Buyer Beware! Grow-ops do not make a good investment. How to identify them - Remax Nova Halifax Real Estate

Contrary to popular belief, Grow-ops or drug houses do not make good long-term investments. It is of great importance to take extra steps in identifying a grow-op (or drug house) before entering into any contractual obligations with clients or the public. Grow-ops are dangerous for several reasons but in most cases it's the structural integrity of the house & the risk of being innocently involved in criminal activity that are the two most serious. The exposure of moisture & humidity to the walls & interior of the house can yield material latent defects ( such as rot, mold, etc.. not easily discoverable.  In some provinces, the power bills are held against the home not  the name of the person on the account & therefore, the innocent home owner may be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in stollen utilities ), which can cost significant money to remedy.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind...

Identifying a Grow-op:

• Mould in corners where walls & ceiling meet
• Signs of Roof/Window venting
• Painted concrete floors (often times with circular potter marks)
• Damage/Tampering with the electrical panel or meter
• Modified wiring
• Brownish stains below exterior vents/soffits
• Patterns of excessive screw holes in walls
• Signs of damage in entry ways - due to forced entry
• In Canada, visit the RCMP website http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ for a list of addresses where they have cracked down on a grow op.