Mold Inspection & Mold Testing in Los Angeles
Independent Mold & Moisture Inspections for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Renters & Property Owners
Concerned about mold, a musty odor, water damage or hidden moisture?
Home Inspection Authority LLC provides professional mold inspections, mold testing and moisture inspections throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding Southern California communities.
Our Certified Residential Mold Inspector uses professional moisture-detection equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, to help locate moisture intrusion and conditions that may contribute to mold growth.
When testing is appropriate, mold sampling may include indoor and outdoor air samples, wall-cavity air sampling, tape-lift samples and swab samples, with samples submitted for independent laboratory analysis.
Independent Mold Inspection — We Do Not Perform Mold Remediation
Home Inspection Authority LLC provides independent mold inspection and testing services. We do not perform mold remediation.
Because we do not profit from mold removal or remediation work, our role is to inspect, test, document and report the conditions present at the property and provide recommendations based on our inspection and laboratory findings.
Call 800-950-8184 to schedule a mold inspection or request a quote.
When Should You Consider a Mold Inspection?
Mold growth is often associated with excessive moisture. Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, water intrusion, condensation, elevated humidity, previous flooding and inadequate ventilation can create conditions that allow mold to grow on susceptible building materials.
A professional mold and moisture inspection should be considered when:
- Visible mold-like growth or unusual staining is present on walls, ceilings or other surfaces.
- A persistent musty or earthy odor is present.
- The property has experienced a plumbing leak, roof leak, flooding or other water intrusion.
- Walls, ceilings or floors show water stains or previous moisture damage.
- You suspect moisture may be concealed inside a wall or ceiling.
- You are purchasing a home and have concerns about previous water damage or mold.
- You are renting a home or apartment and are concerned about visible mold, odors or moisture conditions.
- Mold remediation has been completed and independent post-remediation testing is needed.
What Does Our Mold Inspection Include?
Every property is different. The appropriate inspection and sampling protocol depends on the conditions observed at the time of inspection.
A mold and moisture inspection may include:
Visual Mold & Moisture Inspection
We visually inspect accessible areas of the property for evidence of visible mold-like growth, water staining, moisture damage and conditions conducive to mold growth.
Particular attention may be given to areas around plumbing fixtures, bathrooms, kitchens, windows, exterior walls, ceilings, HVAC components and other areas where moisture problems are commonly found.
Moisture Meter Testing
Professional moisture meters are used when appropriate to evaluate building materials for elevated moisture levels.
Moisture testing can help confirm whether an area identified visually or through thermal imaging may contain elevated moisture.
Thermal Imaging
We use infrared thermal imaging technology to help identify temperature anomalies that may indicate possible hidden moisture.
Thermal imaging does not see mold and does not by itself confirm the presence of moisture. Suspected moisture anomalies are further evaluated with a moisture meter and other inspection methods when accessible.
Indoor Air Mold Testing
Air sampling can help identify and quantify airborne mold spores present at the time samples are collected.
When air testing is performed, indoor samples may be compared with an exterior control sample and analyzed by an independent laboratory.
The number and location of samples recommended will depend on the size, layout and observed conditions of the property.
Wall-Cavity Air Sampling
When conditions warrant further investigation, wall-cavity air sampling may be recommended to evaluate a concealed wall cavity where mold growth or moisture-related conditions are suspected.
Tape-Lift & Swab Surface Sampling
When visible or suspected mold-like growth is present, a tape-lift or swab sample may be collected from the affected surface and submitted to the laboratory for identification.
Mold Inspections for Renters & Apartments
Concerned About Mold in Your Rental Home or Apartment?
Home Inspection Authority LLC provides independent mold inspections and mold testing for renters throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
If you are experiencing visible mold-like growth, recurring moisture, water staining, musty odors or concerns following a leak, an independent inspection can help document the conditions present at the property.
Our inspection may include photographs, moisture measurements, thermal imaging and laboratory mold testing when appropriate.
We provide our findings in a professional inspection report that documents the conditions observed at the time of the inspection.
Mold Inspections for Homebuyers
A standard home inspection is primarily a visual inspection of the property’s accessible systems and components. Mold inspection and mold testing are specialized services and are not included in a standard home inspection unless specifically ordered.
If moisture damage, suspicious staining, musty odors or possible mold growth are discovered during your home inspection, additional mold inspection or testing may be recommended.
Homebuyers may also choose to add mold and indoor air testing to their inspection for additional information about conditions at the property before the end of their inspection contingency period.
Ask about combining your home inspection, sewer camera inspection and mold inspection/testing when scheduling your property inspection.
Mold Inspections for Homeowners
You do not need to be buying or selling a home to benefit from a mold and moisture inspection.
Homeowners frequently contact us following:
- Plumbing leaks
- Roof leaks
- Water heater leaks
- Appliance leaks
- Window or exterior wall leaks
- Flooding
- Unexplained odors
- Ceiling or wall staining
- Elevated indoor humidity
- Previous water damage
Finding and correcting the source of moisture is an important part of addressing conditions that contribute to mold growth.
What Happens If Mold Is Found?
Finding mold is only part of the investigation. It is also important to identify and correct the moisture source contributing to the condition.
If our inspection or laboratory testing identifies conditions requiring remediation, we may recommend evaluation and corrective work by an appropriately qualified mold remediation or specialty contractor.
Home Inspection Authority LLC does not perform mold remediation, so we have no financial interest in the cost or extent of the remediation work recommended by another company.
After remediation is completed, independent post-remediation verification or clearance testing may be recommended before removed building materials are replaced.
Air Sampling vs. Surface Sampling
Air Sampling
Air samples provide information about airborne mold spores present during the sampling period. Indoor samples can be compared with an exterior control sample to assist in evaluating indoor conditions.
Surface Sampling
Surface samples can help identify mold present on a specific visible or suspected area. Depending on the material and condition, this may be performed using a tape-lift or swab sampling method.
Which Type of Mold Testing Do I Need?
You do not necessarily need to determine this before scheduling.
Our inspector evaluates the property and observed conditions and can recommend an appropriate sampling protocol. The recommended number and types of samples depend on the property’s size, layout and conditions observed during the inspection.
Why Choose Home Inspection Authority LLC?
Certified Mold Inspector
Your inspection is performed by a Certified Residential Mold Inspector experienced in evaluating moisture-related building conditions.
Independent & Unbiased
We inspect and test for mold. We do not perform mold remediation.
This separation allows us to focus on documenting the property’s conditions without trying to sell you mold-removal services.
Professional Moisture Detection Equipment
We use professional inspection equipment including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to help identify moisture intrusion that may not be immediately visible.
Multiple Mold Testing Methods
Depending on conditions, testing may include:
Indoor air sampling • Exterior control sampling • Wall-cavity air sampling • Tape-lift sampling • Swab sampling
Independent Laboratory Analysis
Mold samples are submitted for laboratory analysis, with results provided as part of the mold-testing process.
Detailed Inspection Reporting
Our inspection reports document relevant observations, moisture-related conditions, photographs, testing performed and recommendations for appropriate next steps.
Areas We Serve
Home Inspection Authority LLC provides mold inspection, mold testing and moisture inspection services throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding Southern California communities, including:
Los Angeles • Burbank • Glendale • Pasadena • Santa Clarita • Valencia • Sherman Oaks • Studio City • Woodland Hills • West Hills • Chatsworth • La Cañada Flintridge • Beverly Hills • Santa Monica • Pacific Palisades • San Fernando Valley • Stevenson Ranch • Castaic • Eagle Rock • Long Beach • San Pedro and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Inspection & Testing
Can you find hidden mold inside walls?
A non-invasive mold inspection cannot confirm conditions inside every concealed wall or building cavity. However, moisture meters, thermal imaging and other inspection techniques can help identify areas that warrant additional investigation. Wall-cavity air sampling may also be recommended in certain situations.
Does thermal imaging detect mold?
No. A thermal imaging camera does not see mold. It detects differences in surface temperature that may indicate possible moisture or other conditions. Suspected moisture areas should be further evaluated using a moisture meter and other appropriate inspection methods.
Do you perform mold remediation?
No. Home Inspection Authority LLC does not perform mold remediation. We provide independent mold inspection, moisture evaluation and mold testing services.
Do you provide mold inspections for renters?
Yes. We provide mold and moisture inspections for renters and apartment occupants, as well as homeowners, homebuyers, property owners and businesses.
Do you test the air for mold?
Yes. Indoor air mold sampling is available when appropriate. The recommended sampling protocol depends on the property’s size, layout and conditions observed during the inspection.
Can you test visible mold?
Yes. When appropriate, suspected mold-like growth can be sampled using tape-lift or swab sampling and submitted for laboratory analysis.
Should I have testing performed after mold remediation?
Post-remediation verification or clearance testing may be appropriate after remediation to evaluate conditions before reconstruction. Using an independent inspection/testing company that did not perform the remediation provides separation between the remediation contractor and the company evaluating the completed work.
Schedule a Mold Inspection in Los Angeles
If you are concerned about mold, musty odors, water damage, moisture intrusion or indoor air mold, contact Home Inspection Authority LLC.
We provide independent mold inspection and testing services for homebuyers, homeowners, renters, property owners and businesses throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding Southern California communities.
Call 800-950-8184
Schedule Your Mold Inspection Today
Home Inspection Authority LLC
Certified Residential Mold Inspector
Independent Mold Inspection & Testing
Los Angeles County & Surrounding Areas
