Why Choose a Mold Inspection?
Call or Text 816-674-3661
heath@brothershomeinspections.com
Mold is all around us. It is the largest bio mass on earth. Every home has mold! It is a natural element of the world we live in and naturally in the air we breathe. If elevated mold is left undetected, it can be destructive to our homes and even trigger unpleasant allergic reactions. Every person has a different threshold of sensitivity to mold. For your ultimate peace of mind, you may want to have your home thoroughly inspected for conditions conducive to moisture intrusion and conditions conducive to mold growth. Strongly consider a mold inspection if you suspect moisture issues with the home, or if the home has had a history of moisture intrusion. Strongly consider a mold inspection if a family member is sensitive to allergens produced by fungal/mold growth. For ultimate peace of mind, you should have your inspector conduct an Indoor Air Quality Test in addition to your visual mold screening.
HOW THE MOLD INSPECTION IS PEFORMED
We are certified and highly qualified by the International Association of Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). The mold inspection is performed by thoroughly inspecting the exterior, interior, and all pertinent components according to the IAC2 Standards. You can read about the detailed IAC2 Standards by CLICKING HERE. You can verify our certification by CLICKING HERE. We follow the industry's most rigorous standards to look for conditions conducive to moisture intrusion, conditions conducive to mold growth, and of course any visible apparent mold growth. During this inspection process we may use moisture meters, temperature gauges, and humidity gauges.
VISUAL MOLD INSPECTION (VISUAL SCREENING)
The rate for a visual mold inspection is $150 if performed in conjunction with a General Whole House Inspection. This service does not include an Indoor Air Quality Test or surface samples of visible apparent mold.
SURFACE SAMPLES
Visible apparent mold can only be confirmed by sampling and lab analysis. The rate for each surface sample taken is $75. Each surface sample will only be conducted if permitted or requested by the client.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY TEST
The rate for an Indoor Air Quality Mold Test is $375 if performed in conjuction with a General Whole House Inspection. One sample is taken of the air outside for control, and two samples are taken inside of the interior air of the home for comparison, usually one at the main floor and one in the basement. Depending on the layout and size of the home, additional indoor air samples may be necessary or requested by the client. Please speak with us about how many indoor samples may be needed for the size and layout and concerns of your home. Each additional IAQ sample is $75 each and will only be conducted as permitted or requested by the client.
The advantage of an Indoor Air Quality Test is that it will detect airbourne mold spores that cannot be seen or is hidden. Performing an Air Quality Test can help provide peace of mind for individuals who may have a low threshold or high sensitivity for allergens caused by mold spores in the circulated air. An Indoor Air Quality Test uses specialized equipment to collect samples of the air circulating in the home. These samples are then lab-analyzed to determine if there is an amplification of mold spores in the home compared to the outside air. A healthy home should not have an elevation of mold spores in the interior compared to what is naturally present in the outdoor environment surrounding the home. If there are more mold spores in the home than there are outside, it is an indication of microbial growth originating within the home. Testing is most often performed for one of the following reasons:
*There is an indication of water intrusion
*There was a previous mold remediation performed
*There is a history of insurance claims at the property
*There is a “musty” or damp smell
*The client has health concerns such as asthma or other respiratory issues
*Client wants to be assured mold levels in the home are normal
ADVANCED INDOOR AIR QUALITY TEST
Any IAQ can be upgraded with our ADVANCED IAQ report that identifies over 30 different indoor air quality issues beyond mold spores that can adversely afffect the indoor environment and the respiratory health of occuplants including:
* Pollen
* Pet Dander
* Fiberglass
* Soot
* Ash
* Insect Debris
Your Indoor Air Quality Mold Test can be upgraded for $100. Each additional air sample for the ADVANCED IAQ is $95 each and will only be conducted as permitted or requested by the client.
IMPORTANCE OF AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a seldom thought about, invisible driver of health. Poor IAQ can cause symptoms that affect the occupant’s quality of life. Symptoms like fatigue, coughing, malaise, headaches, and irritation of the nose, lungs, and throat are reported from individuals living with poor IAQ. Individuals often incorrectly attribute their symptoms to mold, radon, or asbestos and feel frustrated when none of these are found.
An assessment of one’s IAQ is quick way to uncover air quality issues and determine which potential sources are the cause. IAQ problems typically have easier and more straightforward solutions than mold, radon, or asbestos. Occupants equipped with some introductory knowledge are typically able to remedy poor IAQ and maintain a healthy living space with minimal effort.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE RESULTS/REPORT?
An initial mold report of the visual findings will be generated and provided to the client usually the same day of the inspection. Mold samples are overnighted via FedEx to an independent lab to be analyzed. Usually the lab report is forwarded to the client within two days after the inspection. Weekends and holidays may affect the shipping and processing times.