Buying a home is exciting but can be overwhelming. There are many things to consider, one being mold. Mold is a fungus that lives and grows in moist places. It spreads by emitting microscopic particles called spores. These spores are indoors and outdoors and only turn into mold when they land on a moist surface. A good home air filtration system will help homes stay dry, thus reducing the risk of mold forming and spreading.
When you are ready to purchase a home, or have suspicions of mold in your current home, you should know the difference between mold inspection and mold testing. Mold inspection identifies the presence of mold. Mold testing attempts to identify the type and amount of mold.
Mold inspection is mainly a visual inspection of the house. No equipment is usually necessary beyond a flashlight or a couple of tools. Some inspectors use cameras and moisture meters to determine whether an area is wet.
A mold inspector will walk the house thoroughly, inside, and out, looking in places known for mold growth. The inspector may have to remove a portion of a wall or remove paneling if there is a possibility of mold growing underneath. The inspector will then discuss a remediation plan if they detect mold.
The EPA and ServiceMaster Restore® suggest that you can skip right to a remediation plan if you can visibly identify mold. Why pay an inspector to tell you what you already know?
ServiceMaster Restore® works with nationally recognized testing facilities and can provide mold inspection, laboratory analysis, and written remediation plans at a reasonable price. We also know how to identify and help eliminate the source of what has caused the mold and implement the proper processes to help prevent future mold growth.
Mold is a serious problem and if you see it, you must eliminate it as soon as possible, and spotting mold before it spreads can save you thousands of dollars. This makes the cost of a mold inspection well worth it when you are buying a new house.
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