A mold inspection is a professional assessment of your home for mold growth — both visible and hidden. In Colorado Springs, mold inspections are most commonly requested after water damage events, when buying or selling a home, when occupants experience unexplained health symptoms, or when a musty odor persists despite cleaning.

When Do You Need a Mold Inspection?

• After any water damage event — especially if drying was delayed or incomplete
• When you notice a persistent musty or earthy odor in your home
• When occupants experience unexplained respiratory symptoms, headaches, or fatigue
• Before purchasing a home — especially older homes or homes with a history of water damage
• After a roof leak, basement flooding, or plumbing failure
• When you see visible mold growth and want to understand the full extent
• When selling a home — proactive testing can prevent deal-killing surprises

What Does a Professional Mold Inspection Include?

A thorough professional mold inspection goes far beyond a visual check. Our IICRC AMRT-certified inspectors use multiple tools and methods:

• Visual inspection — systematic examination of all accessible areas including attic, crawlspace, basement, bathrooms, and areas with known water history
• Moisture mapping — moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras identify areas of elevated moisture that indicate active or past water intrusion
• Air sampling — air samples are collected and sent to an accredited laboratory to measure airborne mold spore concentrations and identify species
• Surface sampling — tape lifts or swab samples from visible mold growth identify species and contamination levels
• Bulk sampling — material samples (drywall, insulation) may be collected for laboratory analysis
• HVAC inspection — ductwork and air handlers are inspected for mold contamination that can spread spores throughout the home

Understanding Mold Test Results

Mold test results from an accredited laboratory report spore counts by species. The key comparison is between indoor and outdoor air samples — indoor mold levels should generally be lower than or equal to outdoor levels. Elevated indoor counts, or the presence of species like Stachybotrys that are rarely found outdoors, indicate a mold problem that requires remediation.

There are no federal or Colorado state standards for "acceptable" indoor mold levels — the EPA's position is that any visible mold growth indoors should be remediated. However, laboratory results help prioritize remediation and identify the source of contamination.

Mold Inspection vs. Mold Remediation: What's the Difference?

A mold inspection identifies whether mold is present, where it is, and what species are involved. Mold remediation is the actual removal and cleanup process. We recommend getting an inspection first — it ensures the remediation scope is accurate and prevents paying for unnecessary work. After remediation, a clearance inspection with post-remediation testing confirms the work was successful.