Mold and/or Radon testing.. - InspectionNews

Jason Welch · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 09:02 PM

I am curious..how many offer Mold and/or Radon as an ancillary service? Not sure how to set up a poll...

Kevin Luce · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 09:21 PM

Radon Testing here.

After all the cost in a year which also includes time, gas and estimated wear on vehicle, I come out making twice as much. This does not include the home inspection jobs that I get from offering this service. In short, I feel it's worth offering this service.

If you are going to offer this service, good luck on the test. A little more than half the class passed it.

Tim Moreira · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 09:26 PM

I check for mold during the HI. If a client really, really, really wants me to do testing (swabs, air sampling, carpet sampling) I will but I don't push it. Waste of their money in my opinion.

I for one think that mold testing and sampling is a total waste of money. If there is mold then you need to identify where it is coming from and correct the problem. The testing by a third party lab is a waste of the client's money in MHO.

If there is mold, they need to get rid of it. Doesn't matter what strand it is.

I do not do radon as it is not really an issue in my area. If a client was overly concerned, I would recommend they contact someone who specializes in that are for testing

#4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 05:48 AM

Mold testing is not always a waste of time. If the client has Allergy or Health Issues, their Allergist may want to know what genus and species of mold are growing in the home. If you are doing commercial inspections then they will definitly want to know what genus and/or species they are dealing with for reasons too many to list here.

If no one has initially tested then the Remediator may test to see what they are dealing with for removal.

I totally agree that the source of the water intrusion must first be corrected, then the mold removed.

Jack Feldmann · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 06:22 AM

I do a lot of radon testing. It is very common in my area, with some readings in the 40's - 50's.
JF

Scott Patterson · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 02:49 PM

I offer radon testing as well. Had a reading yesterday of 23 pC/l and the home had a mitigation system in it. Discovered that Pine straw, dead bird and other assorted crud had clogged the end of the vent pipe. System was also installed improperly.

The radon class is not all that hard if you pay attention, study and read all of the EPA handouts, etc.

Before you offer radon testing you need to see if it is a problem in your area.

Tim Moreira · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 03:11 PM

Jason,

Did you do the poll thingy or did Brian?

If we can do it, how do you do it?

Brian Hannigan · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Moreira

Jason,

Did you do the poll thing or did Brian?

Brian did it.

It is set up as an administrative function.

Bruce Thomas · #9 (**permalink**) 04-06-2007, 05:15 PM

We also do septic system dye tests and any thing else that is legal and not too fatening.

Bruce

Bruce Breedlove · #10 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 03:29 PM

I do a fair amount of radon testing. The average house around here has elevated levels of radon. It is not unusual to measure radon levels of 12 to 15 pCi/L. (EPA's action level is 4.0 pCi/L.) Some parts of town are typically in the mid to upper 30s. Further up in the mountains I routinely measure radon levels of 40 to 60 and as high as the upper 80s. I have heard of some measuring above 200.

Rick Hurst · #11 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 01:06 PM

No Radon or Mold testing for me

Sprinkle Holy Water
150. Upgrade

Ghostbusting
Pricing starts at 5K

Eric Van De Ven · #12 (**permalink**) 04-28-2007, 03:56 AM

How about "None of the above"?

Brian Hannigan · #13 (**permalink**) 04-28-2007, 06:29 AM

"None" has been added.

Thanks for pointing that out.

Jonathan Cartwright · #14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:09 PM

Other - Wood destroying pest and fungi inspections. I also do "wood burning device" inspections for the county however that has only to do with air quality and not with the function/safety of the device.

Paul Tooley · #15 (**permalink**) 08-01-2007, 09:32 PM

Try to stay away from the mold angle. In this area, it's much easier to forward that one off ot specialists. we do radon, termite/wdi, well potability, and septic dye's (never liked those and try to disuade clients from using them. I don't turn down the request though). also think about getting into pools as well.

Bruce Breedlove · #16 (**permalink**) 08-01-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Tooley

In this area, it's much easier to forward that one off ot specialists.

Paul,

What area is that? Your profile does not tell us where you are located.

Bruce Thomas · #17 (**permalink**) 08-02-2007, 10:26 AM

Paul,

Why not become a mold expert?

Just a thought.

Jim Luttrall · #18 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 01:00 PM

At the risk of opening up a can of worms here, can those that do mold inspections tell me what purpose (other than making money) do the mold tests serve? I can see a clearance test after remediation of a problem but I can't see the point of testing if you see mold or the need of testing if you don't see mold. Please enlighten me.
Please guys (Jerry P. and others that have already voiced their opinion) leave room for some honest answers here before condemning the very idea. I really am interested in the mindset behind those who test. I have met several inspectors that do mold and don't think that all of them are greedy SOB's just trying to get money from their customers. It is apparent from the poll results that at least some of the inspectors that frequent this board do mold and I am truly interested in the reasons.
Jim

Erol Kartal · #19 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 07:21 PM

Just good old fashion home inspections for me. I have a list of subs that I can refer.

Erol Kartal
Pro Inspect