First, I’ve seen the previous posts here (some dated back several years) regarding mold inspections being completed by a home inspector, even the ones dated back several years. I’ve seen the statement from DBPR that home inspectors can conduct and advertise mold testing as part of their home inspector license as long as they don’t advertise or claim to be a mold assessor, remediator, and that if any visible mold is tested it must be less than 10 square feet.
I’ve seen my question asked a couple of times, but its always turned into a debate and I’ve yet to read a clear answer to my question. My question:
Can a licensed Florida Home Inspector complete a STANDALONE mold test if not a licensed mold assessor/remediator? That is, receive a call from a client requesting one or more air samples, or a swab/tape lift to be taken within the home. The home inspector provides a mold inspection agreement, responds to the property, and then completes either a complete mold inspection or a limited mold inspection.
The reason for asking: I am a Florida licensed home inspector and have my E&O insurance through EliteMGA. I’ve completed InterNACHI’s mold inspection and advanced mold inspection course. I’ve talked with EliteMGA who has approved coverage for Mold Inspections and provided an inspection agreement for me to use. I have testing equipment from Pro-Lab and plan on utilizing Pro-Lab for the testing. The agreement makes a distinction that the potential client should choose from- a complete mold inspection or a limited mold inspection.
The complete mold inspection is outlined on the agreement as “If you selected this service, the Company will perform: a non-invasive visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of the building; moisture, temperature and humidity measurements; and mold samples according to the IAC2 Mold Sampling Procedures. Following the inspection, the Company will provide the Client with a report regarding: moisture intrusion; water damage; musty odors; apparent mold growth, or conditions conducive to mold growth; results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building; and any system or component listed in the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice that were not inspected and the reason(s) they were not inspected.”
The limited inspection is outlined as the same, minus the scope of the inspection only pertaining to a specific area within a building.
TL;DR: If a Florida licensed home inspector (not a remediator or assessor) receives a request for a standalone mold inspection, can the home inspector complete the standalone mold inspection if no other inspection service (full home inspection, etc) is being provided?