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There is a rustic charm about older homes in Toronto and the surrounding areas, which makes them enticing to buyers. However, when you’re buying an older home, even if it is your dream home, you may need mold removal in Toronto. From water damage to old insulation, an older home could have a hidden mold infestation. Investing in mold removal costs before moving into a new home can help you identify water damage in Toronto and address infestations with professional restoration. At Canada’s Restoration Services, our experts provide comprehensive mold removal services from inspection to restoration and cleanup.
If you’re in the market for an older Toronto home, here are some tips so you can identify potential mold contamination before you start moving into your new home.
Pay Attention to Odours
One of the most telling signs of hidden mold is its smell. Musty, damp, or earthy odours throughout the home, especially in confined spaces, could be an indicator that mold is present. Mold spores release microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) as they grow, creating a noticeable odour that may not be masked by air fresheners or cleaning products.
While older homes often carry the scent of time, be cautious of smells that seem overly musty or persist despite open windows. Before committing to the purchase, have a professional conduct a mold inspection to determine whether the odour is harmless or a sign that you’ll soon need mold removal in Toronto.
Visit Mold-Centric Spaces
Certain parts of the home are more vulnerable to moisture and, therefore, mold than others. When touring the property, ensure you check basements, attics, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. These high-humidity areas are prime locations for mold growth, especially if there’s poor ventilation or a history of leaks in that space.
Basements in particular tend to be the most susceptible. If you detect musty smells or see signs of past leaks, it may be a signal that basement mold removal is needed. Our team at Canada’s Restoration Services is well-versed in basement mold removal and can address the issue thoroughly so your new home is safe and healthy.
Ask the Owners About Any Previous Mold or Water Damage
During the buying process, always ask the current homeowner or real estate agent if the property has experienced any water damage in Toronto. Past flooding, leaky roofs, or plumbing issues could have left behind moisture that seeded a mold infestation even if the surface appears dry today.
In Ontario, sellers are required to disclose any known defects. Still, they may not always have a complete understanding of the damage, especially if it occurred before they owned the property.
You can ask specific questions, such as:
- Have you experienced flooding in the basement?
- Has any plumbing been replaced or repaired recently?
- When was the last time the attic or crawl space was inspected?
If the seller cannot provide clear answers, it may be a sign to move forward with a professional mold inspection from Canada’s Restoration Services. If you notice signs of mold or water damage, our team can help you streamline mold removal in Toronto in a timely manner.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
Sometimes, mold can’t be seen, but water damage in Toronto properties often leaves physical traces that are visible to the trained or observant eye. Water damage can look like water stains on surfaces like ceilings or walls, discolouration of drywall, warped wood, peeling paint, bubbling paint, cracks in foundation walls, and soft spots in your flooring.
While these may seem like simple cosmetic issues, they could be signs of a larger issue beneath the surface. Water damage in Toronto often creates the conditions that mold needs to thrive. If left unchecked, you could end up paying far more in mold removal costs than you expect shortly after moving in.
Schedule Mold Removal with Professional Restoration Experts
If mold is discovered during your inspection, act quickly. Mold remediation is a job best left to certified professionals like those at Canada’s Restoration Services. We offer IICRC-certified mold removal in Toronto, including testing, containment, removal, and complete restoration.
Whether you need basement mould removal, attic mould cleanup, or whole-home treatment, our team will ensure your new home is safe and mould-free. Mold inspections and remediation can even be used in your negotiations with the seller, potentially reducing your final purchase price or having the cost of remediation covered.
For professional mold removal in Toronto, contact our team today.