Mold is everywhere! Molds are part of the natural environment in and around a home. Mold only becomes a problem when it begins to grow indoors. This is why Kross Inspectors offers Mold Testing within our Environmental Home Purchase Package and as an add on to our Standard Home Inspection.
There are two methods of Mold Testing available from Home Inspectors WITHOUT being destructive:
- Air Sampling: A single air sample from the exterior is taken (often called the Control Sample) and compared to Interior Air Conditioning Return Samples. Samples are provided to a qualified laboratory for
analysis. Reports are flagged by the Lab if abnormalities or elevated levels of mold spores are found within the interior samples.
- Swab Sampling: Is suspicious surface growth is observed, the Inspector can swab the substance. The sample is sent to a qualified laboratory for analysis. The laboratory confirms if the substance is Mold and identifies the species found.
Although Florida Law allows a Home Inspector to perform Mold Testing as part of the Scope of a Home Inspection, the users of these Reports should keep in mind the Home Inspector is only a Generalist and often not an expert in any one particular field. If a Lab report reveals a potential problem, it is time to bring in a specialist. (Think of this like you do your Doctor. A General Practitioner of Medicine often refers to a Specialist when symptoms indicate a potential problem requiring attention.)
Upon receipt of your Home Inspection and Mold Lab report from Kross Inspectors, you should carefully review both before making a final purchase decision. If the Lab report indicates elevated levels of Mold requiring further attention, a Licensed Mold Assessor and Licensed Mold Remediator should be consulted for the recommended solution. This often does include an invasive and destructive investigation not performed by the Home Inspector during the initial visit due to time constraints and restrictions. However, your Kross Inspectors professional can often provide valuable information to these Specialists during their investigation based on the findings within the Home Inspection.
Don't skip the Mold Test! Kross Inspectors has multiple options for including Mold Testing within your Home Inspection. It is not worth the risk of exposing your family to a known health hazard!
For more information on Mold Testing within a Home Inspection,
CALL (239) 677-4403
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