How do I check for mold or water damage?
Want to know if your home hides mold or water damage? Read this and act today.
Why a fast mold & water check matters
Hidden moisture destroys value and health. Buyers lose offers. Sellers get stuck. Homeowners breathe mold spores. Do this now: don’t wait for stains to appear.
Quick visual and smell scan (5 minutes)
- Walk every room. Look for dark stains, peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, warped floors, white powdery residue (efflorescence).
- Smell. A persistent musty or damp odor = probable mold.
- Check HVAC vents for dusty, musty airflow.
Focused high-risk spots
- Basement and crawlspace: look for water lines, standing water, damp soil, visible mold.
- Attic and roof: inspect for roof leaks, wet insulation, brown stains on sheathing.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: check grout, under sinks, behind toilets, seals around tubs and showers.
- Laundry and appliance areas: around washers, dishwashers, water heaters.
- Exterior: grading, gutters, downspouts that direct water to foundation.
Simple tools that change everything
- Moisture meter: handheld, instant moisture % in wood, drywall. If >16–18% in structural wood, it’s a problem.
- Infrared camera: finds cold/wet spots behind walls without opening them.
- Hygrometer: measures indoor humidity. Keep under 50% year-round.
Step-by-step DIY check (do this right now)
- Use a hygrometer in main living areas and suspect rooms for 48 hours.
- Scan walls, ceilings, and baseboards with a moisture meter.
- Use an infrared scan over walls and ceilings. Mark cold/wet anomalies.
- Open cabinets and closets. Smell and look behind appliances.
- If you see black/green fuzzy growth, document with photos and stop cleaning if large area (>1 sq. metre).
When to test or call a pro
- Visible mold >1 square metre.
- Recurrent leaks, unexplained health symptoms (wheezing, headaches, chronic sinus issues).
- Dark spots with soft or crumbling material.
Hire a certified mold inspector for air sampling, lab testing, and a written report. For remediation, demand a licensed contractor with containment, HEPA filtration, and clearance testing.
How this helps buyers and sellers
A clean inspection report preserves sale price and avoids renegotiations. A documented problem handled before listing sells faster. I’ve guided dozens of clients in Toronto to full disclosure, proper repairs, and winning offers.
Ready for a professional, no-fluff check?
Call or email to schedule a fast referral to trusted inspectors and remediation pros. I’m Tony Sousa — local realtor who stops surprises and protects your home investment.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Keywords: mold inspection, check for mold, water damage, moisture meter, mold testing, home inspection, mold remediation, musty smell, basement mold, infrared camera.
