STRONG: A family is living in deplorable conditions after purchasing what they thought was their dream home, but the house is mould infested and a health hazard. Global’s Gloria Henriquez reports.
MONTREAL – A single mother of four is living in difficult conditions after purchasing what she thought was her dream home in 2010.
Monika Marczuk’s house in Mercier is now mould-infested and under construction.
“There’s too many mould particles in the air right now so it’s not even legal to stay in that kind of condition,” said François Dumouchel, a mould specialist leading Marczuk’s repairs.
Marczuk said she took measures to make sure everything was in shape before sealing the deal.
“I had it inspected and it was good to go,” she told Global News.
The inspection revealed there was some mould, suggesting a few adjustments would take care of the problem.
But the basement where her son’s room was, is now considered a health hazard.
The family of five is now living in on the ground level – two of the kids are sleeping in the living room.
“My children haven’t slept in a bed for 6 months,” lamented Marczuk.
“They’re having incredible nose bleeds. My son Joey has allergies that would keep him out of school for a week on end.”
READ MORE: Damp conditions lead to mould issues for residents
Marczuk said she’s forced to stay in her mould-infected home.
“I have nowhere else to go. I don’t know what to do,” she said.
The mould is not her only issue.
The bill for the initial repairs has almost tripled to an estimated whopping $100,000.
“There’s a lot of problems around the house. The first major problem is the drain outside the house,” said Dumouchel.
Morris Charney, an architect, urban planner and building inspector explained this problem could have been avoided with a thorough inspection.
“The information should’ve been made available to the purchaser,” he said.
READ MORE: Proposed new standards worry Alberta home inspectors
Marczuk is not alone in her struggle.
Guy Giasson, a communications officer with the Association des consommateurs pour la qualité dans la construction (ACQC), a consumer rights group for the construction field, said the issue has to do with the lack of regulations in the province.
“Anybody can be an inspector right now,” said Giasson.
“There’s no qualification required, no certification, nothing at all.”
The ACQC conducted a study they’re hoping can change the government’s mind.
“The main conclusion of this study is that we ask for regulations to govern the practice of this profession.”
Giasson said for now his best advice to buyers is to exercise prevention.
“Look for more qualified inspectors,” he said, giving Global News a list of available experts on Inspectionpreachat.org
“We’ve had the least complaints from the names on this list.”
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