Taking responsibility for a parent’s home can happen gradually as they become less able to manage the property themselves—or suddenly, after a move, illness, or loss. Either way, adult children are often surprised by the conditions they find when they begin looking more closely at a home that may have been occupied for decades. 

At SMS Indoor Environmental Cleaning, we understand that these situations can be overwhelming. We’ve worked in homes throughout Eastern Massachusetts for more than 36 years, and we know that problems can develop quietly, particularly when routine maintenance has become difficult. 

Mold and Water Damage 

A small roof leak, plumbing problem, damp basement, or past flooding event may have caused more damage than is immediately visible. Moisture can become trapped behind walls, beneath flooring, insulation, or in other areas that are rarely seen. Over time, these damp conditions can lead to mold growth and damage to building materials. 

Sometimes there is an obvious stain or a musty odor. Other times, the extent of the problem isn’t apparent until belongings are moved exposing walls and ceilings. 

Rodent Contamination 

Rodents are another problem we frequently encounter in older homes. A few mice can become a much larger issue over time, particularly in attics, basements, crawl spaces and other areas that may no longer be regularly used. 

Beyond removing the rodents themselves, there may be significant contamination left behind from droppings, urine and nesting materials. Pest control is an important first step, but it does not address the contamination that remains in the home. 

SMS specializes in cleaning and remediating these affected areas so that families can move forward with the property. 

When It’s Time to Sell 

SMS also has decades of experience working with real estate transfers. Sometimes a family doesn’t realize there is an environmental issue until the home is being prepared for sale—or until a Realtor or Home Inspector identifies something that could make the property difficult to sell. 

Mold in an attic or basement, evidence of past water damage, or extensive rodent contamination can quickly become an obstacle in a real estate sale. 

We understand that at this point families are often dealing with more than just a remediation problem. There may be buyers waiting, inspection issues to address, and a closing timeline to consider. Our experience with real estate transactions helps us understand the process as well as the work that needs to be done. 

You Don’t Have to Know Where to Begin 

If you’ve inherited a home or are helping a parent transition from a home they can no longer maintain, you may be looking around and wondering what needs to be done—and in what order. 

You don’t have to have all the answers before you call us. 

We can look at the environmental conditions in the home, talk with you about what we find, and help you understand the next steps for addressing mold, water damage, or rodent contamination. 

These homes often hold decades of memories. We understand that we’re not simply walking into a job site—we’re walking into someone’s family home. 

SMS Indoor Environmental Cleaning 

Mold & Rodent Feces Remediation & Duct Cleaning 

Serving Eastern Massachusetts and the Islands for over 36 years. 

(508) 444-9917  •  smsindoor.com