Are you in the market for a house this year? If so, you’ll want to know that the median price for a residence in the U.S. in 2025 is expected to be between $407,000 and $410,700.
When looking for a home, there are many things to be mindful of. It’s not just about considering square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, or the size of the kitchen or family room.
Homeowners who put their homes up for sale aren’t always as forthcoming as they should be. Whether there’s a leaking roof, a malfunctioning plumbing system, or a termite issue, homeowners are legally required to disclose certain things to prospective homebuyers.
One issue to be on the lookout for is grow op activity that can make a house unsafe to live in. Anyone selling such a home should inform any prospective homebuyer so they can make an informed decision. But, again, you can’t necessarily count on everyone to be that forthcoming.
Here are five signs a home you’re interested in might have been used as a grow op.
1. Excessive Mold or Mildew
One sign a home might have been a grow op is excessive mildew and mold. Grow ops are notoriously high in humidity, which can cause mold and mildew around windows, on walls, and on ceilings.
If you see any of these signs, take notice. It’s not a telltale sign of a grow op. But it means something’s wrong. When checking out a home, look for discoloration on the surfaces and see if there’s a musty smell. It might be best to scratch the residence off your list of considerations altogether.
2. Strange Electrical Modifications
A dead giveaway that something’s not right is a home with strange or unorthodox electrical modifications. Added circuits, signs of bypassed meters, and tampered wiring are signs that a house was formerly a grow op. If you see such things, dig deeper by paying close attention to the outlets. Signs of melting or scorching could indicate electrical overloading.
3. Altered Ventilation Systems
If you notice altered ventilation systems, beware. Holes in the ceilings, walls, or floors are a telltale sign of a grow op. These holes could be an attempt to rig up a ventilation system to keep humidity and heat under control. So, too, are fans and ductwork in places where they’re not usually installed.
4. Lingering Odors
The smell of cannabis can stick around long after a grow op comes to a conclusion. It’s one sign that something’s not right with a house you’re considering. You’ll want to ask questions to dispel any possible suspicions. The smell of cannabis could be embedded in the flooring, window coverings, and other things in the home. Put your sense of smell to good use.
5. Excessive Moisture
Signs of excessive moisture should also pique your curiosity. Water stains on the ceilings, floors, and walls might be the result of leaks caused by irrigation setups in a grow opp. It’s best to proceed with caution if you see such signs. Ask questions, and be prepared to walk.
These are five signs that a home you’re looking at might have been a grow op at some point. If you suspect this and have reason to do so, it’s best to back out since it’s not worth the risk.
No one should buy a residence that was previously a grow op unless informed of this beforehand. Drug offenses are no laughing matter. If you buy a home and later find that it was a grow op, you’ll want to call a lawyer. You’ll also want to seek legal representation if accused of a drug offense.
“Facing a drug charge is daunting, with complex laws, severe penalties, and long-term consequences at stake,” says a lawyer at SBBL Law. “Hiring a lawyer is crucial—they protect your rights, challenge evidence, and navigate legal processes effectively. An experienced attorney can negotiate reduced penalties or alternative solutions, ensuring the best possible outcome while safeguarding your future opportunities and reputation.”
When buying a home, ensure your offer is conditional. You should get it inspected by a professional offering such services. That way, you won’t have to rely on whether or not the seller is honest.
