How to Pick the Very Best Mold Inspector

Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Mold Inspector

1. What does your mold inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable standards of a mold inspection: This typically includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, moisture meter testing, and relative humidity measurements. It may or may not include a scope of work to explain how to stop the mold and remove the mold safely. In addition, your inspector should also be experienced in other indoor air quality issues that may be a potential health problems: Radon, allergens, VOC's, lead and asbestos. You should be able to request and see a copy of a sample report ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. For a sample report visit my website at: SAMPLE MOLD REPORT

2. Current mold testing.

Current state of the art mold testing should be available for your consideration; such as DNA analysis of the property condition e.g. The Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI), that has been in field practice for more than 6 years, but still under the category of research by the EPA. Recent research has determined that mold inspectors miss 50% of mold problems without the ERMI test. For more information on the ERMI test process visit a description at my website: ERMI

3. How long have you been practicing in the mold inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals.

4. Are you specifically experienced in residential and or commecial inspection?

Related experience in property inspection and certification by ASHI or CREIA is a must. Accept no substitutes or excuses. To confirm ASHI or CREIA inspection certification visit: www.ashi.org or www.creia.org.

5. Do you offer to do repairs or mold remediation based on the inspection?

This is consider at code of ethics violation to offer both mold  inspection and remediation. Your inspector should only inspect, that way there is no incentive to find a problem. If you want a referral from the inspector for a remediation company to remove the mold, make sure there is no formal business relationship or kick back.

6. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single area or whole house mold inspection is one to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.

7. How much will it cost?

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the project site, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the inspection in terms of the investment being made and or health concerns. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. Beware of free inspections, the inspector will try and up charge you on site for un-needed testing, or offer to do mold removal, for a hefty price.

8. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection or lab sample results. SAMPLE MOLD REPORT

9. Can I attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see indoor air quality issues through the eyes of an expert.

10. Are you mold certified by ACAC? 

There are many questionable "certifications" for mold inspectors. However, the only nationally recognized true certification group is ACAC; visit www.acac.org to verify that your inspector is a Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC). My experience in California indicates that most mold inspectors are poorly trained and qualified for the work they are offering; buyer beware; there is no license or over site of inspectors or remediators.

11. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases that involve health concerns. For example the ACAC certification requires at least 40 hours of approved education every 24 months.

12. Beware of unproven mold inspection techniques.

Poorly educated mold inspectors will offer scientifically unproven techniques, such as using dogs to smell for mold.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

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.