What Happens if You Neglect a Mold Problem in Your Basement or Attic?

Procrastination is something we all do from time to time. Whether it’s work, school, fitness, or any other aspect of life, sometimes we just don’t have the time to deal with things right away. It’s much more convenient to put it off until later. The question is, what will the consequences be? In the vast majority of situations, a little procrastination isn’t something to worry much about. Putting it off until tomorrow won’t have any serious consequences, and when it finally gets done, you can still be happy about it.

But as we all know, there are areas of life and home ownership where procrastination really can have consequences. What about residential mold problems, just to name an example? We often hear about mold problems and worst case scenarios, and most people are aware of the health effects (not to mention the financial fallout) of a serious mold invasion. But is it really necessary to take care of that problem right now? Is procrastination really such a big deal?

The answer is yes – at least where mold is concerned. Many a homeowner has been aware that mold is becoming an issue, but they don’t want to spend the time or money to deal with the problem decisively. It’s common to think: What’s the harm in waiting a few more weeks, or a few more months? It’s just a little mold, after all. It’s not like those spores are going to reach through the walls and cause serious problems.

The fact is, of course, that a serious residential mold problem will do just that. Not only are you (and everyone else in your home) breathing those toxic mold spores into your airways and lungs – you’re also giving the mold plenty of time to spread throughout the home and strengthen its foothold.

The consequences of this can truly be devastating. Since many local and state laws demand that prospective home buyers be notified about mold remediation events in the home’s past, a mold problem can seriously affect the value of your home even if it’s taken care of professionally. A serious mold problem can create a stigma around a property, and that stigma will stay there as long as the property exists. Obviously, this is never an ideal situation for the homeowner, even if you don’t intend to sell your home in the immediate future.

What’s the best course of action to take right now?

If you don’t think you have a mold problem, or aren’t sure, there are two main things you should do. The first is learn about effective mold prevention strategies, and put them into place in your home. The second is to call a mold testing specialist to perform a reliable, scientific check for toxic mold spores on your property.

If you do think you have a mold problem, you’ll need a professional mold assessment. Most mold specialists (at least the reputable ones) will give you straight information, and will lay out the best options for dealing with the problem.

Either way – when it comes to mold in your home, procrastination just isn’t worth it!