When I first started in Mold Inspection and IAQ Consulting in Tampa, I was weary after 20 years in the water damage and mold remediation side of construction. I thought I would be on "Easy Street" because eventually every home sold would require a mold inspection. I made a major miscalculation in my business plan.
Soon I realized that there was a group of people I had not calculated - those who had already closed the deal and were living in the home that should have been inspected for mold. There were hints, there were suspicions, but someone talked them out of having it inspected for mold. May it was the lack of funds in their wallet, who knows? The bottom line is, they bought a pig-in-a-poke.
Those of us who make a living consulting on mold and other Indoor Air Quality issues have spent many years learning about mold, microbiology, health effects, air conditioning, building sciences, proper remediation techniques, and all the other issues that make us Mold Inspectors, not Mold Testers. Mold Inspectors don't always test for mold. Mold Inspectors must have a reason, a suspicion, a theory to perform air samples. Is there a problem that was seen in a closet, or under a vanity cabinet? Did someone catch an odor that was musty when they walked in? Did the listing real estate professional see evidence of past water damage? Did the home inspector find an area where the wallboard was unreasonably wet?
If you haven't deciphered the subtle wording - MOLD TESTING is NOT the same as a MOLD INSPECTION.
Mold Testing without a comprehensive Mold Inspection is worthless. Mold Testing by someone who cannot explain what the test results will mean is without value. Mold Testing by a person or company that also remediates mold is unethical and in many states - Florida for one - is illegal. Mold Testing by an individual who cannot explain how that mold got there, or cannot write a detailed plan on how to safely remediate it, is not only useless, but invites a repeat of the same situation in a few months. There is a reason mold appeared where it did. All mold standards and guidelines start with the same directive - confirm the moisture problem which caused the mold has been repaired before the remediation begins - otherwise, the mold will return. 
Need a good Mold Inspector? Your state may have a licensing program. Or, go to the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC.org) or NORMI (NORMIPro.com) and locate one in your neighborhood.
Comments(2)