How homeowners can avoid costly mold problems

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, mold has become a hot issue. Health concerns and potential damage make mold a red flag for buyers. And even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, taking care of mold problems now can help prevent bigger problems in the future. Contrary to what some people think, mold is not a geographic problem-it can occur anywhere, no matter where you live. Here is some basic information about mold and how to deal with it.

What is mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different kinds of mold. Their natural function is to help break down dead materials such as stumps and leaves so the nutrients can be used by the environment. For molds to grow, they need two things: an organic food source-such as leaves, wood, paper or dirt-and moisture.

Problems associated with mold

Mother Nature uses mold to decompose plant material. Unfortunately, when present indoors, it can be equally destructive. Mold growth can damage furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Left unchecked, it can also cause serious damage to walls and structural elements in your home.

Mold is present everywhere, and most people tolerate exposure with no adverse effects. If allowed to spread, however, it may cause problems. As molds grow, they release thousands of tiny spores that travel through the air. When inhaled in large enough amounts, these spores may increase the risk of adverse health effects in some people, particularly respiratory problems. A less-common strain of mold called “black mold” can be particularly troublesome to those who are especially sensitive.

Common causes of mold problems

Don’t think that just because you live in a hot, dry climate, your home is not vulnerable to mold. There are many sources of mold problems, from faulty air conditioners to poorly positioned sprinkler systems. Federal standards for energy-efficient home-building have even contributed to the problems. By making homes more airtight, construction techniques in newer homes also trap moisture inside.

Here are the most common sources of mold inside the home:

· Flooding
· Leaky roofs or damaged gutters
· Heating or cooling system problems
· Poor drainage next to foundation
· Plumbing leaks from toilets, refrigerators and dishwashers
· Damp basement or crawl space
· Leaking windows or doors
· Steam from shower or cooking
· Indoor exhaust from clothes dryers

What to look for

If you can see or smell mold inside your home, it’s time to take measures. Any area that has sustained past or ongoing water damage should be thoroughly inspected-you may find hidden mold growth in water-damaged walls, floors or ceilings. Walls and floors that are warping or discolored can also indicate moisture problems, as can condensation on windows or walls.

Preventing mold in your home

Since mold is always present, there’s no way to eliminate it completely. You can control indoor mold growth, however, by controlling moisture.

1. Remove the source of moisture by fixing any leaks or other water problems.
2. Make sure bathroom fans and dryers are properly vented to the outside. Always use the exhaust fan when cooking or showering.
3. Use a dehumidifier or air-conditioning system. Make sure your AC system is well maintained and is the correct size for your home. A faulty AC system can cool the air without removing the water vapor, creating high humidity.
4. Insulate your home well to prevent indoor condensation.
5. Have your heating, ventilation and cooling systems professionally cleaned annually. Air-duct systems can easily become contaminated with mold.
6. Regularly clean moist areas such as the bathroom with products that treat mildew.
7. Dry-clean, rather than wet-clean, your carpets.Avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements.
8. Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as you notice them.

Mold clean-up

Mold is a manageable problem. Unless it is dealt with correctly, however, it will continue to come back. If your mold problem is severe or if you have extensive water damage, it’s best to call an experienced, professional contractor who specializes in mold removal. If you have a mold problem that is isolated to a small area, less than a square yard or so, you can try to resolve it yourself.

Porous items that are hard to clean, such as carpet and drapes, should be discarded. Moldy Sheetrock and ceiling tiles can be removed and replaced.

Hard, nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass, plastic and metal can be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Allow to dry completely.

For solid items that are semi-porous, such as floors, cabinets and wood furniture, scrub with an ammonia-free cleaner and hot water to remove all mold. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. After cleaning, apply a mildewcide to kill mold and spores.

When cleaning mold, remember to wear gloves, a mask and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Throw away any sponges or rags that you use for cleaning.

How to make the best choice

There are a number of things that can trigger the decision to remodel or move to a new home. Perhaps you have outgrown your current space, you might be tired of struggling with ancient plumbing and wiring, or maybe your home just feels out of date. The question is: Should you stay or should you go? Choosing whether to remodel or move involves looking at a number of factors. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.

Five reasons to move

1. Your current location just isn’t working: Unruly neighbors, a miserable commute, a less-than-desirable school district—these are factors you can’t change. If your current location is detracting from your overall quality of life, it’s time to consider moving. If you’re just ready for a change that’s a good reason, too. Some people simply are tired of their old homes and want to move on.
2. Your home is already one of the nicest in the neighborhood: Regardless of the improvements you might make, location largely limits the amount of money you can get for your home when you sell. A general rule of thumb for remodeling is to make sure that you don’t over-improve your home for the neighborhood. If your property is already the most valuable house on the block, additional upgrades usually won’t pay off in return on investment at selling time.
3. There’s a good chance you’ll move anyway: If your likelihood of moving in the next two years is high, remodeling probably isn’t your best choice. There’s no reason to go through the trouble and expense of remodeling and not be able to enjoy it. It may be better to move now to get the house you want.
4. You need to make too many improvements to meet your needs: This is particularly an issue with growing families. What was cozy for a young couple may be totally inadequate when you add two small children. Increasing the space needed to make your home workable may cost more than moving to another house. In addition, lot size, building codes and neighborhood covenants may restrict what you can do. Once you’ve outlined the remodeling upgrades that you’d like, we can help you determine what kind of home you could buy for that same investment.
5. You don’t like remodeling: Remodeling is disruptive. It may be the inconvenience of losing the use of a bathroom for a week, or it can mean moving out altogether for months. Remodeling also requires making a lot of decisions. You have to be able to visualize new walls and floor plans, decide how large you want windows to be, and where to situate doors. Then there’s choosing from hundreds of flooring, countertop and fixture options. Some people love this. If you’re not one of them, it’s easier to buy a house that has the features you want already in place.

Five reasons to remodel

1. You love your neighborhood: You can walk to the park, you have lots of close friends nearby, and the guy at the espresso stand knows you by name. There are features of a neighborhood, whether it’s tree-lined streets or annual community celebrations, that you just can’t re-create somewhere else. If you love where you live, that’s a good reason to stay.
2. You like your current home’s floor plan: The general layout of your home either works for you or it doesn’t. If you enjoy the configuration and overall feeling of your current home, there’s a good chance it can be turned into a dream house. The combination of special features you really value, such as morning sun or a special view, may be hard to replicate in a new home.
3. You’ve got a great yard: Yards in older neighborhoods often have features you can’t find in newer developments, including large lots, mature trees and established landscaping. Even if you find a new home with a large lot, it takes considerable time and expense to create a fully landscaped yard.
4. You can get exactly the home you want: Remodeling allows you to create a home tailored exactly to your lifestyle. You have control over the look and feel of everything, from the color of the walls to the finish on the cabinets. Consider also that most people who buy a new home spend up to 30 percent of the value of their new house fixing it up the way they want.
5. It may make better financial sense: In some cases, remodeling might be cheaper than selling. A contractor can give you an estimate of what it would cost to make the improvements you’re considering. I can give you prices of comparable homes with those same features. But remember that while remodeling projects add to the value of your home, most don’t fully recover their costs when you sell.

Remodel or move checklist:

Here are some questions to ask when deciding whether to remodel or move:

• How much money can you afford to spend?
• How long do you plan to live in your current home?
• How do you feel about your current location?
• Do you like the general floor plan of your current house?
• Will the remodeling you’re considering offer a good return on investment?
• Can you get more house for the money in another location that you like?
• Are you willing to live in your house during a remodeling project?
• If not, do you have the resources to live elsewhere while you’re remodeling?

Beautiful gardens don’t cultivate themselves. They grow from thoughtful planning and good design. The following are a few tips on how to come up with a garden design that suits your style, your house and your budget.

DESIGN TIP # 1

Get a sense of your budget. Landscape designers, gardeners, and many plants can add a considerable monetary cost to your garden (though many would argue it’s money well spent). To stay within your means, make sure you have a budget in place before you begin laying the groundwork of your new garden.

DESIGN TIP #2

Choose a garden design that reflects your own personal style. A natural garden with lots of bushy, overgrown plants might suit you better than a classical garden with geometric borders and delicate-looking beds of color-coordinated flowers.

DESIGN TIP #3

Consider the style of your home. If you have a small house, you might not want to overwhelm it with a towering lattice of climbing roses. If your house is smaller in size, choose a garden design that will balance it without making your home appear smaller than it is. Similarly, don’t invest in elaborate fountains or gardens if they don’t fit the style of your home. You can still be creative, but make sure the garden design complements your home.

DESIGN TIP #4

Notice what kind of garden designs you like. Whether you’re glancing through a gardening magazine or just taking a leisurely walk in your neighborhood, notice what essentials of a garden you like and why. Is it the combination of colors or the abundance of a particular type of plant? Read garden magazines and watch shows for ideas on which features to integrate in your garden.

The right lighting makes your home comfortable and functional. A bright home also attracts buyers. Here are some tips for lighting up your home to optimize your enjoyment and its sales appeal.

Outside

Put new bulbs that are as bright as the wattage allows in outdoor fixtures. Clean light covers to maximize the light that shines through and to give your home a clean, well-kept look. Consider adding small lights along your driveway or garden to accent your yard’s best features.

Entrance and Hall

A poorly lit entrance hallway can be a disaster when you’re selling your home, as it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees. Install high-wattage bulbs and keep the fixtures clean. Spotlights or recessed lights add flair and can be angled to highlight artwork or make the hall seem bigger.

Bathroom

Bad lighting can be unflattering. In the bathroom, use fluorescent bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or more. This will enhance skin tones and other colors. Make sure you have ample lighting in functional areas such as the tub or shower as well as over the vanity mirror.

Kitchen

Good kitchen lighting is crucial to the cook and can sell your home. Use a mix of lighting: recessed lights in the ceiling, task lighting around work areas such as the stove and counter and accent lights to bring attention to your kitchen’s best features.

Living Room

Throw open the shades and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. When prospective buyers visit, turn on all the lights to chase away any shadows. Table lamps with 40 or 60 watt bulbs and attractive, translucent shades cast a glow that makes the living room feel just right.