Mold Testing and How Home Inspectors Do It

You may not think of mild testing as a key step in the home buying process. However, it is an important step to consider no matter if you are a buyer or seller. It gives you an idea of if there are serious problems that need to be addressed before purchasing. Not every home inspection company provides an investigation into mold. That said, those that do can look at multiple aspects of your home and find potential problems, saving you time and money down the road. Here is how home inspectors perform mold testing.

Is Mold Testing Needed?

There are a number of benefits of doing a mold test before you decide to buy a home. It provides a sense of the quality of the are in the house. This is important especially if you are unsure how well the home has been maintained. In addition, the smell of mold indicates a significant issue in most cases. By having a mold test done, potential homeowners are performing due diligence to ensure the quality of the home is sound.

How Mold Tests Are Done

The process of mold testing is relatively straightforward. It starts by visually inspecting potential mold sources. Inspectors may ask during a consultation if you have a suspicion where mold could be located. From there, a sample of the surface is collected. This can be done in multiple ways. An inspector may want to take a bulk sample of the possible area for review. In addition, a cotton swab can be used to swipe a smaller section of the surface in question. If an inspector wants to take samples from the air, they will use a trap to capture spores. Once the test is complete, inspectors suggest remediation if mold is found.

Areas That Are Checked

The majority of mold inspections involve looking at specific locations throughout the home. This includes examining the HVAC system the house has. Many times, mold can be found in the indoor air handler or furnace and even on vent covers. This can be problematic, as spores located in an HVAC unit can circulate throughout the home. Another location checked is the attic. It’s not difficult to detect mold growing on wood, and checking for it early prevents the possibility of wood rot and structural damage.

How Long Does It Take?

On average, a basic inspection for mold takes 2 hours to complete. For more detailed inspections on an entire house, it can take up to 6 hours. Following an inspection, an inspector will have an idea of the amount of mold the home has. However, they will wait until the full results of the inspection arrive before fully indicating the presence of mold. Typically, the results take 24-48 hours to appear. The report will indicate the count of specific spores in a room, as well as visual findings.

Call Us for Mold Testing

Inspecting for mold is an essential part of buying a home. It provides the information needed for homebuyers to determine if a house needs remediation. Schedule a mold test with our team of inspectors today.

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Drone Home Inspection: What You Need To Know

As technology advances, more and more businesses are finding newer ways to incorporate it into their day-to-day operations. This is especially true when it comes to drones. These devices allow companies to gain new perspectives and views on anything from buildings to events. One industry that has increased its usage of this technology is home inspections. By incorporating drones, an inspector can get an overview of a home’s structure while doing so safely. Here is what to know about drones and their use during a home inspection.

Advantage Of Drone Home Inspection

Using drones for home inspections has many benefits, especially when it comes to searching areas like roofs and chimneys. One of the biggest advantages is increased safety. Most home inspectors are not required to walk on top of a roof during an inspection. In addition, for those that do decide to climb up, various factors can make it dangerous to do so. By using a drone, these risks are reduced and inspectors have the ability to get a detailed look at a roof while on the ground. It is more accurate compared to standard inspections. Drones can be beneficial for homeowners as well. Some roofs cannot handle the pressure of people walking on them. A drone gets the information needed without damage due to excess pressure.

Drawbacks

While drones are a major help to inspectors, they aren’t without their drawbacks. For starters, weather conditions make it difficult to launch, especially during rain, snow, or high winds. Certain locations are unable to have drone flights as well. The Federal Aviation Administration does not allow drones to fly within 5 miles of an airport, which can cause complications in some areas. They also prohibit night flights without a waiver, a factor that’s important to certain areas during the shorter winter days. Finally, there may be some elements that a drone can’t catch, like compromised areas.

How Much of an Investment?

For inspectors, there are multiple steps involved in getting a drone. First, the FAA requires obtaining a remote pilot certificate for commercial drone users. They also need to recertify on a biannual basis, register their drone and follow additional rules. Getting a pilot certificate involves passing a test on regulations and operations. There is also training to go through, which inspectors can try the first class of to see if they want to make the investment of a drone. Once training is complete, inspectors usually take time to practice flying in an open environment. This ensures they are familiar with how it works before using it on a job.

Next is selecting the equipment itself. There are many drones on the market that are available for under $1000. However, experts caution against the lower-priced models. While a more expensive drone is a significant investment, they provide additional safety and features. A more reliable drone will also reduce the possibility of errors and omissions claims. When choosing a drone, look for good camera quality, solid flight time, and high-level quality service from the manufacturer. You may also want to consider investing in equipment coverage that insures the drone and additional accessories.

Schedule a Drone Home Inspection With Us

A drone is rapidly becoming a major component in home inspections. While they can be a major investment, they provide a great way to examine the highest points of your home. Contact us today to have us complete your home inspection.

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