State of Florida Mold Assessment Defined

H&H Real Estate Consulting

Mold assessment means a process performed by a mold assessor that includes the physical sampling and detailed evaluation of data obtained from a building history and inspection to formulate an initial hypothesis about the origin, identity, location, and extent of amplification of mold growth of greater than ten square feet
Simply stated, our inspectors will do following:

• Determination of origin (source of water)
• Determination of identity (what type of mold)
• Determination of precise location (including hidden) mold.
• Detailed evaluation of building history
• Determination of extent of (hidden along with visible) mold.
• If client requested air sampling to be part of an assessment

The Mold Assessor Report will typically include:

Mold Assessor Initial Assessment report typically focus on location and identity (type) of mold, to
determine the extent (of hidden mold) and origin (cause) of mold. Often times the extent of mold is best determined when walls are opened or baseboards removed.

Very important recommendation that water source be fixed before mold remediation begins!

We strongly believe in and follow the EPA guidelines for moisture control and remediation as indicated in
http://www2.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide

HVAC System is important part of the mold assessment.

Majority of mold related health issues with house occupants are created by mold issues within the HVAC system/ductwork,
read the EPA report on air ducts http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-07/documents/airducts.pdf

The results of visual inspection for mold and investigating water stains may include moisture or humidity measurements attempting to determine if any leaks found are still active.

The assessment report will recommend where mold remediation should be performed (location of mold) and the estimated extent of remediation in overall required square feet.

During the assessment of the building history and occupant complaints, the assessor may recommend air sampling be done in various rooms throughout house, these air samples will help support the assessment findings, remediation plans and the occupant health complaints.

The report may recommend that the Assessor be called back for Post Remediation Assessment and air sampling
(typically on large projects)

There could be disclaimers that hidden mold may be undetected in inaccessible areas such as behind baseboards, wall paper, inside walls because access requires destructive methods which requires the homeowner to provide written permission for this type investigation.

There maybe instructions that mold remediators may need to determine the precise origin of the mold when walls or ceilings are opened and that mold remediator should remove all mold in indicated problems areas as determined when walls are opened and not simply at test points.

We judge the effectiveness of the remediation work, by the ability of sensitive people to occupy or re-occupy the space without health complaints, physical discomfort or annoying smells.

If we are hired at time of assessment to do Post Remediation Verification, this will include the following:

• Visual and white glove test of surface inspection for dusts
• Visual inspection of HVAC system for clean air conditioning unit, ducts & plenum interiors
• Picture documentation that containments were used during remediation
• Picture documentation that all the mold and water damage problems identified in the protocol or quote were taken care of thoroughly leaving the identified remediation areas “as new”.
• Documentation that the water source was identified and fixed

ALWAYS THINK GREEN REMEDIATION

When mold remediation is required, always think green, do not let remediators use chemicals such as biocides, which are intended to keep on killing within your home.

Very important to verify the water source has been fixed, the contaminated materials have been removed and/or cleaned, this means the mold will not return.

YOU DO NOT NEED BIOCIDES THAT KEEP ON KILLING TO KEEP MOLD FROM COMING BACK!
WHEN THERE IS NO MORE MOISTURE, MOLD WILL NOT RETURN!