If you have the home professionally inspected before you buy it, your home inspector may see obvious signs of mold or water damage. While it's not the inspector's job to look for mold, most home inspectors will mention obvious signs of water damage and possible mold. And, since the inspector will rummage through spaces you couldn't see, he might see things you wouldn't see. For more information, see Nolo's article, How to Get a Home Inspection.
A home mold inspection is performed, where the home inspector or mold inspector performs a visual inspection of the home. The inspector will also talk to the landlord about any water damage, leaks, moisture problems, and areas of mold that have already been discovered. If mold is visible on your property, the Nighthawk inspector may take a surface sample of the affected area. Surface tests consist of one physical sample per area.
If there are several areas or even shades of mold, additional samples may be needed for greater accuracy. It's also a good idea to direct your customer to the right professional to perform a thorough mold inspection for more accurate information on any potential mold issues. A licensed mold tester can perform a thorough inspection and mold test to determine the number of spores in the air and on surfaces. Usually, a mold inspector will also be licensed to remedy the mold to eliminate or contain the problem.
With growing awareness of the potential hazards of mold, home inspectors are trained to conduct a thorough mold inspection. A professional mold inspector usually performs different types of mold tests to ensure the most accurate results. If you have questions about the cost of a mold inspection for your home or packages, contact your local home inspector for more information. I regularly review all of these sources, including the Centers for Disease Control, and I see that all of these organizations have pretty much the same statement that IDPH had in 2003. Larger homes may cost a little more and additional charges may apply if the inspector needs to do more sampling.
The home inspector may use equipment such as moisture meters or infrared cameras to detect the presence of moisture in drywall or other inaccessible areas. This means that if left to spread uncontrolled, mold can cause decay of wood, paper, and textiles in a home. The home inspector may discover leaks, problems with pipes, or problems with the HVAC system and ventilation, which can lead to mold growth. Using the results, the inspector can give recommendations for the next steps to remedy or state that there is no concern for mold inside the home.
Inspecting larger homes will cost more, but full-service home inspectors who offer mold inspection and testing often have package options available. Plumbing systems: Through the use of thermal imagers and their construction knowledge, inspectors can find possible water leaks inside walls. As a home inspector, you're often a homeowner's or prospective homeowner's first line of defense when it comes to mold protection. If you're buying a home and want a better understanding of mold-related issues, hire a home inspector with experience in mold inspection.
