What to Expect
About Your Inspection
Here's what our team will bring and how the screening works.
We're looking forward to bringing one of our AWDA-certified Mold Detection Dogs (Chap or Ren) and our inspection team for your initial mold screening. This service uses the dog's scent detection abilities along with basic visual and moisture checks to help identify potential mold concerns in accessible areas.
Important Note
This is a non-invasive screening inspection. While preparation helps the dog and team work more effectively, it does not guarantee detection of all possible mold. We offer more comprehensive follow-up inspections — including air sampling, surface testing, and intrusive investigation where needed — at a higher investment if deeper evaluation is desired.
Preparation Guide
Preparing Your Home
To help us provide the most useful screening possible, we recommend preparing the home by improving access to baseboards, lower walls, plumbing areas, and any known past water-damage spots. We will do our best with every situation we encounter — we want to get all that we can to achieve the best results possible. Below are three tiered options that will help accomplish that.
Three Options — Pick Your Level
Good — Minimal Effort
Estimated 30–60 minutes · Highest-risk wet zones and common access points
- Sweep floors in the kitchen and any areas where food may be on the floor.
- Clear everything from around all toilets (toilet brushes, scales, trash cans, rugs, etc.) — move at least 2–3 feet away.
- Empty under all sinks and in front of vanities (remove cleaners, storage bins, towels, etc.).
- Remove bath mats, shower curtains, and any items touching baseboards in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry.
- Clear items away from windows in bedrooms — move nightstands, lamps, or other objects at least 2–3 feet from window areas.
- Large furniture and wall items can stay in place.
This level allows effective screening of the most common problem areas.
Better — Moderate Effort
Estimated 1–2 hours · Adds targeted access to higher-risk walls
- Complete everything in Option 01, plus:
- Make all previously water-damaged areas fully accessible — clear the lower 3–4 feet of walls and floors in any spots with a history of leaks, floods, or moisture issues.
- Clear along all exterior walls and any walls backing up to bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms — move smaller items, lamps, end tables, baskets, etc. Leave 2–3 feet of clearance.
- Clear inside and in front of lower cabinets, closets, and pantries — especially near plumbing.
- Pull items stored directly against walls in laundry, garage, or utility rooms.
- Slide nightstands or small dressers away from walls where easy.
- A quick vacuum around rooms helps remove dust and settled odor.
This level typically gives the dog and team noticeably better overall access for the screening.
Best — Thorough but Reasonable
Estimated 2–4 hours (can be spread out) · Maximum access across the entire home
- Complete everything in Option 02, plus:
- Provide 3–4 feet of clearance around ALL walls in the home — move movable couches, beds, dressers, bookshelves on wheels, etc. away from every wall.
- Remove easy-to-take-down wall items (pictures, small shelves) in any areas where it helps create that clearance.
- Empty and pull out movable storage near baseboards or plumbing throughout the home.
- Clear pathways along foundation walls in basements or crawlspaces where accessible.
- Heavy built-ins, large bookshelves, or anchored items do not need to be moved — we will work around them and still do our best to get maximum results.