OUR MOST IMPORTANT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)ABOUT TOXIC MOLD  ANSWERED

We get many calls with clients asking similar questions. We are sure that you may have some of the same. Review our list below. If they do answer your question  please call us.

1. I am buying a house and the inspector found a small mold in the attic/basement. Do I need an inspection or can I just clean it?

ANSWER: We recommended whenever any mold is found that  the property be inspected by a specialist  to see if there is mold growing anywhere else. Typically if you have some in the attic or basement there is a greater than 80% chance there is mold elsewhere often unseen. If this is a major investment or you have a health concern there is only one answer. If you have any doubts about health risk see # 3 on our page.

2. The basement is damp in this house and there is a moldy/musty  smell. I do not see mold. Could there still be a mold problem?

ANSWER: Mold must have water or a high vapor presence or humidity. Water plus a suitable growth surface such as wood, paneling, insulation, dust and dirt will allow mold to grow especially inside the walls. Mold gas is what you are often smelling that most people call "a musty smell" .

3. I just  moved into the house we bought and now found mold. What should I do?

ANSWER:  You must act quickly and have it competently inspected to fully document it in the event there is major mold damage that will require repair. We have seen many inspections that failed to notice mold damage. We have also seen many cases where mold damage is undisclosed or concealed by the seller. You, the new owner may have to pay for some very expensive repairs.  Look at your home inspection report and see if it is noted or any reference to water damage. If so noted you must have it inspected. See # 11 on our page.

4. Since moving into this house I have been getting sick. Could this be caused by mold or something else?

ANSWER:  Look for clues such as mold growth  or odor first. Also leave the property for a few hours (or full day) and see if the symptoms go away for a sure sign  your symptoms are related to the property. See an allergist or immunologist. If you have a strong belief or what appears to be mold call us.

5. What does an inspection cost?

ANSWER: Depends who you call and what their pitch is. All the free inspections are tied in with a contractor that gives you a "free inspection" with repairs.  Free inspections do not include a analytical report. Under law if it is not in writing it des not exist. Generally a flat fee, hourly and lab work if needed.

6. What is involved in an inspection?

ANSWER: A phone consultation with the mycologist/aerobiologist then and on-site visit for the inspection with, then study with a final concluding report. If mold is found it may be tested and require lab work depending on the full inspection and study. Our fees are determined by what needs to be done..

ANSWER:  Often our inspection are done confidentially for various legal or other reasons for privacy. Generally the person that orders it or the property owner. In most cases the inspection is paid for by the seller at closing. Sellers are best advised to inspect their property prior to putting it on the market if any mold is suspect to being present.

7a. To Whom do You Provide the Reports?

ANSWER: Confidentiality. Our reports go only to the people that order them. If a commercial property owner is ordered by the health department, building inspector or legal authority and they require one, one will be so provided with your release.

8. I had my home inspected for mold and still do not know what the report means can you explain what the mold count means?.

ANSWER: We see it often a report by an general home inspector that lists traces and  varying amounts of mold without a full contextual analysis. Such inspections are by such inspectors that have little or no understanding of the role mold plays in human habitations often leave people undecided as what to do. Mold samples and counts mean nothing unless you know why and how the counts we taken. You need a scientist in mycology  to perform the study and analysis for obtaining a complete scientific investigation with a definitive, detailed and certified analysis. You need more than "yes you have mold"    

9. What qualifies anyone to do a mold inspection?

ANSWER: Currently many states either have just adopted regulations for training inspectors with examination. The states that do not have an examination process are currently being examined by anyone that is doing them.  See #8 .  There are scientists dedicated to this type of research work  that are more than qualified to perform the research needed. Note: We are lawfully experts in this area of investigation with university diplomats in medical mycology. 

10. I moved into this house with my children and we are all having symptoms that we believe are mold related. What should we do?

ANSWER: See you doctor, allergist or immunologist. It is a simple connection if you see and smell mold in the place you are and you appear to have a reaction and then when you leave that place the symptoms go away then you most likely have a connection.

11. I purchased a mold test kit and found mold. What should I do?

ANSWER:  Depending on the test kit. Their use requires scientific expertise in the testing and sampling process. The test kit is nearly worthless. Resulting growth is meaningless since mold will be found anywhere and generate a growth since you will always find mold of nearly any and all types in any given area including hospital operating rooms (Its not the air that infects after surgery-it is fungal mold).

SEE OUR FUNGAL MOLD MYCOLOGY RESEARCH LABORATORY

CALL FOR A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION

Our scientific and lab experience  in mycology will help us answer all of your questions about molds and  related issues. We  provide total solutions including remediation  project planning, contract  for structural work   and supervise the project  to completion. We  validate remediation for efficacy.

INSPECTION FEES

Our services start with a free consultation. This is done so we can determine the scope of the inspection. Often a simple visual walk through  inspection is required. Other times and inspection requires lab sampling and analysis.  We also determine in advance whether an inspection site is considered "HOT" which means there is a high probability of extensive mold infestation and contamination. HOT sites require full personnel protective equipment for inspection, including respirator and contamination protection full body suit.

Our rates are based on all these and other factors. All our fees included certified reports for the scope of the inspection. Legal reports and opinions are available.  SEE OUR INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE  for more information