Black Mold in a Condo? I thought someone said there is Gold in Mold?

Hello to all of the REI folks,

I have a question, I have a lead on a Condo here in Clearwater Florida that has mold in and around the walls, it’s Black mold. Is there anyway to get the mold from out and inside of the walls? The mold came from moisture from the leaky A/C unit. The property is in a great location. Is there a professional service out there that would take care of the mold?

I would say there is “gold in the mold” for the mold remediation companies… =)

The EPA has guidelines Here
http://www.epa.gov/mold/

It isn’t hard work if you can do handyman type work. It must be done correctly. Above all protect your lungs. Get the EPA booklet read it through and ask more questions.

You really do not want to mess with this stuff until you have a thorough plan and the resources to carry out that plan. It can make you very sick.
On the other hand it is easy if you follow good prcedures accurately.

mold is big thing in florida, so big ins companies do not cover it.

cost can exceed $3000.

Thanks James,

Read the website and very informative. I wouldn’t do the work myself but I would hire professionals to do it. I will let you guys know if anything comes of it.

Did the guy who said, “There’s gold in mold” happen to be the guy who was trying to sell you the moldy house?

In Oregon, I’d have to disclose and that disclosure would send the buyers running away.

One more thng. Have it professionally checked to determine the exact type of mold. Just because it is black doesn’t mean it is toxic. It probably is but in the future you must disclose and if it is not toxic mold then you can make that statement in the disclosure. Also you can get a home inspector who is certified in Mold and who uses thermal Imaging to check for the type of mold and additional wet areas.

I am entering into REInvestments as a part time career. I am still and have beeen a member of NACHI, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. I am still affiliated but not really doing anything for anyonne except myself and a few others as called upon. To all REInvestors, the NACHI website has much free information that can make your buys so much more effective. Also if you are in need of Inspection Pros you can start there.

Also Clearwater Have you tried finding out if the current owners insurance covers this? This is a big enough factor to either reduce the price significantly or have the current owner do the repairs. And If they do they need to get some type of certificate of clean as provided by the remediator.

Yrush
Here in California where I learned Mold, Water, Fire, Remediation. It’
s more like 20,000Plus

@James

Thanks for posting No, they dont have insurance for the property because the Bank owns the property they are trying to make me sign a disclaimer. Thanks for the advice. I’m going to get a professional come and take a look at it and give me some estimates I don’t even know how much it would cost to get the initial inspection.

Clearwater
If it is only Mold sampling it should be inexpensive under $100 maybe abit more if only Mold verify. Thermal imaging may be more as well/ A full Home/Property Inspection by me here in CA is 350 to start condos less but that is it. I do not do mold because of litigation and liability.

If you are new to RE investing then get a property Inspector you trust and keep them on your phone list. Also I know a really good Gen Contractor in Gulfport if you need a number. I only say this because he is one of the few people I worked with in 2003 that was competent and honest.
Also a combat veteran of Lebanon. Click on my name and email me if you want his name. I’ll have it for you.

There is gold in mold if you know how to deal with it. I bought a hose similar to that which you described. pp=30,000 arv= 100,000,
I found a mold inspector through Servicemaster and he charged 200.00 to inspect and he gave me advise as to how to clean it up. I did as he said and cleaned it up in a weekend and had him test and send to a certified lab. He found no mold spores. How is that for liability? I sold the house for 85,000 so everyone wins.
What I learned from all of this is what caused the mold and how to eliminate the cause. If the mold will be reocurring then I am not interested in the property, but if the cause can be curable by some cheap drywall and a wall A/C unit then it is easy. If it is because of a leaking roof for the last 5 years and the mold is all over the house, then fixing the cause will be very expensive and time consuming,look for something with less headaches.
dennisg