Frequently asked questions
Your Source for the Most Trusted Environmental Inspections and Testing Services in Colorado – FAQ
GENERAL FAQ
How soon can I schedule an inspection?
Our most common FAQ has to do with how soon we are available to perform an inspection. We are available to perform Environmental Inspections 7 days a week. We also accommodate same-day scheduling with no additional cost to our customers.
Please call 303-481-1760 between 8am-8pm to schedule an inspection. You can also schedule online 24/7 through our website.
What times can I schedule an inspection?
Monday to Friday
- 10am
- 12pm
- 2pm
- 4pm
Saturday and Sunday
- 9am
- 11am
Please call us at 303-481-1760 if you need a different time slot that is not available on the online scheduler.
How long does it take to complete an inspection?
You can expect most inspections to last between 1-2 hours.
Do you sell my information to other companies?
We have a strict policy of not selling your information to any other company. As a result, you will not be bombarded with emails or phone calls from companies trying to sell you additional products or services. You can trust that your information is safe with us.
Do you carry an insurance policy?
Yes! Home Shield Environmental carries the following:
- Business Service Surety Bond
- Fidelity Bond
- General Liability Insurance
- Errors & Omissions Insurance
If you would like to see documentation in relation to this FAQ please contact us at 303-481-1760.
Do you perform background checks and drug screening on your inspectors?
Yes! You can trust that all of our inspectors have passed a background check and drug screen.
In addition, we also carry a Business Service Surety Bond and Fidelity Bond to protect homeowner’s if they experience a loss due to the conduct of an inspector.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and credit card for payment. Our preferred method of payment is by check.
How often do you calibrate your equipment?
We calibrate our equipment on a daily basis. The Zefon Bio-Pump Plus (used to take air samples for mold testing) is calibrated after every sample to ensure test results are always accurate.
For example, if we take two mold samples at a home, we will calibrate the our machine twice during the inspection. This will be documented with pictures in your report.
Do you offer price matching?
We do not offer price matching from our competitors. Above all, we want to focus on providing high quality inspection and testing services for our clients. We do not want to diminish our services and get hired to perform an inspection solely based on being the cheapest option.
At Home Shield Environmental we take great pride in the services we perform at your home. If you have any questions about our pricing in relation to this FAQ please contact us at 303-481-1760.
When will I receive my report?
Here are some general guidelines for when you should receive your report for each service:
-
Moisture Intrusion/Mold Inspection:
- It takes 48 hours for mold test results to come back, so you can expect your report 3 days after the inspection.
-
Well Water Quality Test:
- It takes the lab 2 business days to return results for Total Coliform/E-Coli and 7-10 business days for Lead, Nitrates/Nitrites, Fluoride, and Uranium. There is no way to rush the lab results.
There are no lab results for the other services provided by Home Shield Environmental. You can expect to receive those reports within 24 hours of the inspection.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FAQ
Do I need a mold test?
Reasons you should schedule a mold test:
- Visible Apparent Mold Growth (Black Mold)
- Recent Water Damage
- Recent Moisture Intrusion or Plumbing Leaks
- Strange or Musty Odors
- Real Estate Transaction
- Peace of Mind
- Health Complications (Symptoms Similar to Allergies)
Check out our blog post that goes into more detail about this FAQ.
How do I know if I have mold?
Mold testing with air samples is the best way to confirm if mold is present in your home. Visual-only inspections will not be able to tell you the air quality of the home. If the mold test confirms that mold is present, the next step would be to contact a mold remediation company.
Our Mold Inspection includes a visual examination in addition to air samples that will test the air for mold spores. If visible apparent mold growth is detected the inspector will take a swab sample of that specific location.
Can you perform a mold test during inclement weather?
We do not perform mold testing during inclement weather. Snow, rain, and wind can compromise the outdoor sample. As a result, it is best to wait for a different time to perform a mold test because the outdoor control sample might not be accurate during bad weather.
Optimal weather conditions to perform a mold test include:
- Minimal wind
- Temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ground not completely covered with snow
What is the difference between the Moisture Intrusion Inspection and the Mold Inspection?
MOLD INSPECTION
The Mold Inspection is limited to a specific area in the property and does not include a visual examination of the entire property. It is considered a “Limited Mold Inspection”, as defined by the IAC2 Standards of Practice. The Mold Inspection will include one outdoor control sample and one indoor sample in the area of concern. If there is no area of concern the inspector will take the indoor sample in the most lived-in common room. The inspector may recommend additional mold samples based on the size of the home or if there are areas of concern.
MOISTURE INTRUSION INSPECTION
The Moisture Intrusion Inspection is a comprehensive inspection of the property that includes a Complete Mold Inspection, Infrared Inspection, and Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection. This inspection will be a full evaluation of the home including:
-
Roof
-
Exterior & Grounds
-
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, and Structure
-
Heating, Cooling and Ventilation
-
Plumbing
-
Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
-
Interior
-
Moisture, Humidity, and Temperature
Therefore, the Moisture Intrusion Inspection is the best way to check for moisture issues or mold in the home. Likewise, it will help to identify weaknesses in the home to prevent moisture damage from occuring in the future.
If you still are not sure which inspection to select after reading the answer to this FAQ please give us a call at 303-481-1760.
Do you perform remediations for any of your services?
Home Shield Environmental does not perform mold remediation services. Similarly, we do not have partnerships with mold remediation companies where we receive referral fees or any other form of compensation.
This is crucial for the customer because you can trust that there are no conflicts of interest and the test results provided are provided by an independent and trusted company.
How much does a mold remediation cost?
The cost for mold remediation depends on the extent of mold contamination in the home.
Homeowners can expect to pay thousands of dollars to completely remediate mold from the home.
For this reason, we recommend scheduling a Mold Inspection or Moisture Intrusion Inspection as soon as possible if you suspect mold growth in your home. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to remediate the mold and fix the damage to your home.
What is a well water pressure flow test? Do you inspect the actual well at the property with this test?
We do not inspect the well itself during a pressure flow test. However, we do perform a 2-hour flow test where the water is ran at an exterior faucet of the property. The pressure flow test is the best way to evaluate the well pump’s functionality and determine the gallons per minute being produced by the well.
We determine the gallons per minute by filling a 5-gallon bucket every 15 minutes and calculating the average based on the eight different times measured during the pressure flow test. If there is significant deviation in the amount of time it takes to fill up the bucket or if the well shuts off during the the test it could indicate possible defects with the well.
In addition to the pressure flow test our inspector will also check the water pressure at the home.
How often should I test the water quality of my well?
It is recommended that homeowners have the water quality of their well tested once per year.
What samples do you take during a water quality test?
Water Quality is tested for the following:
-
Total Coliform & E-Coli
-
Lead
-
Nitrates/Nitrites
-
Fluoride
-
Uranium
It takes 2 business days for Total Coliform & E-Coli results and 7-10 business days for Lead, Nitrates/Nitrites, Fluoride, Uranium.
How do I know if I should get an EMF Inspection?
If you are worried about radiation in your home you should schedule an EMF Inspection. We will inspect all of the areas of your home for electromagnetic radiation.
One common location to check EMF readings is power lines if they are close to the home. In addition, we also inspect every area of your home that emits radiation including electronics, microwaves, and the electrical panel.
We will provide the client with a detailed report showing the EMF readings of these areas. Most importantly we want homeowners to know the sources of radiation in their lives so they can take steps to reduce exposure.
Certifications
