Mold FAQ
Answers to some common mold assessment questions
What is mold?
Molds are a natural part of the environment. They are fungi that live off of organic material under specific conditions and release tiny, invisible spores which may cause health problems if found in abundance and left untreated. EVERY home has some degree of mold and it is virtually impossible to remove all mold from a residential environment. Most forms of residential mold are non-toxic and not life-threatening, however, they may trigger allergies and cause health issues, particularly in vulnerable groups. https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
Can any home inspector perform a mold assessment?
No. Only a NYS Certified Mold Assessor can legally perform a mold assessment, either as part of a home inspection or as a stand-alone service.
What is a mold assessment?
A mold assessment is a visual, non-invasive inspection of a specific area where indicators of mold are present. A mold assessor will check not only for the presence of visible mold, but also moisture conditions, possible sources of water intrusion, and signs of previous growth.
What is NOT included in a mold assesement?
A mold assessment will not guarantee the absence of mold within a residence or that mold will not appear in the future. Mold may be present in non-accessible areas, such as behind walls, under floors and within HVAC distributors. A mold assessor cannot damage portions of a residence to look for hidden mold.
Does every home need a mold assessment?
No. Most home inspections do not require the additional service of a mold assessment. Fort Orange Home Inspections will only perform a mold assessment if the likely presence of mold is determined during your inspection, and if you, the client, agree to have the service added. The assessment will be performed at the same time as your regular inspection.
Mold was found in the home. What next?
If the assessment identifies the presence of mold, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the mold findings and environmental conditions observed during the assessment. The report will also include a remediation plan outlining recommended methods for mold removal and cleanup for use by a qualified remediation professional.
Will I have to wait for lab tests to come back?
No, under most circumstances, it is not necessary to perform testing or sampling as part of a mold assessment for several reasons: 1) Lab testing provides only a "snapshot" of an assessment at the particular time and location of the test. As such, the test may mis-represent the overall conditions in its results. 2) There are no state or federal standards for "safe" or "unsafe" levels of mold. 3) Regardless of quantity or species, mold needs to be removed and the source needs to be corrected, which are the primary purposes of providing the assessment.
Is the homeowner obligated to correct the mold issue?
Not necessarily. While the assessment will provide a detailed plan for remediation, the homeowner is under no legal obligation to hire a contractor based on the report. They have the legal right to remedy the matter themselves, to hire based on the remediation plan, or to hire outside of the plan as they see fit. However, your assessment report should be treated as an official informational tool which will help you and your realtor decide how to move forward before closing.
Mold is scary. Should I be worried?
Absolutely not! The detection of mold is natural and, even in extreme circumstances, correctable. Once the mold has been removed and the source is corrected, conditions typically return to normal. A detailed assessment by a certified inspector will give you the knowledge and peace of mind you need to make informed decisions. That is the foundational principle behind Fort Orange Home Inspections.