Contact Us At 816-506-0905
Do you need a Mold Inspection? Mold is everywhere, but it is the actual mold spores that can quickly spread and propagate. Mold can turn a healthy basement, for example, into one that may become a nightmare in a home, seemingly overnight. We proudly offer mold inspection and mold testing in Kansas City, Overland Park, Blue Springs, Olathe, Lenexa, Independence, Shawnee, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lee’s Summit, MO and the entire KC metro.
The Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area is known for prolonged dry periods interspersed with very wet weather systems. The mold can “live” in a suspended, non-threatening state until moisture and humidity conditions make the mold “wake up,” producing billions of spores in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
You may suspect you have mold issues based on visual clues or a musty, mildewy smell throughout your entire home or just in certain rooms. Human have always picked up on these visual and olfactory clues, thanks to our ancestral wariness of mold that remains with us to this day.
Experienced & Local KC Mold Inspectors
Mold inspections involve much more than just collecting air samples for mold testing. In fact, air sampling is the last of a long list of tasks, which must be completed to determine if the conditions that may lead to a mold problem are even present at all. If it is determined that the required conditions for mold do exist, it takes an experienced, knowledgeable Mold Inspector to determine the level and type of mold sampling necessary.
GeoInspections performs Mold Inspections and air sampling across the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area including, but not limited to, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Olathe, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, and surrounding counties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s involved in a Mold Inspection? How long does it take? Cost? Think of a Mold Inspection as a slimmed-down Home Inspection. The electrical system, most of the HVAC system and testing of appliances, for example, are not inspected. The primary object is to determine where “water intrusion” is, or could potentially be, entering the home.
The length of time to perform a Mold Inspection varies depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. Typically, it takes 30 to 90 minutes to do a thorough Mold Inspection.
If it is determined that air sampling for mold is necessary, how many samples are needed? How much longer does air sampling take? The number of air samples needed is dependent on the initial Mold Inspection findings and the client’s input when they are interviewed about their mold and/or mildew concerns. The air samples are shipped for complete analysis. These results are combined with the initial Mold Inspection observations and included into the Mold Inspection Report. Air sampling can add another 30 to 60 minutes to the overall Mold Inspection process.
Due to these variables, the cost of a Mold Inspection varies. An “average” Mold Inspection + Air Sampling + Lab Testing (testing for the presence and identification of mold species) + a Mold Inspection Report of findings will cost approximately $300 to $350. If additional Air Sampling + Lab Testing is warranted, there is an additional charge of $75 per air sample.
Where does the moisture come from? Mold cannot propagate without moisture. When the rain or snow comes to the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area, it becomes a battle between the home and Mother Nature in order to keep the home dry. Our experienced Mold Inspectors come equipped with the knowledge and proper tools to determine weaknesses in the home’s ability to prevent moisture intrusion.
What types of air sampling are there?
Air Quality Samples are collected via an air pump and spore trap in order to identify any mold spores present in the air. All homes have some levels of mold in the air, and these Air Quality Samples determine if the airborne levels in the client’s home are normal or have elevated levels. That is typically determined by the collection of one (1) “control” sample, which is collected outdoors.
Cavity Samples are collected with the same air pump, but with a tube connected to the end of the spore trap to allow a sample to be collected from within the walls of the home. These are collected whenever a wall shows signs of visual damage or if a wall has high moisture content. These samples indicate whether elevated conditions exist behind inaccessible walls to determine if removal is necessary.
Surface Samples can be taken of any visual discoloration or growth that is observed by using a medical swab or tape lift. These samples will identify the species of any observed growth. This often helps when determining the source of any airborne levels.
The collected air samples are sent under a “Chain-of-Custody” to a trusted, third-party laboratory for analysis with a standard turn-around time of three (3) business days. Expedited results are also available the next business day at an additional cost of $25 per sample.
Once all air sample results have been reviewed, the mold results and a full protocol of any required work is included in the Mold Inspection Report.
Professional & Thorough Kansas City Mold Inspection and Mold Testing Services
There are many health concerns and damage to a home that may result from mold. Mold is not just an odor nuisance. Far from it. It not only can ruin carpets, drywall, upholstery and other cherished belongings in the home, but it can also, in time, act on the very structure of a home. The leading concern related to mold, however, are the potential health issues.
Living in a home with mold problems can cause numerous maladies, including headaches, fatigue, and depression. Young children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suffer the most. In addition, there is a group of progressive lung disorders caused by mold, characterized by increasing breathlessness. Finally, people with disorders of the immune system are more susceptible to health problems related to household mold, though even healthy people can be affected.
We would be more than happy to discuss any potential mold problems, questions, or concerns that you might have. In addition to our professional and experienced KC Home Inspection services, we are proud to also specialize in and offer Mold Inspection in Kansas City, Overland Park, Blue Springs, Lenexa, Olathe, Prairie Village, Leawood, Shawnee, Lee’s Summit, MO and the KC metro.
About GeoInspections in Lee’s Summit, MO
GeoInspections is locally-owned and operated by Bret Hedenkamp, who is a certfied and professional mold inspector in Lee’s Summit, MO. Bret has experience in not only providing quality and thorough home inspections and mold inspections in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Independence, Overland Park, Blue Springs, MO and the entire KC metropolitan area, but also as a Geological Engineer as well as in the real estate industry. Contact the team at GeoInspections today for a local mold inspection services, foundation inspection, home inspection, termite inspection, or radon monitoring in the KC Metro at 816-506-0905!