Family Finds $50,000 Worth of Mold Damage in ‘Brand New Home.’ Now They’re Warning Others
When Alexis and Ryan Silva bought a newly constructed home on Bonnie Blue Court in Rutherford County, Tennessee in March 2023, they believed they were moving into a fresh start for their family.
Instead, they say the house became the center of a two-year ordeal involving repeated leaks, mounting health issues, costly mold remediation and tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.
Now, after finally returning home following a lengthy displacement, the family is warning others not to assume a newly built home is automatically free from hidden mold problems.
What signs of mold did the family notice first?
According to the Silvas, who shared their story with WTVF on May 5, issues started appearing within months of moving into the home. The family said three separate leaks occurred:
- One in the pantry
- One tied to the HVAC system
- One involving the roof
Meritage Homes, the company that built the home, repaired each leak after it was discovered, per WTVF.
What are the common symptoms of mold exposure?
By 2024, the Silvas noticed their family seemed to be getting sick frequently. Neighbors reportedly commented on how often family members appeared ill.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of mold exposure can include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Red eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Worsening asthma symptoms
Eventually, a doctor suggested the family check the home for mold.
“He said, ‘Have you ever checked your home for mold?’” Alexis recalled in the May 5 interview. “I laughed, and I said, ‘Oh, it’s a brand new home.’”
Despite the family’s doubt, the doctor still encouraged them to test the house.
How did the family discover mold in the home?
The Silvas first collected a dust sample using a Swiffer and sent it to a laboratory for testing. According to the family, the results showed elevated mold levels, including black mold.
A second professional mold inspection later confirmed heavy mold concentrations in areas connected to two of the earlier leaks.
Did the family have to leave their home?
Yes. According to WTVF, the family left most of their belongings behind in 2024 over concerns of cross-contamination. They, instead, moved into a hotel while trying to determine their next steps.
The situation quickly became financially overwhelming.
The Silvas said Meritage Homes initially approved up to $350 per day for meals and lodging expenses. However, after about a month in the hotel, the family said they never received reimbursement.
According to the Silvas, Meritage’s legal team later required them to sign a liability release before payments would be issued. The family declined, saying they had already spent roughly $14,000 on hotels and food while displaced from the home.
Eventually, the family moved in with a parent while trying to resolve the situation.
How much did the mold remediation cost?
According to the family, they ultimately spent more than $50,000 out of pocket on:
- Professional mold remediation
- A whole-home dehumidification system
- New flooring
- Replacing contaminated belongings
According to The Spruce, “mold remediation reduces mold and mold removal cleans and treats the area to prevent it from spreading,” with the goal of returning mold levels back to normal.
A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity in the home and remove the moisture necessary for mold spores to activate, grow, and spread, per the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency.
The Silvas later requested at least $100,000 from Meritage Homes to help cover their losses, but the company declined, according to WTVF.
“We understand things happen. Nothing is perfect. But if something goes wrong, you do the right thing,” Alexis told the outlet. “It’s not just us; it’s our kids that have suffered.”
Were they able to sell the house?
The family said they attempted to sell the home but were unable to find a buyer.
“The last thing I would want is for a family to go through what we went through,” Ryan told WTVF. “It’s not fun. And it costs a lot of money. And it, as a father, just breaks my heart to see what my wife and kids had to go through.”
Why is the family speaking out now?
The Silvas returned home only a few weeks ago after nearly two years away. They are still slowly replacing furniture and belongings they say were lost because of contamination concerns.
Their message to other homeowners is simple: Don’t assume a newly built home is automatically mold-free.
If you want to avoid being forced out of your home, this guide to detecting mold can help you spot the warning signs early, so you can protect both your home and your health.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
