Mold Comments

[Michigander]

hello all,

appraising a house that has an area of the basement which appears to have some mold next to an area that has some leaking. I need to word this properly in my report, and I am calling for an inspection.

Here's the picture: (trying to get the right position on here)

 

[Patti Jury]

Appraiser notes the possibility of mold in the ______area, however is not an expert in dealing with mold issues. Appraiser recommends an inspection by a qualified and licensed inspector with experience with mold issues...

Or something like that..

Did anyone see the News Report..I think on Fox..and I think in NJ

Inspectors are training dogs to sniff out mold in homes.

I think that is an awesome idea!

 

[Michigander]

Thanks Patti,

This is what I had so far:

. In addition, there is an area along the west wall in the basement by a plumbing stack, where moisture from the plumbing appears to have caused some mold on the drywall (see photos). The appraiser is not an enviromental expert, and strongly suggests that this condition be examined by a qualified indivdual and remediated. The appraisal makes an Extraordinary Assumption that this mold is harmless

What do you folks think of this?

 

[xm39hnu]

There is an area along the west wall of the basement near a plumbing stack where there appears to be either a slow leak or condensation accumulation which appears to keep the adjacent drywall moist. This moist area bears what appears to be a biological growth of unknown type. The appraiser strongly recommends that the client obtain an inspection from a qualified plumbing contractor, or contract to have the cause of the moisture remedied. The appraiser further recommends that the biological growth be inspected by a qualified mold expert.

[define Extraordinary Assumption] This appraisal is developed under the extraordinary assumption that the plumbing is sound, and that the moisture condition can be remediated at minimal cost. This assumption is based on the observed condition of the rest of the plumbing. This appraisal is developed under the further extraordinary assumption that the biological growth observed is benign, or can be remediated easily. The basis for this assumption is that the biological growth appears to be easily accessible, and does not appear to have spread beyond a limited area. If either of these assumptions is proven to be incorrect by a later inspection by a qualified expert ....

 

[DB]

I have used the following statement many times in these instances:

The presence of a visible mold like substance and the lack of information concerning the type and
inability to determine the cause, lead the appraiser to recommend a Phase 1 environmental inspection.

Seems to do the trick.

 

[Michigander]

Thanks folks,

Jim, I like the language you used, and will swap that out with mine, thanks!

 

[Ross (CO)]

Use appropriate words and adjectives to fully describe this ....unknown stuff. Like, where--area of coverage--surface material on which it exists--colors--textures--smell (if you care to get your nose close enough). Might be good to have another identifiable object in your photo to complete a perspective of size and scale, and which end is "up" in your photo, unless that is already obvious. I would AVOID placing the word "mold" in just about any sentence in my text. If you paint the picture well enough, your reader has but one conclusion to make ! If they call and ask....."What do you think it is ?", I'd answer with..."I don't know, what do YOU think it is ?"....and say nothing more till they speak first, again. To say "mold-like" already draws you in as being proficient enough at making that very call to identify mold in the first place. These environmental issues are such traps. No wonder the E & O folks are absolutely paranoid about covering us in these matters. While we would likely get an ear-full by "X"ing off the "subject to" box it sure makes sense do so in these moments.

 

[CANative]

I usually use comments in the condition section and the environmental section.

Appraiser has noted a (insert color) growth which appears to be mold, mildew or fungus in the (insert location)

Under environmental:

Appraiser is not an expert in environmental issues. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus may present a health issue for some individuals. Recommend inspection and remediation.

 

[Elliott]

Rachel,

I saw a little news story on TV that showed a dog that
was certified in mold detection (just like the ones that
follow the scent on Lacy Peterson). There are apparently
a half dozen or so dogs that now have certification.

So just put down that your not qualified to detect mold....
they have certified dogs that do that sort of thing.

elliott

 

[CANative]

...They just have to make sure they don't send any of these dogs out who still have trainee license... unless the supervisory dog certifies "did sniff."