Before Your Inspection

Small changes in indoor conditions can affect inspection findings and air sampling results. These steps help ensure the most accurate evaluation possible during your mold inspection or indoor air quality testing appointment.

To help ensure accurate results, please review 

the following guidelines before your appointment.

Quick Summary:

• Keep windows and exterior doors closed (12–24 hours prior)
• Operate heating or air conditioning normally
• Avoid cleaning, cooking, or activities that create heat, moisture, or airborne particles
• Avoid running air-altering devices (humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, etc.)
• Ensure access to key areas (attic, crawlspace, HVAC, plumbing)

• Keep all windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible
• Continue operating heating or air conditioning normally
• Normal entry and exit is fine—just avoid leaving doors or windows open for extended periods

• Cooking (especially frying, baking, or anything producing heat, steam, or smoke)
• Showering or running hot baths immediately before the appointment
• Cleaning, dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming for at least 24 hours
• Burning candles, incense, or using strong fragrances
• Smoking indoors
• Running humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, ozone devices, or ionizers (unless discussed in advance)
• Using strong cleaning chemicals or sprays in areas of concern

If applicable, ensure access to:

• HVAC units and thermostats
• Attic access
• Crawlspace access
• Under sinks and around plumbing fixtures
• Utility rooms, laundry areas, and water heater areas
• Any areas with odors, staining, humidity, or past leaks

If items are blocking a suspected problem area, moving them ahead of time is very helpful.

If known, please let us know about:

• Roof leaks (past or current)
• Plumbing leaks or overflows
• Flooding or exterior water intrusion
• Previous mold remediation or cleaning
• Musty odors
• Visible staining or moisture
• Recent repairs (walls, ceilings, flooring, cabinets, HVAC)

Recent Leak
Avoid aggressively drying or cleaning the area immediately beforehand unless needed to prevent damage. Evaluating current conditions is often helpful.

Vacant Property
Keep HVAC operating at normal settings if possible. A shut-down home can create conditions that don’t reflect typical occupancy.

Recent Heavy Rain
This can provide useful context—please mention it during the inspection.

Post-Remediation Testing
Follow any instructions provided by the remediation contractor or laboratory. Avoid altering conditions unless directed. Post-remediation evaluations may involve visual inspection and, when appropriate, additional sampling to help verify conditions.

Temporary changes in the indoor environment can affect:

• Moisture behavior
• Air sample conditions
• Overall inspection findings

Following these guidelines helps ensure we evaluate the property under normal, reliable conditions.

Want to understand how we decide what testing is actually needed?
Learn how we approach sampling

If you have any questions or unique circumstances, feel free to call or text anytime.

Livewell Inspections
(843) 564-5646