What is a mold inspection or survey?
A mold inspection is a professional inspection that is designed to identify the presence of mold and generally defines the size of the problem. Mold testing attempts to identify what specific type of mold is in your home and how many mold spores are in the air.
What happens during a mold inspection or mold testing?
We perform an advanced mold survey inspection methodology that ensures you receive a comprehensive inspection. Upon arrival, we will meet with you and discuss any particular concerns or problems that you may have as our client. We will also ask you to identify any physical areas or locations (if any) that seem to indicate a possible mold presence. Your mold inspection process starts with a visual survey of your structure’s exterior area, paying particular attention to roofing materials as well as exterior cladding.
Next, we do a walk-through interior inspection where we note any visual signs of possible mold-hosting materials. These areas are documented and photographed, and we will collect samples of these areas if active mold growth is apparent.
Next, we collect air samples from both the interior of the home as well as the exterior. All the collected samples are secured using a professional chain of custody protocol and forwarded to our nationally accredited laboratory for analysis. As soon as we have the laboratory analysis report, we issue our full mold inspection report.
How do you check for mold?
To check for mold, we visually look for discoloration on surfaces with a high-powered white light. Mold can sometimes grow in hard-to-spot places, such as behind wallpaper, sheetrock, inside vents, or in a crawlspace, attic, or basement. We also check for leaky pipes under sinks, bathrooms, and HVAC equipment, or any other signs or sources of moisture.
How do they test for mold in a house?
If you hire us to perform a mold inspection on your home, we will take samples from three basic areas—the air (inside & outside), the visible surfaces, and the surrounding dust. We collect these samples using a very strict professional Chain of Custody protocol and send these samples to our nationally accredited laboratory to find out the mold spore concentration levels and kinds of mold present in those sampled areas.
Why do I need air quality sampling as part of a mold inspection?
Air quality sampling is the only way to determine the level of exposure to mold spores. While a tape surface sample or a swab surface sample may accurately determine if mold growth is present on a particular surface, it will not tell you whether that mold growth has affected indoor air quality.
Only a professional air sample protocol can accomplish this. That’s why we are members of the National Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants and follow its Standards of Professional Practice.
How long does a mold inspection take?
Typically, a mold inspection will take between 1 ½ to 2 hours for most residential structures. Of course, this varies depending on the circumstances we encounter during the inspection process as well as the size of the structure. Inspections in business or commercial properties typically take much longer and vary according to the age and size of the structure as well.
What are the signs of mold exposure?
Sensitivity to molds varies with everyone. Some individuals are highly sensitive to mold and mold spores. For these people, exposure to mold can lead to most common symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.
Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthmatic conditions, may have more intense and prolonged reactions.
How long does it take to get my mold report back?
It generally takes the lab 3 to 5 business days to analyze the samples and issue their report. Once we receive the laboratory results back, we issue our full report within 24 hours.
Is all mold bad?
Although toxic molds draw a lot of attention due to their numerous health effects, many other molds are non-toxic. Some examples of such molds include cladosporium, nigrospora, and ulocladium. Most individuals get into contact with these molds daily with little to no health effects. Where these molds become problematic is when an elevated level of mold spores occurs indoors.
Is mold inspection covered by insurance?
Homeowners may be covered for the cost of a mold inspection and mold testing depending on the specific perils that their policy covers. If mold inspections or mold testing is not specifically covered as a peril under a homeowner’s policy, it might still be covered or reimbursable if an accident such as storm damage or a busted plumbing pipe causes unexpected mold growth. Homeowners can reference their policy or inquire with their insurance agent for specifics.
Should I get a mold inspection if I buy a new home?
When buying a new home, you should consider getting a mold inspection. A mold inspection is a different process from typical housing inspections. There is no way to know what kind of water damage or exposure may have happened in the house while it was under construction. The only way to find out if mold is present is to do a mold inspection.
How much does a mold inspection and mold testing cost?
Generally, the cost of mold inspection and testing can vary slightly from region to region. As a rough guide: a mold inspection and testing costs about the same as a regular home inspection, the kind that is done when you purchase a home. On average, mold inspection and testing costs $300 to $500 for small to medium-sized houses and can cost as much as $700 to $900 range for larger homes.
Learn more about certified home inspection and home inspection report services, asbestos testing, foundation certification, and property inspections.
