Bathroom ceiling vent fan ?

[housegeek]

Was that not checked during inspection? You might want to get someone in to check for mold, its a def possibility.

[housegeek]

If they didn't inspect for mold then how can they say the bathroom is in great condition? I would def get a specialist out there, there has to be someone.

[polarbearfans]

Is there a window that can be open? I grew up in a 100 year old house too without a vent and it was fine because of the window. Without a source to clear the steam it is a moist warm area prime for growing mold. I would also look at what paint you are using. If it is appropriate for a bathroom.

[amblor]

This sounds like our house! We had a window, though. When we completely gutted it to update it, there was no mold/mildew anywhere, if that makes you feel better. When we gutted it, we got rid of the window and installed a ceiling vent fan and turn it on every time we use the shower. But, it still gets pretty steamy in there and we've had to leave the bathroom door open after the shower to air it out. We also used SW's paint that's meant for bathrooms.

[FoxInFiji]

What do you mean by "got gross?" Yes I would definitely add a fan. Are you going to DIY or hire it out? Try contacting a mechanical contractor to start with and they will either hire an electrical contractor or have a specialist in their company do the electrical.

You can either put a side wall fan in if the bathroom has an exterior wall or better yet put it in an attic space above if possible. I highly recommend these inline fans (residential.fantech.net/residential-products/bath/single-grille/) where the fan sits in the attic space and all you see in the bathroom is a small vent or a light with vent. I love having a separate light for our shower and having it reminds me to turn on the fan as I shower everyday. If the bathroom has neither you'll have to got with a fan directly in the ceiling with a vent run to the exterior either up to the roof or between floor joists and out to an exterior wall.

[wawa]

Mold panic is usually a little overrated in my book. Remove the source of moisture and if there is any mold it'll stop growing/die back. Unless there is visual evidence of mold it's not something I'd freak out about. Check the back surface of the ceiling from up in the attic.

Also...just another little tip for when you install your fan - put it on a timer switch. We did that in our new bathroom and now we actually USE our fan.

I just hit the 20 minute buttom when I hop in the shower (or more if I plan to waste a lot of water) so it runs through my shower and then for another 10 minutes or so once I get out to really clear out all the steam. I actually think ours is kinda cool looking too.

ETA: i fully expect most of the board to disagree with me on not freaking out about the mold. I also eat food that is past it's date and plan to eat lunch meat when I'm pregnant. I live dangerously. It's not for everybody.