Mold Inspection FAQ'S

Does Camelot Home Inspection Services do mold inspections?

No, we do not do mold inspections as a part of our home inspection service.

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If you know you have a dampness or mold problem because you can see it (mold, water damage, or moisture) or smell it (moldy or musty odor), you do not need to measure the amount or identify the type of mold. Testing does not give you any more useful information.
Most importantly, measuring molds does not tell you if there is a health problem. Mold tests typically count visible or cultured mold spores in the indoor air or on indoor surfaces—for example, Penicillium, Aspergillus, or Stachybotrys species. But there are no recommended "unhealthy levels" for spore concentrations or for particular kinds of molds.
If you want professional help, experienced mold inspectors can assess your home/building for moisture or mold. Most home inspectors do not inspect for mold unless specifically contracted for and for an additional fee. Rather, they inspect for signs of moisture intrusion and its source so it can be fixed. Although some home inspectors may recommend mold testing as part of their home inspection services, it is not clear what useful information this is likely to give you. In some cases, mold testing may identify hidden moisture that is not obvious. However, if you can see or smell moisture/mold, such measurements may not be necessary at all.
A mold inspector's conclusions from mold tests about water damage or mold growth are based only on their judgement, and not on solid scientific evidence. For example, some say that indoor mold levels higher than outdoor levels show that you have indoor mold growth, but this has not been scientifically proven, and mold levels vary widely over time both indoors and outdoors.

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How do I know if I have a mold or moisture problem?

Mold or moisture problems may be visible or hidden. Visible areas could include surfaces in the building itself and items in the building. Examples of hidden problem areas include beneath wallpaper, behind furniture, behind baseboards, or inside walls, floors, or ceilings. Signs of a mold or moisture problem in your home are:
- Water-stained, discolored, or moldy surfaces
- Water damage, such as warped floors, peeling or bubbled paint, or rotting wood
- Damp surfaces, including condensation on windows or walls
- An earthy, musty, or moldy smell
You might also have a mold problem if people who are sensitive or allergic to mold have symptoms when they are in your home.

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How do I find someone to inspect my home and locate the source of the mold or moisture problem?

An experienced mold and moisture inspector is trained to identify the source of the mold or moisture problems, generally without measuring mold levels. There are no California regulations for mold inspectors. We cannot recommend any company in particular. Mold consultants can be found through professional associations such as the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Mold inspectors may also be found through the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) and the National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NAMRI). These organizations are listed here strictly for informational purposes and listing them does not imply CDPH endorsement.

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Can I test for mold myself without hiring a professional?

Surface and air sampling kits are commercially available, but we do not recommend their use. If you see or smell moisture/mold, mold testing does not provide further useful health information. Rather, you (or an expert) need to locate the moisture source and fix the underlying cause of the problem.

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I have already tested for mold and have mold test results — what do they mean?

The inspector or laboratory that conducted the tests should provide you with their interpretation of the findings. However, we urge you to be cautious when considering these conclusions, because it is not clear that mold test results actually say anything about health risks, whatever the inspector or lab might say. If you know you have a dampness/mold problem because you can see it or smell it, you do not need further information from mold tests.

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What regulations about mold and moisture are there in California?

Currently, there are limited regulations regarding mold and moisture in California. The California housing code lists both mold and dampness as conditions of substandard housing that the owner must remediate if cited by a code enforcer. Regulations on moisture and mold in the workplace are enforced by Cal/OSHA. Science-based exposure limits for indoor molds cannot be established at this time, and none exist in California.
There is no legal requirement in California for training, licensing, or certification of mold assessors to identify a mold or dampness problem or of mold remediators to fix a mold or dampness problem. Some other states, such as Louisiana, Texas, and New York, do require mold assessors or remediators be licensed in the state, but there are no federal licensing regulations.

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Is a license required to be a mold inspector or remediator in California?

At present, California has no state regulations about mold inspection, assessment, or remediation. Any business is subject to local requirements, such as for a business license. A company performing building construction or improvement valued at $500 or more (labor and materials costs) must have a state contractors’ license.

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