Everyone who wants to buy a home must have a property inspection done before any final paper is signed. This inspection is not considered a valuation and no qualifying system exists, so a house cannot “fail” one of these inspections. There simply exist to show the buyer what is wrong with the house and give advice about what can be done about any problem that exists.

Most contracts to buy a home in the United States will include a clause that the contract will not be considered valid until the property has been watched by a home inspector. Some states require home inspectors to be licensed, but those who are professional engineers do not have to have this license, since their engineering license covers these inspections.

Inspections will usually include basement testing, water heater, central heat and air conditioning, structural integrity, electrical system, plumbing, and roof. Other aspects of the building will also be looked at, including areas of the home that are not considered until code and do not need extensive repair, general maintenance issues, and etcetera.

Mold is something, however, that is not usually covered under general home inspection. Having a home examined for mold growth is typically considered to be a separate act and so a contract to purchase a home should be amended to include a mold inspection before the contract is considered valid. A clue if you will really need a mold inspection or will not be if home inspection finds that the home has had water damage to any area of ​​it.

Mold will typically grow where water damage has occurred, but can also grow in homes that show no sign of this, so buying a mold inspection is advised if your home inspector finds water damaged areas of your home or not.

If home or mold damage is found, then you need to decide whether or not to go ahead and not buy the home after you have this information in your hand. Some sellers can give you a credit on the price of the home if you choose to buy it and repair the damage yourself and something can repair the damage done for you. Others may insist that the sale is “as is” and will not give any unidirectional or other clemency in the issue. Judge the scale of the problem and what it will cost to have it repaired and make the right decision for you.