What Is Mold Inspection and Do You Need One?
Mold can grow anywhere moisture is present — and Washington’s wet climate makes it one of the most common problems homeowners across Olympia, Tacoma, Lacey, and the surrounding South Sound region face. Because mold often grows inside walls, beneath flooring, and in crawl spaces, a visual check alone isn’t enough.
If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s time to schedule a professional mold inspection:
Signs You May Have a Mold Problem
- A persistent musty or earthy smell that doesn’t go away
- Visible discoloration or dark spotting on walls, ceilings, or around windows
- Unexplained respiratory issues, allergy symptoms, or headaches that improve when you leave the building
- Recent water damage, a slow leak, or flooding — even if it appears dry now
- Condensation or moisture on windows, pipes, or in the attic or crawl space
When to Schedule Mold Testing
Mold testing is a smart step whether you’re buying or selling a home, following up after water damage, concerned about indoor air quality for your family, or dealing with a dispute between a tenant and landlord. Air quality testing provides objective, lab-verified data — not guesswork.
What’s Included in Our Mold Inspection
Mold can be hidden in the air or behind walls. Air Testing for mold protects you against harmful allergens.
Control Sample (Outdoor Baseline)
Mold spores exist naturally outdoors. To give you a meaningful comparison, we collect an exterior control sample first. This baseline is critical — it’s how we determine whether your indoor mold levels are actually elevated versus normal background counts.
Visual Inspection & Moisture Assessment
Our certified inspector walks the property looking for signs of moisture intrusion, visible mold growth, and high-risk areas like crawl spaces, attics, bathrooms, and around windows. We use a moisture meter to detect elevated readings behind walls and under flooring — finding problems that can’t be seen.
Interior Air Sampling
Using calibrated air sampling equipment, we collect air samples from multiple interior locations (typically living areas, bedrooms, and any areas of concern). The number of samples depends on the size of the property and scope of the concern.
Lab Submission & Certified Analysis
All samples are submitted to an accredited third-party laboratory — not processed in-house. Independent lab analysis ensures objective results you can trust, whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or landlord.
Detailed Report with Next Steps
Within 24–48 hours of lab results, you receive a full written report detailing the mold species identified, spore concentrations compared to the outdoor baseline, and our inspector’s recommended next steps. We don’t hand you a number and leave; we explain what it means.
You can also view a Sample Mold Report to see exactly what you’ll receive.
Learn More About Our Mold & Indoor Air Quality Testing!
Why Washington Homes Are Especially Vulnerable to Mold
You can add this service to an inspection or schedule it as a standalone service.
Western Washington averages over 38 inches of rain per year, and the region’s proximity to Puget Sound creates persistent moisture conditions throughout Pierce, Thurston, Mason, and surrounding counties. Older neighborhoods across Tacoma, Olympia, and Lacey are especially susceptible due to aging construction, crawl spaces, and less-insulated exterior walls. The region’s temperature swings between seasons cause condensation on windows and in attics — one of the leading drivers of mold growth in Washington homes.
The Washington State Department of Health notes that indoor mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and long-term structural damage, particularly when moisture intrusion goes undetected.
You can add this service to an inspection or schedule it as a standalone service.
The Washington State Department of Health notes that indoor mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and long-term structural damage — particularly when moisture intrusion goes undetected.
Choose Boggs Inspection Services
Since 2004, Boggs Inspection Services has served the South Sound with 20,000+ completed inspections and a 4.9-star Google rating. Our InterNACHI-certified team offers trusted mold testing with independent lab analysis, available standalone or as a home inspection add-on. With convenient same-day scheduling, Boggs delivers unmatched local expertise right on your timeline.
Areas We Serve
We regularly serve the surrounding areas in Washington state.
Gig Harbor | Kent | Lacey | Lakewood | Olympia | Puyallup | Tacoma | Tumwater | University Place |Bremerton | Chehalis | Auburn | Enumclaw | Centralia | Shelton | Copalis Beach | Des Moines | Bonney Lake | Renton | Maple Valley | Tukwila | Seattle | White Center | Silverdale | Graham | Eatonville | Aberdeen | Yelm | Spanaway | Federal Way | Parkland | South Hill | Sumner | Edgewood | Buckley | Orting | Fife | Port Orchard | Shoreline | Longview | Covington | Seabeck | Medina | Fox Island| Mercer Island | Redmond | Bellevue | Newcastle | Issaquah
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mold inspection and what does it include?
A mold inspection is a professional assessment of a property for the presence of mold growth and elevated mold spore concentrations. At Boggs, this includes a visual walkthrough with moisture assessment, an outdoor control sample, indoor air sampling using calibrated spore trap equipment, laboratory analysis by an accredited independent lab, and a written report with findings and next steps.
How long does a mold inspection take?
Most mold inspections at a typical Tacoma home take 1–2 hours on-site. Lab turnaround is usually 24–48 hours after sample submission, so you typically have your full written report within 2–3 business days of the inspection.
Can I be home during the mold inspection?
Yes, and we encourage it. Our inspectors walk through the property with you, point out areas of concern, and explain what they’re seeing in real time. It’s one of the best ways to understand the condition of your home.
What's the difference between mold testing and mold remediation?
Mold testing (inspection) identifies whether mold is present, what type it is, and at what levels — through air sampling and lab analysis. Mold remediation is the physical removal and remediation of mold growth. Boggs handles testing; for remediation, we can refer you to trusted vendors in Tacoma.
Will mold inspection show up on a home inspection?
A standard home inspection will note visible signs of moisture or mold-like growth, but it does not include air sampling or lab analysis. If your home inspector flags a concern, a dedicated mold inspection is the next step to quantify the problem.
How soon do I get results?
Lab results typically come back within 24–48 hours of submission. Your written report is delivered shortly after — most clients receive their full mold report within 2–3 business days of the inspection.