What does a mold inspection consist of?
A mold inspection checks for mold in your home and helps you understand if it’s a problem. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during a mold inspection, what you can expect, and what each part means.
What Does a Mold Inspection Include?
A mold inspection has a few key steps that help the inspector find and understand any mold issues in your home:
Visual Check
The mold tester looks around your house for any signs of mold. They check walls, ceilings, floors, and hidden areas like basements and attics. This part usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Moisture Testing
They use tools to check for moisture or leaks in your home. Damp spots can lead to mold, so finding them is important. This step can take about 15 to 30 minutes.
Air Quality and Surface Samples
If needed, the inspector may take air samples to check for mold spores. They may also use swabs on surfaces that look like they have mold. Collecting samples usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Detailed Report
After the inspection, the inspector writes a report that explains what they found. They may email you the report or go over it with you. This can take about an hour.
Things That Can Affect the Inspection
Some factors can make a mold inspection take longer:
- Home Size: Bigger homes need more time to check.
- Hard-to-Reach Areas: Places like attics or crawl spaces might slow things down.
- Visible Mold: If there’s a lot of mold, the inspector may need more time to understand the cause.
Getting Ready for a Mold Inspection
Make sure the inspector can easily get to spots like the basement, attic, or crawl spaces. Clear away clutter so they can inspect everything properly.