One of the most common questions we get from Colorado Springs homeowners is: "Do I need mold testing before you start remediation?" The honest answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's how to think about it.
When Mold Testing Is Worth It
- You have symptoms (respiratory issues, allergies) but no visible mold — testing can confirm whether mold is present and where
- You've completed remediation and want clearance testing to confirm it was successful
- You're buying or selling a home and want documentation of mold status
- You have a dispute with an insurance company or contractor and need independent documentation
- You want to identify the specific mold species (relevant for health concerns or insurance claims)
When You Can Skip Testing
If you can see mold, you don't need testing to confirm it's there — you need remediation. Testing visible mold is an unnecessary expense. The remediation process is the same regardless of the specific species in most residential situations.
The Conflict of Interest Problem
Be cautious of companies that both test for mold and perform remediation — there's an inherent conflict of interest. For the most objective results, use an independent industrial hygienist for testing and a separate company for remediation. We perform remediation only and recommend independent testing when it's warranted.
Post-Remediation Clearance Testing
Post-remediation clearance testing is the most important type of mold testing. It confirms that the remediation was successful and that mold levels have returned to normal background levels. We recommend clearance testing after all significant mold remediation projects.
Mold in your Colorado Springs home? Call Absolute Water Damage and Mitigation at 1-719-238-5064. We provide IICRC-certified mold remediation throughout the Colorado Springs metro.
