A mold inspection is part of an investigation into your indoor air quality. A mold inspection will uncover any signs of mold growth in your home, including behind the walls. It is essential to sample behind each wall of your home to detect any possible mold growth. Professionals should also be able to tell you whether your home’s building envelope is intact. If the walls are damaged, mold inspection may be necessary. Alternatively, you can hire Mold Remediation Orange County company that performs inspections to check for mold growth.
Once a mold inspection is completed, a home inspector will perform a visual evaluation of the house and talk with the homeowner to determine if there are any water damage, leaks, or moisture problems. A mold inspector will then conduct a mold test in a laboratory using the mold samples collected during the inspection. The testing is done under controlled conditions to determine the types of mold present. Some mold inspections may include a mold test, while others may only be conducted when a mold inspection is not necessary.
A mold inspector may recommend additional testing depending on the results of the initial assessment. A surface swab test will provide a limited amount of data, and the inspector may also suggest air testing to determine the levels of airborne fungi present. This test is expensive, though, and is often performed in conjunction with a mold inspection. The test will also identify any mold that’s present at acceptable levels. If the results are positive, a mold remediation company will be able to recommend the best course of action.
While the mold inspection industry is not regulated, the level of knowledge, safety protocols, execution expertise, and terminology used by certified professionals is wide. The qualifications of mold inspectors range from a basic internet course certificate to Ph.D. level hygiene experts. As a result, it can be difficult for laypeople to discern the true experts from the novices. To avoid making the mistake of hiring a mold inspector, be sure to ask questions and obtain references.
The cost of a mold inspection varies greatly, based on the size and complexity of the property being inspected. A standard inspection can cost from $200 to a thousand dollars, depending on the size and location of your home. However, if a mold inspection reveals hidden mold, you may have to pay more than the typical homeowner. You can always pay extra if further testing is required, but keep in mind that the cost will depend on how accessible your property is.
The inspector will conduct a visual mold inspection before concluding whether there is a mold problem. They will look for signs of mold growth, which may be present on the exterior of the building or the landscape. Mold inspectors will also use various tools to confirm the presence of mold, including a moisture meter and humidity meter. They will look for areas that are exposed to high humidity or condensation. Afterward, they will work with the homeowner to devise a mold remediation plan to fix the problem.
A mold inspection should begin with the first visible areas of your property. Mold growth can be difficult to detect visually, but a mold inspection will uncover hidden areas. The first sweep will focus on areas where water is likely to collect, such as bathroom sink surfaces and kitchen sink corners. Other areas where mold growth can occur include wall cavities and floor tiles. They will need to be tested for Aspergillus and Penicillium to determine the exact extent of the problem.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it is recommended that you have your home inspected for mold. A mold infestation may cause a range of health problems, such as allergic reactions, nosebleeds, skin irritations, and sinus infections. It is important to have a mold inspection performed before buying or moving into a home, particularly if water damage has occurred. Mold growth needs water and a food source. A leak in a pipe or water heater can provide both.
Buying a home with a mold infestation can affect its value by $100,000 or more. You should remediate any mold problems before listing your house. A clean mold report will help you answer questions about mold disclosure and will make your home look better to potential buyers. Alternatively, you can hire a mold remediation company to remove the problem before selling. This can help you get a better price for your home. However, it will be more difficult to sell your home if it has a mold problem.
