Preparing your home for the inspection.
The 48 hours before the inspection matter. Here is how to let the air settle, provide access, and what not to do.
The 48 hours before the inspection matter more than most clients realize. Clean data starts before I arrive, and the prep costs you nothing except attention.
Let the air settle
An air sample reflects whatever is circulating in the room. Candles, essential oil diffusers, air fresheners, and HEPA purifiers all change the baseline. For the best results when evaluating the indoor environment, the air needs about 24 hours to return to normal.
- Turn off air purifiers at least 24 hours in advance.
- Keep windows and doors closed for at least 24 hours. Outdoor air dilutes the sample and hides the problem.
- Skip candles, incense, essential oils, and scented cleaners for 48 hours. These mask musty odors and contribute VOCs that could affect the readings.
Note – If any of these suggestions go against what your doctor has ordered or will cause you physical or emotional distress, please disregard.
Clear access
I need to see the walls and reach the areas of concern. Don’t forget about the places that get used for storage: utility rooms, laundry, closets backing to bathrooms and exterior walls, and the attic hatch.
- Under sinks · remove personal care and cleaning products so I can see the plumbing, the cabinet back, and the floor.
- Along exterior walls · move furniture 12 inches out if you can. Especially the bedroom walls.
- Attic hatch · a path with a ladder footprint. If the hatch is inside a closet, empty the closet enough to open it fully.
- Exterior access · Please leave them open or provide codes, and let me know where the entry is. I need to be able to see if water from outside has a pathway in.
In order to properly assess a space I need to be able to access it.
Write down the history
Every past leak, remodel, or remediation is a potential origin point. The 2019 dishwasher leak or the bathtub overflow when the kids were little matter. A short email with bullet points is perfect.
- Any water damage you are aware of, even if it was “handled”
- Renovations and additions (dates, rooms, what was done)
- Past mold inspections and whether remediation was done
- HVAC service history and replacement dates
Ready to book?
Send the history to Deb when you schedule. We’ll help you get the answers you need.
Keep kids & pets secure
I am in and out of the home a lot during the assessment. Please keep them safe with you.
Ready when you are.
Book an inspection, schedule a virtual consult, or request more information. Deb handles the scheduling so there’s a human at the other end of the phone.