Moving into a new home is like starting a new chapter in your life. It’s the period for fresh beginnings and infinite possibilities. But before fully immersing yourself in the excitement of moving, there’s one thing you have to consider: mold.
Mold is a sneaky little fungus that can cause a lot of problems when not dealt with properly. A 2022 report from NIOSH said that nearly half of all homes (47%) in the United States have some kind of mold or dampness issues. Exposure to mold can trigger a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritation. That’s why it’s crucial to take steps to prepare for mold remediation before moving into your new home. (1)
This guide will show you the essential steps to prepare for mold remediation before you pack up and move.
Identify the Problem
To start, check for visible signs of mold, such as discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors. Pay more attention to places that tend to retain moisture: bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. But mold can also hide behind wallpaper, under carpets, or inside air ducts.
After you’ve found the mold, document it well. Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas. This documentation will be invaluable for insurance purposes and can help mold remediation professionals plan their approach.
Hire a Professional Inspector
Although you can identify visible mold yourself, it’s often worth calling in expert mold remediation specialists. These experts have the right tools and know-how to find hidden mold and figure out how big the problem really is. They also use specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air sampling devices to detect mold that’s invisible to the naked eye.
Moreover, professional inspectors can provide you with a detailed assessment of the moldy situation in your home. This expert insight can be helpful when preparing to move, as it helps you understand the full scope of the work needed and can influence your decisions about timing and budgeting for the remediation process.
Understand the Remediation Plan
Once you’ve hired the pros and selected a mold remediation company, closely work with them to understand their remediation plan. This should include details on the extent of the mold problem, the methods they’ll use to remove it, and any necessary repairs or restoration work. A clear plan will help you prepare your home and belongings appropriately.
This is also a good opportunity to discuss the expected timeline for the remediation process. Knowing the timelines and logistics will help you plan your move and any temporary living arrangements if needed. On average, the mold remediation process can take 1 to 3 days for small to medium areas and up to 5 days for severe mold growth. (2)
Look at Your Finances
The cost of mold remediation can depend on the severity of the problem and the size of the moldy area. On average, homeowners might spend USD$2,363 for professional mold remediation, but it may cost between USD$373 to USD$7,000, depending on the size, type, and location of the infestation. (3)
You can save some of your budget by checking out your homeowners or renters’ insurance policy to see whether mold remediation is included. While many standard policies exclude mold damage, some may offer limited coverage or allow you to add mold coverage as a rider.
But even with insurance, you might have some out-of-pocket expenses. These may include the cost of temporary housing, replacing contaminated belongings, or addressing underlying moisture issues. Create a budget that accounts for these potential costs to avoid financial surprises during the remediation process.
Prepare the Area
Before the mold remediation team arrives, you’ll need to prepare the affected areas. Remove furniture, curtains, and any other items that might block access to moldy surfaces. If possible, store these items in a clean, dry area to prevent cross-contamination.
To stop mold spores from spreading to clean parts of your home, seal off the remediation area. A barrier may be formed by plastic sheeting and tape between the moldy and clean areas. This containment is crucial, as mold spores can easily become airborne during the remediation process.
More importantly, don’t forget to protect yourself during the preparation phase. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator mask to minimize your contact with mold spores.
Address Moisture Sources
Mold thrives in damp environments, so it’s crucial to find and address the source of moisture that’s fueling the mold growth. Common culprits include leaky pipes, poor ventilation, and water damage from flooding.
After you’ve spotted the moisture source, take steps to fix it. Water-damaged materials need to be fixed or replaced, leaky pipes corrected, and proper ventilation installed within the home’s moist areas. You also might want to hire a professional water damage restoration expert if you have been unlucky enough to have flooding or severe water damage to your house before proceeding with mold remediation.
Finally, use humidifiers in troubled areas and also ensure good ventilation in your house. According to EPA keep the humidity level inside the house below 60% to prevent mold formation. (4)
Sort and Pack Your Belongings
As you prepare to move, carefully assess which items have been infested by mold. Porous materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, and certain types of clothing can be greatly susceptible to mold growth and may need to be discarded.
For salvageable items, clean them thoroughly. Hard, non-porous surfaces can often be cleaned with a mixture of water and detergent. Meanwhile, delicate or porous items require professional mold remediation services. Simply killing mold with bleach alone isn’t enough; dead mold spores can still cause allergic reactions and must be removed completely.
Plan Long-Term Prevention Strategies
When making preparations for mold remediation and your upcoming move, it’s wise to think about long-term prevention strategies. Executing these measures can help ensure that your new home remains mold-free:
- Conduct regular mold inspections in your new home, especially in areas prone to moisture.
- Make sure your new home has a sufficient ventilation system, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
- Address any water damage or leaks promptly to prevent mold from taking hold.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%.
These proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of future mold problems.
Key Takeaway
Preparing for mold remediation before moving involves several crucial steps. These include diagnosis of the problem, preparation of the house and personal belongings, and teamwork among professionals. With thorough planning and implementation, you’ll be able to move out to a clean and healthy house, free of the threat of mold infestation.
References:
- “Is Your Home a Health Risk? Why Mold May Be Lurking in Your Home”, Source: https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/is-your-home-a-health-risk-why-mold-may-be-lurking-in-your-home
- “How Much Does Mold Remediation and Removal Cost?”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/mold-remediation-removal-costs/
- “How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost? [2024 Data]”, Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-mold-remediation-service-cost.htm
- “Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows”, Source: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-2
We hope you found this blog post on How To Prepare for Mold Remediation Before Moving, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Reasons to Hire Mold Removal Services for more great tips!
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