The home inspection on a home I have made an offer on has revealed a moisure and mold problem on the support beams in the crawl space. The home is located in Georgia. The inspecter suggested treatment by a pest control company for the mold and mildew, and the installation of 3 dehumidifiers to pull out the moisture. Is this enough or should I require more by the seller? I am getting "cold" feet and considering withdrawing my offer. The inspector also thought the indoor temp should be raised, but this is the hot South and I do not want to be uncomfortable in my home.

First, keep in mind your home inspector is supposed to represent your interests. At the same time he has to identify problems large and small because you might sue him if he misses something. Interpreting risk is another matter. The moisture and POTENTIAL mold in your crawlspace is something your inspector suggests you investigate further. Determining whether the mold is a toxic variety, or even poses any risk at all to the living space is beyond the scope of his investigation.

I would suggest that first, mold in a crawl space is unlikely to significantly affect you in the living space. Its also an indicator of excessive moisture. There are lots of approaches to solving the moisture problem, such as covering the dirt with plastic and gravel, improving passive ventilation, etc. I would question the cost-effectiveness of operating dehumidifiers, but that is another option.

The problem you describe is probably typical of the area, and is not insurmountable or obviously unhealthful. The problem is not in a living space, and has not apparently compromised the structure. You can obtain additional help in solving the issue, and your inspector might even provide you with some good ideas; especially since he has already covered his butt in the report. I would start with picking his brain for ideas or referrals and estimates. Bottom line is, your description does not sound like a serious problem that should prevent you from buying the place, rather you should learn details and decide how to mitigate or live with the problem.

First, I'll say that whatever Tom says is right on.

But this post relates more to your "cold feet."

I'm not a real estate pro, but I've been around enough home buying transactions to know that "buyer's remorse" is as old as commerce itself.

It's probably a good time to think about your purchase as it applies to those tired old real estate words, "LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION." These, of course, are the 3 most important consideration in home buying.

Note that other house attributes (important though they are) are nowhere to be found on that list!

But if you DON'T have LOCATION, I think the remorse is likely to be that much worse. The first question I'd be asking is: Is this the best NEIGHBORHOOD (not HOUSE) I can afford?

And if you've got LOCATION, the house is very likely to be worth some extra money to fix it up.

Good luck; please keep us posted!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

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