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Mold Symptoms and FAQs

 
 

“Water is a precondition for mold, insects, rodents and dust mites and is arguably the single most important factor in the design and construction of a healthy home.  Water is the most important factor affecting the durability of a home and the most important factor affecting maintenance costs.”   Joe Lstiburek, Ph.D P.Eng. | Principal, Building Science Corporation

 If you live in Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, Aurora, Plainfield, Yorkville, Sugar Grove or others, Go Above Board Environmental Inspection Dynamics or Above Board Indoor Environmental Consultants can help you with the following:

What is a Mold Red Flag?
Simply a Mold Red Flag is any visible signature of a moisture intrusion, leakage event, or a mold like smell, occurring within the livable areas of a house or other structure.  If this occurs, you should ask yourself, what is causing this?

What is a Mold Red Flag Symptom?

It is any condition such as chronic headaches, sneezing, dizziness, coughing, etc. while one is inhabiting the house or structure but which abates or leaves when the person is away for an extended period. Then the symptoms resurrect themselves when one returns.  If this occurs, you should ask yourself, what is causing this?

Why have your property Mold Inspected?
A [ mold inspection ] is essential for your protection as a prospective property owner when a mold red flag or red flag symptom is discovered.  You need the experience of a professional mold inspector to provide assurance that a microbial or mold contamination does not exist.

We invite our clients to participate in the inspection.  By becoming part of the process you will gain a better understanding and knowledge of the property while strengthening your decision-making ability.  We bring real value and meaning to the inspection, providing plenty of time to review and clarify all issues relevant to the report.

What does a professional Mold Inspection include?
The following is part of our mold inspection service:

Exterior:
- Slope, grading and drainage of the property
- Foundation and exterior walls
- Porches, patios and decks
- Windows, doors, and other fenestrations
- Gutters, downspouts, fascia, soffits
- Roof, flashings, vents and chimneys, dormers
- Attached garage and additions

Interior:
- Attic, insulation and ventilation
- Floors, ceilings, walls, doors and windows
- HVAC , humidifiers, dehumidifiers
- Plumbing supply, waste drainage, fixtures and water using appliances
- Waterproofing, wind-proofing, moisture penetration, wood rot and decay
- Basement, foundation walls, floor and crawlspaces

Reporting:
- In a clear and concise written narrative
- Associated and annotated digital photos of “Red Flags” found
- Subjectively applied thermal imaging with annotated thermal-visual image sets
- E-mailed in standard formats (.doc .jpg. .pdf)
- Reports include advocacy (suggested agencies)
- Reports mailed 1st class if requested, are in color
- Video documentary if requested
- Personal one-on-one review and interpretation of report


How much will a Mold Inspection cost?
Many individuals may call themselves mold inspectors and charge less than their competition.  You should be suspicious of any quotes less than $300 for a full inspection.  Check their qualifications and track record.  While you shouldn't have to pay a fortune for a building mold inspection, the old adage that  "you get what you pay for" holds a lot of truth!   Bargain isn't always the best value - especially with your health.

A good quality mold inspection by a certified, experienced professional mold inspector will likely cost upwards of $300, but keep in mind that many factors can affect price.   [ Sampling ] and air testing are additional costs, and are normally $125 each.  Exceptions should be made for larger or unique properties. Payment is due at time of services rendered.

The actual cost of the mold inspection should be one of your least concerns.  We guarantee the benefits realized from a [ professional mold inspection ] will far outweigh its cost, several times over.   Remember, it's your health at stake.

We accept the following payment forms:
Payments Accepted

When Should a Mold Inspection take place?
Anytime you suspect a mold problem or see a mold symptom, and whether you already own or are planning to purchase, or are remodeling.

If you are buying a home, your real estate agent may have included a clause in your offer to purchase, making it conditional upon a satisfactory mold inspection.  You are generally granted a limited time frame to arrange and have your inspection completed.  The inspection should take place after all price negotiations have been finalized and the vendors have accepted your offer.  At this point in time, it is evident that you intend to purchase the property.  Now is your opportunity to determine the finer details about what you are buying by engaging the services of a certified mold inspector and consultant.  It is highly recommended that you accompany the inspector during the mold inspection process.  We encourage your active participation in the inspection process through questions and answers.  It’s a good idea to bring a pen and note pad along, but most of what we confer with you will be in the report or picture references.

You will receive and e-mailed or written copy of your report within 24-36 hrs.  At Go Above Board Environmental Inspection Dynamics and Above Board Indoor Environmental Consultants we provide you with a printed full color report in a binder.  We can also email the report for your solicitor to review.  We retain a reference copy at our office.  You may [ contact ] us anytime for information, as advice is free for as long as you own the home. Call Kevin Cuyler at 630-220-3362 or Barton Robertson 630-973-6099 or see our contact page