WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MOLD INSPECTION IN OKLAHOMA CITY

THE PROFESSIONAL MOLD INSPECTION PROCESS

If you're considering a mold inspection for your Oklahoma City home, you probably have questions about what the process involves, how long it takes, and what the results will tell you. This guide walks you through a typical professional mold inspection in the OKC area.

BEFORE THE INSPECTION

Choosing an Inspector: Select a certified mold inspector who does NOT also perform remediation. This independence ensures objective results. Look for certifications from ACAC, IAQA, or NORMI.

Preparing Your Home: You don't need to do extensive preparation, but it helps to:

• Note any areas where you've seen or smelled mold
• Identify any recent water damage or flooding
• Be available to answer questions about the property's history

DURING THE INSPECTION

Initial Consultation (15-30 minutes): The inspector will discuss your concerns, review the property's history, and ask about any known water damage, health symptoms, or visible mold.

Visual Assessment (1-2 hours): The inspector systematically examines the property, paying particular attention to:

• Basements and crawl spaces (especially important in OKC due to clay soil)
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Areas around windows and exterior walls
• Attics and roof areas
• HVAC systems and ductwork

Moisture Measurement: Using moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, the inspector identifies areas with elevated moisture levels — even behind walls and under floors.

Air Sampling (30-45 minutes): Air samples are collected from:

• Inside the home (typically 2-4 samples in different areas)
• Outside the home (as a baseline comparison)

These samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

Surface Sampling: If visible mold or suspicious growth is found, surface samples may be collected for laboratory identification.

AFTER THE INSPECTION

Laboratory Results (3-5 business days): The air and surface samples are analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Results identify the types and concentrations of mold spores present.

Written Report: The inspector provides a comprehensive written report including:

• Findings from the visual assessment
• Moisture readings and map
• Laboratory results
• Recommendations for remediation (if mold is found)
• Recommendations for moisture control

UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS

Mold Spore Counts: The laboratory report shows mold spore counts for different species. The key comparison is between indoor and outdoor samples — indoor counts should generally be similar to or lower than outdoor counts.

Elevated Indoor Counts: If indoor mold counts are significantly higher than outdoor counts, this indicates a mold problem inside the home.

Specific Mold Species: The report identifies specific mold species. Some species (like Stachybotrys) are more concerning than others, but any significant mold growth warrants remediation.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

If the inspection finds mold, the inspector will recommend remediation and may provide a scope of work document. Get multiple bids from certified remediation contractors — the inspection company should NOT be the same as the remediation contractor.

If no mold is found but moisture issues are identified, address those issues to prevent future mold growth.

Call OKC Mold Remediation at (405) 259-1340 for a free referral to a certified mold inspector in Oklahoma City.