| Finding a great deal on the perfect home may seem | | | | repairs have been done there is still the worry that |
| like a dream come true; but that dream could quickly | | | | future problems may arise. Depending on local laws, |
| turn into a nightmare if you discover the home was | | | | you may be required to disclose all previous activities |
| once used as a marijuana grow-op. There are many | | | | in the house and any repairs done (be sure to keep |
| problems that can result from illicit activities in a | | | | records and receipts). |
| home, problems that might not be easy to spot. | | | | If you are house shopping and are not sure what the |
| The major concern is mould. An extensive amount of | | | | signs of a former grow-op are, here some things to |
| mould can be found in homes that have been used | | | | look-out for: |
| for cultivating marijuana and many problems can arise | | | | * Excessive security (i.e. bars in the windows, alarm |
| from it. Serious health concerns can result from | | | | systems, extra locks and bars for doors) |
| exposure to mould as well as structural damage to | | | | * Dents on the doors from police raids and |
| the home itself. Mould can be difficult to detect in | | | | attempted break-ins |
| some homes and even the smallest amount can turn | | | | * Unexplained holes in floors, walls, and ceilings (used |
| into a major problem. It is recommended to have an | | | | for ventilation) |
| environmental expert do an assessment of the home | | | | * Water stains at the bottom of dry wall |
| and then have a mould abatement expert remove | | | | * Mould on floors, walls, or ceilings (don't forget to |
| the problem. This can be a very costly depending on | | | | check the attic and crawl space) |
| the severity of the problem. | | | | * Burn marks on floors (caused by light ballasts) |
| Structural problems can run deep and can include | | | | * Freshly painted concrete floors covering up round |
| damaged drywall, flooring, plumbing, and ventilation, | | | | marks left by pots |
| and in some cases the structural integrity of the | | | | * Evidence of tampering with electrical and plumbing |
| entire home may be comprimised. Electrical issues can | | | | systems, furnaces and hot water tanks |
| also be a concern: stealing power from neighboring | | | | * Minimal landscaping or lawn maintenance |
| homes, modifications to electrical sources (by-passing | | | | * Patterns of screw/nail holes on walls and ceiling |
| meters), and faulty wiring may result in a serious fire | | | | * Blocked out windows |
| hazard and will be in violation of building codes. In | | | | * Nail or tape marks on walls (used for hanging vapor |
| many cases a home will need to be completely | | | | barriers and reflective film) |
| gutted in order to repair the problems. You need to | | | | * Unexplained dry wall patches |
| be sure the 'good deal' you are getting on the home | | | | * A humid, musty or heavy air inside |
| balances out the costs of repairs. | | | | * Fertilizer, pesticides, pots, or materials used for |
| There is also the social stigma of living in a home that | | | | grow-ops usually found in unfinished basements, |
| was once used for illegal activities. Neighbors might | | | | attics, or crawl spaces |
| have a bad association with the property and criminal | | | | * It is also important to remember that all grow-ops |
| activity may surround the home if people still believe | | | | are not found in bad areas. In many cases these |
| it is a 'drug house'. Also consider the psychological | | | | homes are found in upscale neighborhoods. |
| impact; similar to living in a 'haunted house'. | | | | Unknowingly buying a home that was once used as a |
| Additional concerns are whether or not the home can | | | | grow-op can cause emotional and financial hardships |
| be properly insured, and the difficulties associated | | | | that far outweigh the good deal you may think you |
| with re-selling the home. Owning a home that was | | | | are getting. So beware and follow these tips to |
| once used as a grow-op is similar to owning a vehicle | | | | ensure you do not make the same mistake as many |
| that has been in a major accident; even though the | | | | others before you. |