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When people hear the word mold, they either panic or shrug it off — neither reaction helps. The truth is, mold isn’t always visible, and not all mold is dangerous, but ignoring the signs can lead to bigger issues down the road.

At B.C. Home Inspections, we believe in education, not scare tactics. So let’s clear up a few common myths about mold and mold inspections.

Myth #1: If I don’t see mold, it’s not there.

False.

Mold often hides behind walls, under flooring, or in crawl spaces. It can grow anywhere there’s moisture and poor ventilation. That’s why an air quality test or lab analysis is sometimes the only way to confirm whether spores are present.

And here’s an important fact: we cannot officially call a substance “mold” until it’s been tested and confirmed by a certified lab.

Until then, it’s referred to as a fungal-like growth or suspected organic material. Only professional lab testing can determine the exact type.

Myth #2: Bleach fixes everything.

Nope.

While bleach may kill surface mold on non-porous materials, it doesn’t address the root cause — moisture. Mold will return if the leak, condensation, or humidity problem isn’t resolved. Cleaning without identifying the source is like mopping up water without fixing the leak.

Myth #3: A mold inspection is just a scare tactic to sell more services.

Not with us.

A mold inspection is about knowledge and prevention, not panic. We perform lab testing that identifies the type and level of spores in the air, helping you decide whether remediation is necessary.

The goal is simple: to help you understand what’s in your environment so you can take the right steps toward a healthy home.

Myth #4: Once the home’s remediated, you never have to test again.

Not always true.

It’s best to follow up with a clearance test to ensure remediation was successful. And if moisture returns — like a new leak or roof issue — testing again is the smart move.

Bottom Line

Mold testing isn’t about fear — it’s about facts.

At B.C. Home Inspections, our air quality and surface tests are designed to give you clarity and peace of mind.

Because the real danger isn’t mold — it’s not knowing it’s there.

Every once in a while, we hear this: “The last buyer already had an inspection done 30 or 60 days ago. Can’t we just use that one?”

It sounds practical, but here’s why getting a fresh inspection is still important — and how it protects you.

The Inspection Report Belongs to the Client Who Paid for It

When you hire a home inspector, that report is created for you. It’s your property, not something that automatically becomes public.

You can choose to share it with your lender, agent, or anyone else involved — but you don’t have to. It’s completely your call. What’s important to remember is that the inspector’s duty is to the person who hired them, and that trust is part of what makes the report reliable and unbiased.

Even if someone decides to pass along their report to another potential buyer, it’s still wise for that new buyer to get their own inspection. No two inspectors are identical, and more importantly, no home stays exactly the same for long.

A Home Inspection Reflects the Condition of the Home That Day

An inspection is like a snapshot. It shows what was visible and functioning on that specific date.

Since then, weather, repairs, or even daily living can change things. A small leak might start, a breaker might trip, or something that looked fine before might no longer be.

That’s why every new buyer deserves a fresh look at the property — to know what’s happening today, not sixty days ago.

Safety First — That’s Where We Come In

At B.C. Home Inspections, our focus is safety.

We’re not here to compete with contractors or question their work. In fact, we often work alongside great contractors who help bring homes up to standard. But our role is different: while contractors follow building codes, we focus on the overall safety and function of the home as a living space.

Even after repairs are done — whether by a licensed professional or a helpful relative — having a home inspector take another look helps confirm that everything is operating safely. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about making sure your investment and your family are protected.

A Fresh Inspection = Fresh Confidence

Buying a home is a big decision, and peace of mind should come with it.

A new inspection ensures that nothing’s been missed or changed since the last look. It gives you current, accurate information to base your next move on — and that’s worth more than saving a few dollars on an old report.

B.C. Home Inspections

Serving Lake and Mendocino Counties with detailed, safety-focused inspections you can trust.