I need some advice on whether or not to buy this house.?
3300 square foot house in Oceanside, california with a decenent pool/spa and lot built in 1993. The house needs quite a bit of work in order to get in good shape: all 3.5 bathrooms need to be remodeled; about 1500 square feet of tile needs to be taken out and replaced with something new (prolly hardwood). We went into escrow on this house at 460K and did the inspection. It turns out there are one to many water leaks around the house and there could be mold. They lowered the price to 430K but will not allow us to inspect for mold. We have no idea if there is mold and if so, the extent of the mold. The price is obviously a tremendous deal but I’m freaked out about this mold issue. How much could this cost? I’m prepared to pay for the upgrades but I don’t know how much this mold crap could end up being. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tagged with: bathrooms • crap • escrow • extent • good shape • mold • oceanside california • Pool Spa • square feet • tile • water leaks
Filed under: Pool Spa
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Worst case scenario for mold is replacing a lager percentage of the drywall and cleaning or replacing various parts of the framing along with or parts of the flooring/sub-flooring. The costs of gutting a 3300sf house and rebuilding the interior seems probably a $100k plus, even $150k plus, it really depends the extent of the damage.
Water seeks the lowest level and the space between the bottom of the flooring and the top of the sub-flooring is offend overlooked but extensively damaged area when it comes to water problems, both for mold and wood rot.
I’m surprised they are denying you the inspection: home sales in California are a very regulated thing with a ton of laws. "As-Is" is not really legal for a home sale, somethings have to be done or be in compliance before the close of escrow regardless of what a contract says: like all homes sold in California must have an emergency earthquake gas shut off valve installed if it doesn’t already have one. The seller can have the buyer pay for theses things but they can not be legally ignored.
I would think they would be compelled to allow you to do an inspection for mold, it is a legitimate issue; by denying you the right to an inspection they are opening them selves up to a potential law suit well after the property is sold.
I can’t imagine what "prolly" hardwood is, but not being allowed to inspect for mold is a huge red flag. You need to learn much more about it, or your great deal could turn into an expensive nightmare.
the mould that gives bad air for inhabitants, and it rots the wood which require replacements. you need to consult a construction company or contractor to see how much to cost to replace the rotten walls, ceilings, floors, etc.
They need to let you inspect for the mold. If they refuse there is probably a good reason they are refusing and I would rescind my offer. You need to know about the mold. Mold can be very costly. It doesn’t have to be but depending on the extent of it – it can be. Worse case scenario says you remove all sheet rock through the entire house and place it. Maybe even some studs. That is probably worse case. Mold can be toxic too. nothing to mess around with. Do your due dilegence on this.