Buying a Home This Spring? Don’t Skip the Mold & Asbestos Inspection

Spring is the busiest time of year for real estate—and in today’s fast-moving housing market, buyers are often pressured to skip inspections just to stay competitive. But waiving a mold or asbestos inspection to win a bid can turn your dream home into a nightmare.

At MSI, we’ve seen too many homeowners move in, only to discover costly—and dangerous—issues lurking behind the walls. Here’s why a proper inspection is one corner you don’t want to cut.

Hidden Mold = Health Hazards + Big Repairs

Mold doesn’t care if your home looks move-in ready. Even beautiful, recently renovated houses can hide serious water damage or active mold growth behind fresh drywall. Leaky roofs, poor ventilation, or unfinished basements are common culprits.

Without a mold inspection, you could be signing up for:

  • Costly remediation work after move-in
  • Chronic allergies, asthma flare-ups, or other health issues
  • Insurance headaches if it’s classified as a “pre-existing” condition

Asbestos: Still Found in Homes Built Before the 1980s

You might think asbestos is a thing of the past—but it’s still found in many homes built before 1980, especially in:

  • Floor tiles and mastic
  • Pipe insulation
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Old HVAC duct tape
  • Siding and roofing materials

If disturbed during renovations, asbestos can become airborne and dangerous to your health. And here’s the kicker: home sellers aren’t always required to test for it.

Skipping These Tests Could Cost You Thousands

A mold or asbestos problem isn’t just a health risk—it’s a financial one. Cleanup and remediation can easily run into the thousands. Worse, some mortgage lenders may require these issues be addressed before finalizing a loan.

For a fraction of your closing costs, you can avoid a massive financial surprise down the road.

Don’t Rely on the Seller’s Word—Get Your Own Testing

Even if the home “smells fine” or “looks clean,” these hazards can be invisible. Sellers often aren’t aware of issues—or may not disclose them if they’re doing a fast flip.

That’s where we come in. MSI has been testing homes for mold and asbestos since 1998. Our certified inspections are fast, thorough, and trusted by real estate professionals and attorneys alike.

Buying a Home? Book a Pre-Purchase Mold and Asbestos Inspection with MSI

Before you sign on the dotted line this spring, give yourself peace of mind. A quick inspection now can save you from major regrets later.

Understanding the Importance of Asbestos Testing in Older Homes

Asbestos, once a popular building material due to its fire-resistant properties, is now known for its significant health risks, primarily when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it might contain asbestos. Here’s why asbestos testing is crucial for homeowners:

1. Identifying Hidden Dangers: Asbestos can lurk in places you might not expect, including insulation, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and around old pipes. Professional asbestos testing can identify these hidden dangers, ensuring that any renovations or repairs are handled safely.

2. Risk of Asbestos Exposure: Disturbing asbestos-containing materials during DIY projects or renovations can release harmful fibers into the air. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to severe respiratory issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

3. Legal and Safety Requirements: In many areas, there are legal requirements to assess and remove asbestos safely. Professional testing helps homeowners comply with these laws, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.

4. Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is free of asbestos, or understanding where it is located, can provide peace of mind by ensuring your living environment is safe for you and your family.

Why Choose MSI for Asbestos Testing?

At MSI, we bring decades of expertise in handling hazardous materials. Our certified professionals use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure thorough testing and analysis. If asbestos is found, we can guide you through the next steps of remediation to make your home safe again.