The California Department of Public Health (2011) has concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy. However, the California Department of Public Health also recommends against mold testing (due to cost) and directs consumers to spend their funds instead on proper and safe removal of the mold.
In many cases this may be good advice, if there is a single small area of mold growth. However, in many cases there may be hidden mold growth, that has resulted in elevated mold levels in areas of the home that cannot be determined without testing.
A recent research study by the EPA, evaluated the correlation between the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) mold test results and an alternative analysis frequently used in mold investigations, i.e., the inspector's "walk-through" assessment of visual or olfactory evidence of mold combined with occupant's answers to a questionnaire about mold odors and moisture (without mold testing). Homes in the highest ERMI mold level findings were only in agreement with visual inspection and/or occupant assessment 48% of the time but failed to detect the mold in 52% of the time. In about 7% of lowest ERMI testing homes, the inspection and occupant assessments overestimated the mold problem.
Further, the cost of mold testing has been dropping consistently over the past decade, even with the development of more sophisticated DNA mold analysis techniques. For example the DNA mold test can cost as little at $2955 if collected as part of a mold inspection investigation.
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.
Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.
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