Question 1

What is an Environmental Consultant and what do they evaluate?

Accepted Answer

An Environmental Consultant is an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) who evaluates the indoor environment to identify conditions that may affect indoor air quality and the overall environmental condition of a building. Rather than diagnosing medical conditions or performing remediation, an IEP provides an independent, objective assessment of the building. A IEP's role is to identify conditions that may contribute to poor indoor environmental quality, including:Moisture intrusionWater damageMold growth and it's byproductsBacteria and it's byproductsIndoor air quality concernsVentilation issuesPressure imbalancesHVAC-related concernsBuilding performance
We provide objective information and data about the indoor environment so you and your healthcare providers can make informed decisions.

Question 2

How long will the inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Our inspections are comprehensive, multi-hour evaluations designed to thoroughly assess the environmental conditions of a property. Because every home is unique, the scope and duration of each inspection are determined by the property's specific conditions and the concerns being investigated—not by a predetermined time limit.While most inspections require several hours to complete, the total time varies depending on factors such as:Occupant concerns and building historyAge, size, layout, and condition of the propertyNumber of storiesAccessibility of attics, crawlspaces, and other concealed areasNumber and configuration of HVAC systemsEvidence of current or previous moisture intrusionExtent and complexity of mold or other indoor environmental concernsAreas requiring additional investigationWhether laboratory sampling is appropriate based on the visual inspection and findings from specialized diagnostic equipment
Our priority is to perform a thorough, methodical evaluation that provides accurate findings and meaningful recommendations.

Question 3

What does it mean to inspect a home using a building science approach?

Accepted Answer

Building science is the study of how a building functions as a complete system. It looks at how moisture, air movement, heat, ventilation, insulation, building materials, and the building envelope work together to influence the indoor environment. When one part of the system isn't functioning as intended, it can contribute to problems such as moisture intrusion, mold growth, poor indoor air quality, comfort issues, or reduced energy efficiency.Rather than focusing on a single concern, Tyler evaluates how these systems interact and what they reveal about the home’s overall performance, durability, comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Tyler's mold inspections and indoor air quality assessments help identify conditions that may be contributing to mold growth, poor indoor air quality, and other building-related issues.During an inspection, using a building science approach, Tyler evaluates:Site conditions, grading, drainage, and exterior moisture managementRoof, gutters, downspouts, siding, and exterior water managementMoisture intrusion and evidence of current or past water damageIndoor moisture conditions, including relative humidity, temperature, condensation, dew point, and grains per pound (GPP)Airflow, ventilation, and pressure relationshipsHVAC system performance and air distributionBuilding materials, construction methods, and moisture susceptibilityThe building envelope, including the roof, exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundationAttics, crawlspaces, basements, and other accessible building areasAreas where moisture may accumulate or become trapped through moisture mapping techniquesBuilding conditions that may contribute to mold growth or indoor air quality concerns
Because Tyler evaluates the home as a complete system, his inspections are designed to be thorough rather than rushed. He spends the time needed to carefully evaluate the property, identify conditions that may be contributing to indoor environmental concerns, and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations and next steps.Learn more about our inspection process

Question 4

How should I prepare before the inspection?

Accepted Answer

There is very little you need to do before your inspection. In fact, it's best to keep the home operating as it normally would so Tyler can evaluate the property under typical living conditions.

Before your inspection, we recommend:
Continue using your HVAC system and other building systems as you normally would.
Avoid making changes that could alter the home's normal indoor conditions unless instructed otherwise.
Ensure Tyler has access to all areas of the property, including the attic, garage, crawlspace, utility room, and mechanical equipment.
Remove excessive clutter from closets, beneath sinks, around HVAC equipment, and other accessible areas so these locations can be visually inspected.
Secure pets prior to the inspection.

Keeping the home in its normal condition allows Tyler to better evaluate how the building is functioning and identify conditions that may be contributing to mold or indoor air quality concerns.

Question 5

What happens during an inspection?

Accepted Answer

Every inspection begins with a review of your completed pre-inspection questionnaire so Tyler can better understand your concerns, the property's history, and the goals of the inspection.Tyler then performs a thorough, comprehensive inspection using a building science approach. For example a full inspection includes:A detailed exterior and interior visual assessmentMoisture mapping and environmental measurementsSpecialized inspection tools, such as thermal imaging, moisture meters, psychrometers, and a borescopeEvaluation of the HVAC system, ventilation, and other building conditionsStrategic testing and sampling, when appropriate, based on the inspection findings and occupant concerns
Every inspection is tailored to the property and your specific concerns. Tyler does not perform random testing or collect samples without a clear purpose.To learn more about Tyler's inspection process, what is evaluated, and the testing methods that may be used, visit Our Inspection Process page.

Question 6

Will I receive a report after the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your inspection, you'll receive a detailed, easy-to-navigate digital report summarizing Tyler's findings, observations, and recommendations, followed by a one-hour virtual meeting to review the report and answer your questions.Depending on the inspection and whether testing was performed, the report includes:A summary of the inspection findingsPhotographs and videos documenting relevant observationsMoisture mapping resultsEnvironmental measurementsBuilding conditions that may be contributing to mold or indoor air quality concernsLaboratory results and interpretation (if samples were collected)Practical, evidence-based recommendations and next stepsRemediation protocol (when applicable)
Tyler will also review the report with you, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand the findings and determine the most practical and appropriate next steps based on your unique situation.