What Are the Symptoms of Mold in the House?

Mold can be a real health hazard, and scheduling a San Diego mold inspection is the only way to know what exactly you’re dealing with. With so many types of mold out there, you’ll need the help of a professional to obliterate the problem. But what you can and should do first is learn how to recognize the symptoms of mold in the house.

Visual red flags

Visual symptoms of mold in the house include white and thread-like mold growth, small black dots, black, grey, brown, green or blue patches. It can even be pink, purple or orange, depending on its location.

The places that usually harbor mold growth are damp and dark areas of your home. Check every nook and cranny for symptoms of mold in the house, namely:

– the bathroom – the number 1 destination for molds due to being frequently warm and damp. Be sure to check the all the bathroom fixtures and accessories, as well as the shower curtain, the tile grout. Without proper ventilation, mold can literally be found everywhere in the bathroom, even your shampoo bottle;

– kitchen – the second favorite destination for molds is the kitchen. Look for mold in and around the sink, the pantry, appliances – in and around the fridge, the stove and the microwave oven, windows and window sills, the trash can etc.;

– the bedroom and the living room – be sure to check the mattress, the couch, various fabric surfaces, upholstery, curtains, fireplace and chimney, the windows and window sills, wallpapers, AC and heating vents, even indoor plants.

Visual symptoms of mold in the house can also be found on the floors, walls and ceilings. Also check the basement, the attic and the garage.

Mold odor

Mold on the outside of your home will have a stale smell, but noticing a musty, damp smell inside your home is a clear sign that you are dealing with house mold. Not only can you not cover up the stench, but must also resign yourself to the fact that it’s just going to get worse. It is both impossible and extremely dangerous to ignore.

Water-related issues

Any type of flooding may very likely lead to a problem with mold. The same applies to water intrusion, such as sewer backup. Water leaks of any kind, even a leaky pipe, can also cause mold.

Health issues

Even if you cannot see or smell mold, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. In fact, the most dangerous molds stay hidden. Unfortunately, symptoms of mold in the house often come in the form of health symptoms. These include respiratory issues, skin reactions, hemorrhages, irritation of the mucous membranes, fatigue, nausea, weakening of the immune system, even mental impairment and damage to vital organs.

We address the symptoms of mold in the house and attack the root of the issue

Molds can spread and virtually take over your home, but here at the Inspectors Company we make it our business to put a stop to it. It must be located and eliminated without leaving a shadow of a doubt about the safety of your home and family. Call us and schedule your mold inspection today!

Types of House Mold

Whether you want to have your home in perfect condition to close a sale, or ensure that you and your posterity have a reliable piece of property, a mold inspection San Diego is always a wise investment. You should be well-informed about the various types of house mold, even if you see no reason to worry – before it becomes noticeable, mold stays well hidden. In fact, you might be completely unaware of the symptoms of mold so much so that it gets out of hand and becomes nearly impossible to subdue. By that time, its unpleasant sight will be the least of your worries, and your negligence will take its toll.

It is therefore of utmost importance that you are able to recognize which of the several types of house mold plagues your home and take a determined approach accordingly. One way to stay ahead of the game is to schedule a timely mold inspection. But just in case you are already getting suspicious, here’s a rundown of the common types of house mold and reasons why they must be taken care of.

Types of mold with hazard classification

Some types of house mold might have little to no impact on human health, but can cause material damage – Hazard Class C, which is of concern to responsible homeowners. But the real reason why house mold is considered such a huge issue nowadays is that we now know that it can have an adverse, even devastating, effect on our health.

As for the types of house mold that cause severe and chronic health issues, those in Hazard Class B are considered hazardous, especially with long exposure, and must not be taken lightly, while those in Hazard Class C are the most hazardous and must be eliminated immediately. Here’s a classification of the most common types of dangerous house mold with their hazard class.

Allergenic molds

This type of mold can cause allergies and allergic reactions such as asthma. Those already suffering from allergies could notice aggravation of their symptoms. Allergenic molds include Penicillin (Hazard Class B), Alternatia (Hazard Class B) and Cladosporium (Hazard Class B).

Pathogenic molds

These create health conditions in people already suffering from acute illnesses, as well as otherwise healthy individuals. The most common pathogenic mold found in homes is Aspergillus (Hazard Class A).

Toxigenic molds

Commonly known as toxic mold, toxigenic molds are the worst kind. By creating toxic substances, they cause dangerous health conditions with a potentially fatal outcome. The most common toxic mold found in homes is a type of the frightening black mold – Stachybotrys (Hazard Class A). Aspergillus (Hazard Class A) is also classified as toxigenic since many molds in this group are toxic.

Professional assistance with all types of house mold keeps your home safe and sound

Professional home inspection comes in many forms, but its main purpose is to make you feel at ease. The Inspectors Company has a team of professional house mold inspectors who know mold inside and out. Whether you need advice, prevention or getting rid of even the most stubborn types of house mold, we’ve got you covered, so call us today!

Must-Know Facts about Septic Tank Inspection

When it comes to the septic system in your home, there are many pitfalls to be mindful of. Even if you are aware of what to be on the lookout for and capable of recognizing the common red flags, it’s no guarantee that the problem won’t get out of hand. Even the most diligent and cautious homeowners who never neglect their septic tank system could suddenly find themselves unable to cope. That’s where professionals come in, so here’s a rundown of what constitutes a typical septic tank inspection service.

The functions of a septic tank

A septic tank is one element of the septic system, the other being a drain field. A septic system is where your household’s sewage and wastewater goes. Its core function is separating solid waste from wastewater and preventing contamination of the surrounding soil. It is for these obvious reasons that the septic tank needs to be in perfect condition and functioning without a hitch.

The best time for a septic tank inspection

As a homeowner, you are best-advised to schedule your septic tank inspection service once a year, and you should definitely get a septic tank inspection service if you put the house on the market. Not only will this protect you from liability in case of malfunction but also increase property value.

As a buyer, it is in your best interest to request a septic tank inspection service before proceeding with the purchase. No house is good enough if its septic tank is faulty. It will be like having a dark cloud hanging over your head.

Locating the septic tank

The newer septic tanks usually have components called risers which can be seen. As for the older ones, the basic method for locating the septic tank is looking at the house drawings. Some other methods include probing into the soil, which should be done cautiously to avoid damaging any elements of the septic tank system. A somewhat less reliable method is looking for the greenest turf of grass in the yard – it is usually located right above the septic tank. The septic tank should be located at a reasonable distance from any sources of drinking water, which the inspectors will take into account.

Septic tank inspection elements

Checking the sludge level and the most recent tank pumping date
The size of the tank, which should be in accordance with the size of the property and household needs
Checking for groundwater contamination caused by wastewater
Ensuring there is no damage or cracks of any kind on any of the septic system and tank elements
Ensuring there is no damage to septic tank inlet and outlet baffles which prevent drain field damage
Making sure that wastewater is equally distributed in drain field pipes

Professional septic tank inspection service for a worry-free home life

By hiring a reliable company for your septic tank inspection service, you’ll know you’ve done your best to ensure that your home’s septic tank is in full working order and completely safe to use. Schedule a visit by our team of experts who will help you rest easy by giving you a thorough septic tank analysis, knowledgeable advice, handy recommendations and a timely heads-up, if called for. Call the Inspectors Company today!

House Appraisal vs. House Inspection

Whether you’re contemplating the purchase of a home to proudly call your own, or have to brace yourself to face difficult and fussy buyers in the position of a seller, you should be well informed of all the aspects of this undertaking. It is of paramount importance to know what constitutes an inspection and its various types and what sets it apart from an appraisal. Once you know the difference, you’ll also be better aware of how you can benefit from hiring a professional house inspection company.

The benefits and purpose of an appraisal

Although appraisal gives important information to both the seller and the buyer, its main purpose is to protect the lender’s interests. The reason is simple – lenders need to know their investment pays off, i.e., that the property in question is not overpriced before they grant the buyer’s loan. Basically, appraisals serve the purpose of estimating the actual overall value of a piece of property.

An appraisal consists of various factors – checking where the house is located, how close it is to important facilities, how big it is and, last but not least, its overall condition. When examining the house itself, appraisers tend to go into great detail, including keeping an eye out for any so-called cosmetic defects, no matter how insignificant they may seem to the untrained eye.

Appraisal also compares the characteristics of the house to other similar houses sold recently and their final sale price. Literally everything is taken into consideration, as each deficiency can mean reduced market value and desirability of a given house.

The real difference between an appraisal and an inspection

The focus of a house inspection company is different and more narrow than that of the appraisers. Appraisers assume a business point of view and look at the bigger picture which affects a property’s market value. A house inspection, on the other hand, is of much more actual use to both the seller and the buyer.

A house inspection company will check the condition of the house as thoroughly as possible for the purpose of predicting any future problems that the current or prospective owner might face. A house inspection will therefore help you be better informed and better prepared to deal with any issues and repairs. It will allow you to foresee potential problems and, if they cannot be avoided, plan your future investments accordingly.

A house inspection company that delivers and helps you be in the know

Regardless of what you plan on doing with your home in the future – selling the place or keeping it for yourself and the posterity – you want to make sure it stays in top condition. That’s where a reliable house inspection company comes in. It is a way of taking good care of this valuable piece of property and ensuring that it keeps its value. With a thorough house inspection, you’ll be making a long-term investment and buying yourself a piece of mind. Life’s too short for uncertainties, so get in touch with our house inspectors today!