What and When to have a "Mold Inspections In Southwest Florida"

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Did you know... that a mold inspection is not the same as a mold test? Home Owners, Buyers, Sellers, Realtors, and Insurance Company representitives should be aware of the difference. A mold test is only part of a Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Mold Inspection in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Palm Beach, anywhere in Florida or the rest of the country. The Govenor of Florida recently signed legislation into law requiring mold inspectors to identify the source and extent of mold problems. Until the new law becomes effective, consumers need to understand lab analysis only reports are not enough information to decide if a structure has a "mold problem".

Real Estate Transaction this is what should be done:
Step 1
First-line mold screening performed by home inspectors is to get preliminary information on whether a mold problem may exist and further investigation is warranted.

Step 2
A professional mold inspector (CIE or CIH) will determine if property has a mold/moisture problem, identify and document the sources and write recommendations for corrections.

Step 3
Remediation Company will clean up mold problem following the recommendations of the CIETM (Certified Indoor Environmentalist) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) based on “IICRC S520 Standard for Mold Remediation.

Step 4
Clearance inspection and testing is performed by a CIETM or CIH to ensure mold clean up was done properly. Home Inspectors should not do Clearance inspections or testing unless they are qualified to write remediation specification or protocols and carry "mold specific" Errors and Omissions Insurance.

NOTE: LIABILITY for job passes to the person who performed the Clearance inspection. MOLD specific Errors and Omission insurance is NOT the same as Home Inspector Insurance. Many companies form a corporation and then just close company when liability issues arise.

Are you paying for a mold inspection and just getting a mold test?
Does your inspector tell you to call the lab to have your report explained?

Many Inspectors sell mold testing to consumers who think they are getting a mold inspection with report.


A Mold inspection report includes:

1. a scope of work performed.
2. an executive summary documenting any suspect conditions.
3. Lab analysis .... (test results)
4. Source identifications & RECOMMENDATIONS for corrections.
5. Photo's documenting signs moisture intrusion, suspected mold.
6. Infrared Thermal imaging camera survey of subject property.
7. May also include a particle count survey; to aid in finding the source of mold growth.

Your inspector should be able to explain your "mold inspection report" not tell you to call a lab that has never seen the property.

Many times a Mold Inspector’s charge for a “Mold Inspection” is about the same as a home inspector charges for a mold test.

Be sure to contact me with any questions you may have regarding your next Real Estate Transaction, I can help you with each and every detail whether you are Buying or Selling...

Have a GREAT day!
Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR
Prudential Florida WCI Realty
239.404.7787