A Comprehensive Mold Inspection Before Considering Buying or Listing a Home in Bakewell, Tennessee Will Provide Boosted Peace of Mind

Mold presents a danger to humans and animals and destroys building components and possessions. Mold testing from a verified mold inspection service is strongly advised before buying a home in Bakewell, Tennessee. Retaining a mold inspection while selling a home can also provide transparency and speed up the closing process. Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors are widely esteemed as the leading home inspection service recommended by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Protect your family and your possessions by choosing us when looking for mold inspection near you.

Is Mold Dangerous?

The spores of mold are everywhere in the air, only becoming visible when conditions are acceptable to it, and the fungus finds a suitable surface to colonize. The fungus usually colonizes dark and moist locations. Among other benefits, your expert mold inspector will identify the source of the moisture – whether it's from recent flooding or leaks – to help you develop a plan for remediation. Mold can be nearly any color, including red, green, yellow, white, and black, which is famously associated with a particularly toxic species, Stachybotrys chartarum, known to trigger dangerous reactions in some individuals and animals.

Although this fungus is not hazardous for the majority of people, it does result in serious cosmetic issues and a musty odor. Even worse, the fungus eats the surfaces that it colonizes, compromising materials and weakening the structural stability of a home over time. It eats cellulose-based items that are ubiquitous in just about every house, including:

  • Drywall
  • Wood
  • Carpet
  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Wallpaper
  • Fabrics
  • Upholstery
  • Some Painted surfaces
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • And More

Mold testing can identify the species and reveal the source of dampness contributing to an outbreak inside of your current home or the one you're considering buying. A common request posed to mold inspectors is if it's possible to test a person for mold exposure. Unfortunately, this cannot be tested by our mold inspection service but can be carried out by your doctor with blood and skin analysis. A proficient mold inspection will offer you more advantage in your home-selling negotiations or offer you more knowledge into the quality of your investment and the safety of occupants when purchasing a home.

How Is a Competent Mold Inspection Performed?

A professional mold inspection service will deliver a thorough evaluation of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the scope of the infestation. The particular process for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but typically includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector obtains information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water damage, or indoor air quality concerns. Earthy smells or health symptoms presented by occupants will also be evaluated.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the property, examining for any apparent signs of mold colonization. They will check areas of the house that are known to be susceptible to mold growth, such as below-ground spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Knowing moisture levels is critical in detecting potential sources of mold growth. Humidity sensors and other specialized equipment are used to assess the moisture content of building materials and identify areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Heat-sensing technology may be used to find areas where mold colonization may be occurring.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling will be performed to evaluate indoor air quality and ascertain the presence of spores in the air. Air filters and collection tools are employed to capture air samples from diverse areas of the home. The samples will be submitted to a lab for evaluation.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold growth is presumed but not visible, your mold inspector may collect surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This involves swiping or tape-lifting a small sample, which is also submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: A thorough report will be provided to clients after the mold inspection is concluded, including any areas of the home where mold was detected, the species of mold present, and advice for cleanup.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may give advice for mold remediation, which may involve hiring a expert mold remediation service. They will likely suggest measures to minimize moisture problems, improve air circulation, and stop future mold growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: After cleanup efforts, the inspector may carry out a subsequent examination to ensure that the mold problem has been thoroughly addressed. Verification testing may be performed to confirm that the indoor space meets permissible mold spore levels and is secure for occupants.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold prevention methods, including proper air circulation, humidity management, and maintenance practices.

What Do I Need To Do To Get Ready for the Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do a lot in preparation for a mold inspection apart from making sure that your inspector can easily reach areas of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outside of the home throughout the inspection time to guarantee that the results of the test are not affected by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of things you should avoid doing to ensure the accuracy of mold testing include:

  • Refrain from cleaning with chemicals in any spaces inside the house where you observe mold growth to be growing.
  • Refrain from using air pumps or air filtration units while the inspection is being performed, as these can impact the accuracy of the data.
  • If possible, abstain from participating in activities such as cooking, smoking, or utilizing chemical-releasing substances in the air for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This measure will help in preventing the test data from being affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is additionally recommended you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours prior to the test. This measure ensures that the air inside the home stays motionless and correctly reflects the usual indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and testing.

Schedule a Mold Inspection Right Away

Mold can take hold quickly within a residence and consume numerous construction materials and household possessions. The fungus additionally poses a possible health danger to at-risk people and animals. When searching for mold inspection near Bakewell, Tennessee, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate findings and a clear course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your assets and inhabitants by scheduling an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 today.