Aside from the fact that the government can seize the property, the impact of a grow-op on a property’s value and marketability is significant.

The grow-ops may be located within a house or confined to outbuildings. The structures often will have electrical wiring that has been tampered with; ventilation shafts are often cut into the structure without regard for the structural integrity of the building. The production of marijuana indoors generates large amounts of moisture which can generate a considerable amount of mould and spores. There are a number of noxious gases that develop in the process. It's also not unusual to find that pesticides have been used on the crops. Toxic contaminants can remain in the air even after a grow-op has been vacated. Exposure to indoor mould has been associated with exacerbation of asthma in mould sensitive people, and with increased upper respiratory disease.

Homeowners are required to disclose their knowledge of former grow-ops on properties for sale.

There are signs that should raise suspicions.

Signs to look for:

§ Mould in corners where the walls and ceilings meet.
§ Signs of unusual roof venting.
§ Plastic or foil sheeting on walls and ceilings.
§ Excessive numbers of potting containers.
§ Circular marks on floors is an indication of where pots once were.
§ Evidence of tampering with the electric meter (damaged or broken seals)or the ground around it.
§ Unusual or modified wiring on either the interior or exterior of the house.
§ Brown-ish stains around the soffit that bleeds down along the siding.
§ Concrete masonry patches, or alterations on the inside of the garage.
§ Alteration of fireplaces.

A typical home inspection costs between $400 and $500. This is not much when it could save you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention loss in property value or possible health implications if it was a previous grow-op. We ALWAYS, ALWAYS, recommended for the Offer to Purchase have a Property Inspection Condition applied.