Mold can cause extensive damage to building materials, as well as potentially release allergens—and sometimes Mycotoxins—that may have negative health effects on some individuals, particularly the young and elderly. Testing microbial growth for mold and lab analysis of air sampling is an important first step to assure a healthy home for you and your loved ones.
A Mold Inspection first involves a visual inspection of the home for signs of apparent mold and indicators that unseen mold may exist, such as water staining, plumbing leaks, standing water, water vapor penetration, and more. If there is, or ever has been, an opportunity for mold growth (moisture), it is likely that mold exists. Thermal imaging is employed to help discover areas of moisture not visible to the naked eye, like plumbing leaks in the wall, that may be harboring microbial growth. Inspection also includes no less than two air quality samples for lab analysis—an outdoor “control” sample and a minimum of one indoor sample. A minimum of one indoor surface sample will be taken of visible microbial growth (if present) to confirm if it is mold growth, and what kind of mold it may be. Additional indoor air and surface samples can be provided on request, or as may be recommended by the inspector based on visible apparent mold conditions.
Mold Inspections include inspection of roof, attic, exterior, foundation, crawlspace or basement, interior living space, heating and cooling equipment, and more. If there are specific areas of concern within the home, sampling (air and/or surface) can be specified for that/those area(s).
A written Mold Inspection report will be provided, generally within 2-4 days (depending on lab turnaround time). The report includes photos, observations narrative, testing locations & details, lab results and mold glossary, and remediation recommendations, if any.
The standards of practice for Mold Inspections are similar in many ways to that of a Home Inspection, so combining your Home and Mold Inspection saves time and cost (lab & equipment fees still apply). Mold Inspections as an add-on to Home Inspections begin at $250, with additional lab-tested sampling at $50/ea (air or surface); It is recommended that one indoor air sample is tested per 1000sf of living space. Additional surface samples may be recommended if more than one type of apparent mold growth is observed, or if observed on more than one kind of surface/substrate, as such conditions may represent multiple strains of mold that should be identified. Additional air or surface samples are the client’s choice—you can provide approval in advance for additional samples as needed, or you can be contacted during the inspection to discuss findings and recommendations.
Mold Inspections without Home Inspection Begin At
with the same additional sampling costs and procedures.