Are you considering purchasing a new home in the Sunshine State, perhaps in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or even the beautiful Palm Beach? South Florida, with its year-round warmth and tropical climate, is a paradise for many.
However, these same conditions, coupled with the region's frequent afternoon thunderstorms and proximity to the Everglades, can also create an ideal environment for mold growth. Therefore, conducting a mold inspection or mold remediation before buying a property in South Florida is a must. Here is why.
Mold in South Florida Homes: A Common Occurrence, Not a Deal Breaker
Mold growth in homes, especially in a humid climate like South Florida, is not uncommon. However, discovering mold in your potential new home, whether it's a beachfront condo in Fort Lauderdale or a charming bungalow in the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, doesn't have to be a deal-breaker.
In fact, it can be an opportunity to negotiate a better deal. You can use the presence of mold or water damage as leverage during the negotiation process, potentially leading to a lower purchase price or having the seller cover the costs of mold remediation.
The Importance of a Pre-Purchase Mold Inspection in South Florida
Before you finalize your home purchase, it's essential to have the property inspected for potential issues, including mold and hidden water damages. Because they have direct cause and effect relationships. A thorough mold inspection can help identify the type of mold present, which can inform the necessary remediation steps.
Common types of mold found in South Florida homes, from the Art Deco buildings of Miami Beach to the Spanish-style homes in Coral Gables, include black mold, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus. Each of these molds can have different impacts on health and require different remediation procedures.
What to Do if Your Home Inspection Finds Mold
If your home inspection reveals mold, you have several options. You can negotiate with the seller to address the mold issue before finalizing the purchase. If the seller agrees to handle the remediation, it's advisable to conduct another inspection once the remediation is complete to ensure the problem has been fully addressed. If you're responsible for the remediation, ensure the cost is deducted from the home's selling price.
Florida State Law and Mold Inspection
According to Florida laws, landlords must adhere to local building, health, and safety regulations. Therefore, if the presence of mold does not infringe upon these codes, there is no legal obligation for the landlord to rectify the situation.
Read more - Florida Statue 83.51
Takeaways
- Potential issues such as mold growth should be considered due to the region's tropical climate and frequent rain showers.
- Conducting a mold inspection prior to finalizing your purchase is crucial to ensure a sound investment.
- Let the previous owner fix the mold problem, so the problem doesn't get pass down to you, and costing more to fix it.
- Discovering mold is not necessarily a negative—it can provide a chance to negotiate a better deal.