Should I worry about mould an inspector found in an Ottawa basement?

Finding mould noted in an inspection report is worth taking seriously, but the report itself cannot tell you whether it poses a health risk or how much remediation would cost. Those answers require a separate professional assessment.

Health Canada's position is that no exposure limits for mould can be derived, and that results from air tests cannot be used to assess risks to building occupants. What that means for you as a buyer: the inspector's note tells you mould is visible somewhere in the basement, not whether the air in the house is safe or unsafe. Ontario.ca also acknowledges that an inspector may not find mould at all, so a finding in the report is useful information, even if incomplete.

The follow-up step is to have a professional assess the extent of the mould and identify the moisture source that allowed it to grow. Health Canada's advice is to control humidity and repair water damage; clean thoroughly any visible or concealed mould. For testing, removal or remediation as a service, ottawaabatement.com covers that work.

On the purchase side, what you do with the finding is a decision for you, your agent and your lawyer, not the inspector. Ontario.ca lists the options open to a buyer after an inspection: ask the seller to make certain repairs, accept the condition and deal with its consequences, ask for a price adjustment, or not buy the home. Which of those makes sense depends on what a professional assessment shows about the source and extent of the problem, and on the terms of your offer. Your agent or lawyer is the right person to advise on how to use the finding in a negotiation or whether your condition period gives you enough time.

One practical note: the inspector's report is a visual, non-invasive examination. It describes what was visible on the day of the inspection. It does not come with a warranty on the home's condition, and the inspector is not the person to give you a repair or remediation cost estimate. Written quotes from the trades who would do the work are what give you a reliable number.

Ask the professional who assesses it to name the moisture source in writing, because Health Canada's advice starts with controlling humidity and repairing water damage.