Home buyer's mold checklist
Take this to showings. Any box you can't tick is a reason to look closer before your contingency deadline.
Outside
- Gutters and downspouts drain away from the house
- Soil and hardscape slope away from the foundation
- No standing water or damp soil near crawlspace vents
- Roof: no missing shingles, sagging or patched areas
- Window frames and sills: no rot, gaps or peeling paint
Inside
- No musty smell, especially in closets, bathrooms and lower floors
- Ceilings: no stains, rings or fresh paint patches
- Under every sink: no stains, swelling or soft cabinet floors
- Around toilets, tubs and showers: caulk and grout intact, floor solid
- Bathrooms have an exhaust fan that vents outside
- Windows: no heavy condensation or dark spots on frames
- Baseboards and flooring: no warping or lifting
Mechanical
- Water heater: no rust, drips or water on the floor
- AC air handler: drain line clear, no water in the pan or around the unit
- Washing machine hoses: no bulges or drips
Paperwork
- Seller disclosures mention any leaks, floods or mold?
- Receipts or reports for past water damage or mold repair?
- Roof age and any recent repairs?
- Your inspection contingency deadline
From Clarity Mold Testing · claritymoldtesting.com · Independent, test-only mold inspection in Los Angeles. General guidance, not a substitute for an inspection.