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We are in the process of buying a new house (new construction), Minnesota. We verbally agreed to a price but haven't signed anything yet and no inspection yet. We have a concern and want to make sure we are protected in worst case scenario. It's a walk out basement and a couple of the 2x4s in the basement are discolored. The real estate agent said that the beams were probably left outside during construction, but obviously we are paranoid that it could be mold. And more paranoid that there could a mold issue in the basement. We still need to get an inspection but its the winter now in MN so i feel that if there is a water issue in the basement, it might not be apparent while its frozen. Anyone have any ideas how we can protect us if there reveals to be a mold issue in basement once summer comes? What can we put in the contract?
Whats a fair price for these inspections? And where woudl be a good place for find good ones? Our real estate agent recommended one and I have no reason to distrust her, but obviously I'd rather get a independent one. Also, woudl the tests be conclusive in the winter time?
Our real estate agent recommended one and I have no reason to distrust her, but obviously I'd rather get a independent one.
Why would you think a person your agent recommended would not be an independent one? We don't work for our recommendations, and our recommendations don't work for us. We recommend people because our other clients have had good experiences with them, so they end up on our referral lists. Why would your agent recommend someone you couldn't trust when it's her you're going to call if it turns out to be mold and you find that out a few months from now. Does your agent really want that angry phone call? And then you get to trash her name all over town so she can't get new business... One transaction is not worth the domino effect of 1 angry client.
If your agent recommended someone, it's because they're a trustworthy person whom they know in the industry. Nothing more, nothing less. Also, she gave you a recommendation because, as you said, you have no idea where to go to find someone to call.
Since the drywall is not discolored, and no mold? is visible on it, my rough guess is the lumber was left out and got wet before construction. It looks like its only on a few boards. I noticed the angled board under the stairs is very clean, even where it butts up to the discolored ones.
While I don't think its a big deal at all, you could always dig a little deeper if you wanted. Find someone with a moisture meter and take some readings. You could always wipe the boards down with a mold cleaning solution then paint them.
Personally, I think the builder is an idiot.
Wood is cheap.
If the builder had tossed these, there were be no issue with the prospective buyer.
Just dealing with the perceived (or maybe real) problem is going to cost way more money.
The photo shows no evidence of mold on the drywall nor any damage that would be consistent with anything other than simple exposure during construction.
Anyone that believes any home is going to be ABSOLUTELY PERFECT will pass over thousands of excellent homes for no good reason!
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p wise and £ foolish
