you a factual basis to discuss the issue with the seller or their agent. The report does not usually assess the mold type or health risk, which requires a separate, specialized inspection by a qualified mold professional.
Order a Professional Mold Inspection
A standard home inspection identifies visible mold but does not test it. You need a separate inspection from a qualified mold professional. They use tools like moisture meters and may take air or surface samples to identify the mold species and spore counts. This detailed assessment reveals the true extent of the problem, including hidden growth behind walls or under floors.
The mold professional provides a written report detailing their findings and recommendations for remediation. This report helps you understand the health risks, the underlying moisture source that must be fixed, and the scope of cleanup needed. In San Bernardino, the Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and winter rains can create seasonal moisture issues that promote mold.
- Assesses the type of mold present
- Measures moisture levels in building materials
- Identifies the hidden source of water intrusion
- Provides a detailed remediation scope
- Helps you make an informed decision about the property
- Is often a contingency in a purchase offer
Address the Underlying Water Source
Mold cannot grow without moisture. Finding and fixing the water problem is the most critical step. Common sources include leaking pipes, roof leaks, poor ventilation, or foundation seepage. Until the moisture source is permanently repaired, any mold cleanup will be temporary, as the growth will simply return.
A water damage restoration professional can help locate and stop the active leak. This might involve plumbing repair, roof work, or improving drainage around the home's foundation. Once the source is controlled, the environment can be properly dried to prevent future mold problems.
Understand Your Options for Remediation
With a mold inspection report in hand, you have several paths forward. You can request that the seller complete professional mold remediation before closing. Alternatively, you can ask for a price reduction or credit to cover the cost of repairs you will manage after purchase. In some cases, you may choose to walk away from the deal if the problem is too severe.
Professional mold remediation involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, and thorough cleaning of surfaces. The goal is to return the space to a normal fungal ecology. You should get any agreed-upon remediation work verified by an independent inspector before finalizing the purchase.
- Request seller completes remediation prior to sale
- Negotiate a repair credit or price reduction
- Have the work done yourself after closing
- Cancel the purchase contract if allowed
- Ensure the moisture source is fixed first
- Get post-remediation verification from a third party
Consider Health and Safety Precautions
Avoid touching or disturbing visible mold during the inspection. Disturbance can release a large number of spores into the air, which some people may inhale. If you feel unwell after being in the home, such as experiencing headaches or respiratory irritation, you should see a doctor. Inform the doctor about your possible exposure to mold.
Those with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems should be especially cautious. They may want to avoid re-entering the home until a professional assessment is complete. While not all mold is highly toxic, it is impossible to determine risk by sight alone, which is why professional testing is important.
Need help right now?
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (909) 655-4818Frequently asked questions
Does mold found during an inspection kill the deal?
Not necessarily. Mold is a common, negotiable issue in real estate. The discovery gives you leverage to ask the seller to fix it, provide a credit, or adjust the sale price. The deal only falls through if the problem is extreme or an agreement cannot be reached between buyer and seller.
Who pays for the mold inspection and remediation?
Typically, the buyer orders and pays for the initial mold inspection. The cost of remediation is often negotiated. The seller may agree to pay for it, or you might receive a credit at closing to cover the future cost. The final arrangement depends on your purchase contract and local market customs.
Can I clean the mold myself before buying?
It is not advisable. You do not own the property yet, and DIY cleaning rarely addresses hidden mold or the moisture source. Improper cleanup can spread spores and make the problem worse. It is better to have the condition professionally assessed and let remediation be part of the purchase negotiation.
More questions and answers
- Is Mold Growing If I Can Smell It but Cannot See It?
- How Long After a Flood Can Mold Start Growing?
- How Do I Stop Mold From Growing in My Bathroom?
- Why Do I See Green Mold in My Crawl Space?
- How Does Mold Start Growing Inside Walls After a Leak?
- Why Is Mold Growing on My Furniture Near an Exterior Wall?
- All articles