Do Home Inspectors Check For Mold In A Home Inspection?

If you’re a homeowner, then we know that one of the most common concerns you have is mold growth. And why shouldn’t you? This silent intruder can directly affect your and your family’s health. In fact, most homeowners think that if the mold worsens, they won’t be able to catch the signs, which will lead to more health issues.

To help with all of this, they choose to schedule a home inspection. They believe this way, they will be able to identify mold and other major issues.

If you plan to do the same, we want to correct you here. Don’t think the home inspectors will mainly detect mold in your house. That’s not the purpose of a home inspection. But, they will surely look for signs and conditions that might lead to mold growth. Still, don’t expect it to be a guaranteed part of your standard home inspection.

In this blog, we will discuss what you can expect from a home inspection in terms of mold. This will help you understand whether home inspectors check for mold during a home inspection. Depending on the conditions, you can decide whether to schedule a mold inspection, mold testing, or a home inspection.

Do Home Inspectors Check for Mold During Inspections?

When conducting a home inspection, most home inspectors are focused on looking for signs that indicate mold growth or conditions that can lead to it. But we’re talking about most home inspectors here, as checking for mold is not a part of every home inspection. So, if you expect mold to be present during the inspection, it's better that you ask the inspector about it before scheduling.

If the inspection does include checking for mold, remember to ensure they’re certified and trained to identify mold growth. They must also identify the environmental factors that could lead to mold growth. For example, if you live in Houston, humidity is a major cause of mold issues.

Also, if you’ve hired a certified inspector (who will be checking for mold), then make sure they acquire the certification from recognized and reputable organizations like InterNACHI. Most of the time, home inspectors' certifications don’t automatically cover mold inspections.

But you can be assured that your home inspector will conduct visual inspections, looking for signs of water damage (one of the major reasons behind mold), even if they are not checking for mold specifically. In fact, they might also use tools like moisture meters to let them determine if any active moisture is present in your house. Again, they won’t specifically be looking for mold as it falls out of the scope of home inspection and the Standards of Practice set by ASHI.

Mold in Homes

If you want to prevent your home from mold, firstly, you need to know how it behaves. 

Mold thrives in moisture and damp environments. So, whether it is leaky faucets or high humidity, the chances for mold growth are equal. But, if you wish to keep mold at bay, first, check the common moisture sources, such as:

• Damp basements

• Leaky pipes

• Poorly ventilated bathrooms

However, even after regularly keeping an eye on these areas, you might not find anything. And the reason is simple, mold can intrude and hide even beneath floors or behind walls – places where your naked eye can’t spot it.

It’s true that a home inspector doesn’t look for mold, specifically, but yes, they do uncover issues that might exist because of mold. Here, structural issues top the list. So, you can take home inspections as your first line of defense against mold. At least you’d know what’s really going on in your home and whether there’s any chance of mold growth.

Is Mold a Part of Home Inspections (Indirectly)?

Remember, a home inspector’s job is to provide detailed insights into your property; they’re truly dedicated to that. So, they will try their best to identify conditions that might lead to mold in the long run. In fact, if there’s any visible mold lurking within your home, they will also add that to their home inspection report.

Here’s what you can expect from your home inspection when it comes to mold:

Visual Inspections

First off, the inspector will visually inspect your property. This is the standard practice for every home inspection. When doing so, they will look for issues in areas prone to moisture accumulation, including:

• Bathrooms

• Basements

• Attics

• Around HVAC systems

While inspecting, what they’ll be searching for are visible signs of water damage and condensation. But, if any visible mold growth appears along the way, you will be reported.

Moisture Meters and Thermal Imaging

During the home inspections, they will be using moisture meters to detect moisture content in ceilings, floors, and walls. If the meter detects high moisture content, then it will be a clear indication of mold growth.

Thermal imaging cameras will also be used during the process. These help them identify temperature anomalies because of moisture accumulation that might be hiding behind the surfaces.

With the help of these tools, it becomes easier for the inspectors to find the problem areas that any naked eye might have missed.

Air and Surface Sampling

Although this isn’t a part of a regular inspection, but if you have decided to get home and mold inspection from a single inspector, then they might improvise with this step.

They will collect air and surface samples respectively. Air samples will help in identifying the types and concentrations of mold spores found in your home. This will let the inspector know better about the indoor air quality. On the other hand, surface samples will give the confirmation whether mold exists on the surfaces or not.

Conclusion

While mold inspections isn’t a part of a standard home inspection, a skilled inspector can still identify the conditions that might lead to mold growth.

Visual inspections and advanced tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging help pinpoint potential problem areas related to moisture - the key factor in mold development. If mold is a major concern for you, it’s best to inquire about mold-specific inspections or testing. Taking these proactive steps can ensure a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Ensure your home is safe from hidden mold with Bryan & Bryan Inspections! Our expert team provides comprehensive mold testing services, using advanced techniques to detect mold in hard-to-reach areas. Don't wait for mold to become a bigger problem—schedule your mold testing today and protect your family’s health. Contact Bryan & Bryan Inspections now for reliable, thorough service you can trust!