Should I buy a property with mice problem and likely mold in the basement?

[Sima Meh]

I have a ratified contract for a property. Among other things, the inspection showed signs of pest (mice) inside the attic space. (Tunnel holes in insulation and droppings). Also, the insulation in attic was noted as inadequate at the time of inspection. I guess the mice have chewed the insulation.

Additionally, the drywall at basement detected moisture. The repair work will likely involve the removal of drywall in order to
perform repairs. The extent of damage cannot be realized until the drywall is removed. The inspection also pointed out that the fungi growth should be checked once drywall is removed.

I am concerned about mice infestation and likely damage to electrical wires and wood because of that. There is no way to detect these damages unless something major comes up later. I am also concerned about possible mold in the basement.

What should I do? Ask the seller for repairs or walk away. Are these major problems?

[Ryan Konen]

Based on your inspection findings, these issues could potentially be costly and complex to address. Mice infestations, especially in the attic, might indicate damage to insulation, wiring, and wood, which could become a major repair if the damage is extensive. Additionally, moisture in the basement with possible fungi growth could mean mold, which can affect air quality and require professional remediation. Given these concerns, you might consider asking the seller to either repair the issues or offer a credit to cover estimated repair costs. If the seller is unwilling to negotiate, walking away could be a wise choice to avoid unforeseen expenses and health risks. Consulting with a pest control and mold remediation professional could give you a clearer idea of the potential scope and cost before making a decision.

[JD Martin]

There's no way mice have created inadequate insulation. Generally neither of these problems are insolvable. Moisture/water/mold is a tougher problem than mice. What you should do just depends on you, what you're spending for the property, how bad do you want it, what other opportunities are there, etc. 

[Jonathan Greene]

If those are the only issues in your inspection report, it sounds like it went very well. Any rodent problems aren't problems. It just means the previous owner did not have a pest plan in place. You can ask them to put a pest plan in place until closing or not even worry about it and do it after closing. I would say 80% of homes at inspection have some evidence of insect or rodent droppings somewhere.

The way I am reading what you are writing is that this is not a mold problem. There is potentially some subject mold in the basement. The mold, if it's not black, won't be a major issue and can be bleached or treated. What you want to know is where the water came from that caused the mold.

Overall, these two issues are absolutely nothing in the scope of things.

[Sima Meh]

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

If those are the only issues in your inspection report, it sounds like it went very well. Any rodent problems aren't problems. It just means the previous owner did not have a pest plan in place. You can ask them to put a pest plan in place until closing or not even worry about it and do it after closing. I would say 80% of homes at inspection have some evidence of insect or rodent droppings somewhere.

The way I am reading what you are writing is that this is not a mold problem. There is potentially some subject mold in the basement. The mold, if it's not black, won't be a major issue and can be bleached or treated. What you want to know is where the water came from that caused the mold.

Overall, these two issues are absolutely nothing in the scope of things.

There are other issues but I think those two are major. I understand what you are saying, but what about the damage mice may have done to the electrical wires or wood? It won’t be possible to assess the damage as wires and wood are behind the wall. The owner’s moved to another state sometime back and I don’t think anyone was living in the house. The house otherwise looks ok.

[Bob Stevens]

Quote from @Sima Meh:

I have a ratified contract for a property. Among other things, the inspection showed signs of pest (mice) inside the attic space. (Tunnel holes in insulation and droppings). Also, the insulation in attic was noted as inadequate at the time of inspection. I guess the mice have chewed the insulation.

Additionally, the drywall at basement detected moisture. The repair work will likely involve the removal of drywall in order to
perform repairs. The extent of damage cannot be realized until the drywall is removed. The inspection also pointed out that the fungi growth should be checked once drywall is removed.

I am concerned about mice infestation and likely damage to electrical wires and wood because of that. There is no way to detect these damages unless something major comes up later. I am also concerned about possible mold in the basement.

What should I do? Ask the seller for repairs or walk away. Are these major problems?

 RE is about one thing, the price. 

Good luck 

[Bruce Woodruff]

As @Jonathan Greene said...your first concern should be figuring out where the mold came from. Where is the path for moisture to get into the basement? FInd it and fix it first.

The mouse thing is not that big a deal... but it wouldn't hurt to have an electrician go up into the attic and verify that the wiring is ok.

[Sima Meh]

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

As @Jonathan Greene said...your first concern should be figuring out where the mold came from. Where is the path for moisture to get into the basement? FInd it and fix it first.

The mouse thing is not that big a deal... but it wouldn't hurt to have an electrician go up into the attic and verify that the wiring is ok.

It appears to be coming from outside from the downspout terminating close to foundation and a small hole in the outer wall.

[Russell Brazil]

It's DC. The least of your issues will be the mice. Just wait til you see the rats.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Sima Meh:

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

As @Jonathan Greene said...your first concern should be figuring out where the mold came from. Where is the path for moisture to get into the basement? FInd it and fix it first.

The mouse thing is not that big a deal... but it wouldn't hurt to have an electrician go up into the attic and verify that the wiring is ok.

It appears to be coming from outside from the downspout terminating close to foundation and a small hole in the outer wall.

 Well that's an easy fix/ But don't assume that's the only issue. Fix that and re-test with a hose...

[Nina Penuela]

Hey @Sima Meh

Buying a property with a mice problem and possible mold can be worthwhile if the numbers make sense.

Start with a professional inspection to gauge repair costs for mold remediation and pest control. Ensure the price reflects these issues so you can negotiate effectively. With the right budget for fixes, you could add value to the property and turn it into a profitable investment.

[Henry T.]

If the price is right, buy it, fix the problems, then start making money.  Check this little guy I pulled out of some insulation. Probably stunk to high heaven. I guess the previous owners didn't notice or care.