Ron Rittiner's (darnifino) Blog

SELLING HOMES IN A CROWDED MARKET  (HINT:  Hire a HOME STAGER and HOME INSPECTOR) Everyone knows 2007 was a tough year to sell a home and 2008 may be just as tough.  With thousands more homes on the market than usual it is harder than ever to make a home that is for sale stand out.  And it is rea...

Several blogging events of late made think about the qualifications necessary to be a good and reputable Home and Building Inspector.  A basic list of qualifications would include training, testing, experience, insurance, licensing, certification, integrity and character.Training is important bec...

Answer:  Yes!  According to MoldREPORT, one mold type, cladosporium, is a genus that contains some species that can grow at temperatures near or below freezing.  "These species can be found on refrigerated foodstuffs and even frozen meat."  This information can be important if you suspect mold pr...

ANSWER:  Protocol dictates that a mold evaluation starts with a mold survey/inspection.  From a mold survey/inspection comes a recommendation for mold sampling.  Each component of this process has its own cost.  Mold samples are charged per sample.  Normally the most basic service involves a mold...

ANSWER:  There are 3 types of mold samples that can be performed; indoor and outdoor air testing, contact (swab, bulk or tape), and carpet testing.  A thorough and complete evaluation will usually involve all 3 types of samples.There are two categories of mold samples taken.  These include viable...

ANSWER:  The science of mold is growing daily.  There are literally hundreds of known species of mold and many more suspected.  Different molds develop from different habitats.  If you can determine what kind of mold you are dealing with you are more likely to find the source of the mold growth a...

ANSWER:  YES!  If mold is in your building it is a problem even if you cannot see it.  The main health threat from mold is mold spores.  Mold spores are microscopic.  In other words you cannot see spores.  Once dispersed the spores can be spread through the air.  If mold is in your building you s...

ANSWER:  YES!  If mold is in your building it is a problem even if you cannot see it.  The main health threat from mold is mold spores.  Mold spores are microscopic.  In other words you cannot see spores.  Once dispersed the spores can be spread through the air.  If mold is in your building you s...

ANSWER:  NO!  Stopping the source of water does not completely solve the problem.  If mold is deprived of its source of water it does not die, it only goes dormant.  If the moisture returns, such as from humidity, the mold comes back to life and continues to grow.

ANSWER:  Mold and mold spores are present as a natural part of life on earth.  As long as a habitat for mold growth is not inside a building then this natural mold is not an immediate threat to our indoor air quality.  Mold needs 3 things to survive: moisture, food source, and a surface to grow o...