MOLD INSPECTIONS – LOS ANGELES

MOLD INSPECTIONS – LOS ANGELES

This is meant to serve as standardized guide for mold inspection. There are two kinds of inspections for the presence of mold:

• Complete mold inspection
• Limited mold inspection

Without any agreement that would state a different coverage, a mold inspection by Absolute Maintenance and Consulting in Los Angeles would cover the main building and an attached structure for parking if there is one. Detached structures are not covered and would have to be inspected separately.

A mold testing is only good for the date when it is performed and it cannot be used to predict future growth of mold. That is because the conditions that promote the growth of mold can change over time. The results of the inspection can therefore only be used to determine the condition of a building during the actual inspection.

You need to remember a few important things about a mold inspection by Absolute Maintenance and Consulting in Los Angeles:

• It is not a property inspection.
• It is not an indoor air quality inspection.
• It is not meant to remove the risk of the presence of mold in a property.

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Complete Mold Inspection

The inspector is expected to perform the following:

• Visual examination of the building and its components
• Water intrusion inspection
• Measurement of moisture, humidity, and temperature
• Mold testing through the gathering of samples

The inspector will submit a report on the following:

• Water damage and intrusion
• Musty odors
• Mold growth indications
• Conditions that could promote mold growth
• Results of laboratory analysis
• Components that they were not inspected and why

Limited Mold Inspection

A mold inspection by Absolute Maintenance and Consulting in Los Angeles would not involve a visual inspection of the entire structure. It would only be limited to specific areas and so water damage, musty odor, and other signs of mold presence may not be detected.

The inspector is shall describe where the mold testing  was performed.

The inspector is expected to perform the following:

• Visual examination of some areas of the building and some of its components
• Mold testing through the gathering of samples

The inspector will submit a report on the following:

• Water damage and intrusion
• Musty odors
• Mold growth indications
• Conditions that could promote mold growth
• Results of laboratory analysis
• Components that they were not inspected and why

Standards of Inspection
Roof

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection from the ground level or eaves the following:
   • The roof surface
   • The roof drainage system
   • Vents, flashings, skylights, and chimneys
2. During a mold testing in Los Angeles, the inspector is not expected to:
   • Walk on the roof surface
   • Predict service length of the roof
   • Perform a water test

Grounds and Exterior

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • The trim and cladding
   • Doors, windows and all parts of the building exterior
   • The surrounding of the building
   • Covering materials
2. During a mold testing Los Angeles, the inspector is not expected to:
   • Check the underground drainage
   • Check the window well
   • Check anything not related to mold growth

Structure, Basement, and Foundation

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • Foundation, basement, crawlspace, and ventilation
   • Mold presence
2. During a mold testing Los Angeles, the inspector is not expected to:
   • Operate pumps
   • Check for structural damage not related to the presence of mold

Plumbing

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • Visible main water line and water supply lines
   • Visible drain, waste, and vent pipes
   • The hot water source.
   • Fixtures
2. During an inspection, the inspector is not expected to:
   • Test the showers and tubs
   • Test whirlpool tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs.
   • Inspect for plumbing defects unrelated to mold and moisture presence

Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • Insulation and ventilation of attic spaces.
   • Framing and sheathing
2. During an inspection, the inspector is not expected to:
   • To move insulation
   • Inspect for vapor retarders
   • Break or damage the surface finish

Interior

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors
   • The ventilation.
   • Whole-house ventilation fans
2. During an inspection, the inspector is not expected to:
   • Inspect for defects unrelated to mold growth or moisture intrusion.

Temperature, Moisture, and Humidity

1. The Inspector will perform an inspection of the following:
   • Moisture of any room or area of the building that has moisture intrusion, water damage, and moldy
   • Humidity of any room or area of the building
   • Temperature of any room or area of the building

The purpose of this standard is to serve as a guide during a mold inspection and a water intrusion inspection.  There are certain things that an inspector is expected to perform during a mold inspection and a water intrusion inspection in Los Angeles. If there is no prior agreement between the owner and the inspector that limits the scope, the water intrusion inspection Los Angeles will be performed on the main building and attached structures.

Again, it is important to keep in mind that mold and water intrusion inspection Los Angeles is only valid on the day that it is performed and cannot be used for predict future mold growth or presence.