Mold Inspection Near Bass Harbor, ME For Peace of Mind During Home Purchasing and Selling

Mold presents a danger to humans and pets and eats away at building materials. Mold testing from a verified mold inspection service is strongly recommended before buying a house in Bass Harbor, ME. Obtaining a mold inspection before selling your house can also provide transparency and accelerate the closing process.

Pillar To Post™ Home Inspectors is widely esteemed as the leading home inspection service trusted by millions of homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and real estate professionals. Protect your family and your possessions by coming to us when looking for mold inspection near me.

How Worrisome Is Mold?

Mold is a variety of fungus that develops in dark and moist environments, and is commonly found inside houses with higher levels of moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in areas that have high humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation. It can be present on organic-based materials, including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will typically inspect for evidence of leaks and moisture in a house to identify the source of mold growth.

While most kinds of mold are benign, others have been known to cause medical problems, especially for persons who are at risk. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Pets may also be affected by the fungus, with common symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of specific concern in Bass Harbor, ME and part of an expert mold inspection will be to identify the species present to comprehend the risk and develop a plan for remediation.

It’s understandable if you're concerned about the well-being of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the impact of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are sometimes asked is if they are able to evaluate a person for contact with mold? We are not able to provide that as a part of our mold inspection service, however, there are a variety of ways it can be conducted by your doctor, including skin, blood, and urine examinations.

While mold may not typically pose an outsized risk to the health of most people, it’s particularly harmful for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores occupy and feed on plant-based materials and destroy in a relatively short period. Common cellulose or plant-based materials used and stored inside of houses include:

  • Drywall
  • Wood
  • Carpet
  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Wallpaper
  • Fabrics
  • Upholstery
  • Some Painted surfaces
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • And More

Professional mold testing is helpful for homeowners, prospective purchasers, and sellers because of the insights it generates about the danger this fungus poses to the structural integrity of a home. A mold inspector from Pillar To Post™ can verify the presence of mold, determine the type, and offer advice for its elimination. For present homeowners or future buyers and sellers, professional mold inspection will help to ensure a safe and healthy living environment and can avert further costly remediation efforts later on. Mold testing is highly recommended as an important resource in maintaining a safe and healthy home environment.

How Is an Expert Mold Inspection Performed?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a complete assessment of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the severity of the infestation. The specific process for a dependable mold inspection may change depending on the house size, but usually includes:

  • Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality concerns. Earthy smells or health effects presented by occupants will also be checked.
  • Visual Inspection: The inspector will perform a visual inspection of the property, assessing for any apparent signs of mold growth. They will scrutinize areas of the house that are known to be liable to mold growth, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Moisture detection: Assessing moisture levels is important in uncovering potential sources of mold growth. Moisture sensors and other specialized equipment are used to analyze the moisture content inside building materials and pinpoint areas with high humidity or water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in other concealed spaces. Infrared devices may be used to identify areas where mold growth may be happening.
  • Air Sampling: Air sampling is often performed to analyze indoor air quality and establish the amount of airborne mold spores. Air pumps and extraction tools are employed to capture air samples from diverse areas of the home. These samples will be dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is suspected but not seen, the inspector could recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other areas. This requires swabbing or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then dispatched to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Documentation and Reporting: An in-depth report will be given to clients after the mold inspection is concluded, including any areas of the home where mold was detected, the variety of mold present, and suggestions for cleanup.
  • Recommendations and Remediation Plan: Based on the inspection results, the inspector provides suggestions to address the mold issues and stop further growth.
  • Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A follow-up assessment may be executed to assure you that the restoration efforts were effective and that the mold issue has been thoroughly addressed.
  • Education and Prevention: The inspector enlightens the client about mold precaution methods, including appropriate air circulation, humidity management, and care procedures.

How Can I Help Ensure a Smooth Mold Inspection On the Day the Inspector Arrives?

You do not need to do much in preparing for a mold inspection aside from making sure that your inspector can easily reach parts of the house where you suspect mold growth. It is also suggested to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the house during the course of the inspection time to make sure that the results of the inspection are not affected by pet dander or other allergens.

Some activities we suggest you do not do include:

  • Do not clean or disturb any spaces inside the house where you suspect mold to be present.
  • Do not utilize any air purifiers or air filtration devices during the testing date, as these can impact the data of the test.
  • If you're able, refrain from cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for a minimum of 24 hours before the inspection. This precaution helps ensure that the inspection results are not affected by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also advised you keep all windows and doors shut for a minimum of 12 hours before the inspection. This measure guarantees that the environment within the house stays still and correctly represents the usual indoor air quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you will enhance the precision of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Get in Touch With Us By Phone or Book Mold Inspection Services On The Web

Mold can establish itself rapidly within a residence and consume many building materials and personal belongings. The fungus also presents a possible health danger to at-risk individuals and pets. When looking for mold inspection near me in Bass Harbor, ME, select Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Protect your assets and occupants by booking an appointment for mold testing online or by calling 800-294-5591 now.