What Does a Mold Inspector Look for?

Have you just purchased a home and want to get it inspected for mold? Perhaps you've begun to suspect that your existing home may have a mold problem. Whatever the case may be, you've hired a mold inspector to come by. You want to make sure you're ready and have a handle on what the inspector will be doing, and what he or she will need from you.


What will he or she be looking for? Are there signs that you can keep an eye out for to help expedite the process? Are there hints in your environment that you should be aware of so that you can inform the mold inspector? Any and all of these can make the difference in ensuring the most comprehensive mold inspection possible for your home.


The following are several signs your mold inspector will be looking for when inspecting your home.


Excess moisture - One of the key signs that your mold inspector will look for when tracking down mold in your home is excess moisture. Excess moisture can be evident in several different ways, including:
• Wood or wallpaper that has warped
• Loosened drywall
• Peeling paint
• A large number of household plants
• Discolored walls


Respiratory distress - If you or anyone in your household has been experiencing unusual respiratory ailments, let your mold inspector know.  These symptoms could mimic ones you would usually associate with allergies or colds.


Musty odors - Many people will smell mold before they even see it. If you've noticed an unusual mustiness in your home recently, let your inspector know. If you've noticed that it seems more pronounced in certain locations, make sure to point that out, as well.


Unusual physical ailments - In addition to respiratory distress, toxic poisoning from mold can also present in a variety of other symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, a decrease in attention span, and trouble concentrating. Even if you think such symptoms may be unrelated, mention them to your inspector to be safe and ensure a thorough inspection process.


Gutters that haven't been cleared recently- If you've been busy and haven't been able to clear your gutters recently, your inspector needs to know. Blocked gutters can cause extensive water seepage and create actual cesspools for mold growth and proliferation.