1. What is covered in the inspection?
Your property will be examined for mold and any moisture related issues; sampling may be required to determine type of mold and potential associated health risks. The entire structure from basement/crawlspace including attic/roof are included in the complete investigation. All areas will be inspected including windows and doors.
2. How thorough is the inspection?
The inspection is extremely thorough, and will be conducted anywhere that both dog and inspector can access, for more accurate results it is best to clear furniture and other items away from walls so that the dog can better “hit” on mold in the building itself. We will also perform air or surface sampling based on our visual inspection and canine detection using the most up-to-date sampling equipment available. (see sampling)
3. What is found in the inspection?
Virtually any indoor mold is identifiable by the canine. The species of mold the dogs train with were specifically selected to represent all of the different families of mold thus enabling the dogs to locate virtually any mold they may come across.
4. How long will the inspection take?
For a building approximately 2250 sq ft it will take roughly two to three hours, actual times will vary depending on size of building and access to areas that need to be checked. More time will be needed if samples are taken.
5. What breed of dog is used to find mold?
There is no special breed that is chosen to be trained as a mold dog, they are chosen for specific personality traits. Some dogs are adopted from the humane society and may be mixed breed or purebred. Common Scents Inspection has adopted "One-Eyed" Jack, a Jack Russell Terrier, and more recently, added Zora, a purebred Labrador.
6. Does the dog get sick?
No, the dog has the ability to “purge” impurities. A dog can easily run outside for miles with its nose to the ground with no ill effects. A person however would get sick if exposed to many of the same things.
7. What qualifications do you have to perform the inspection?
Our inspectors hold multiple certifications and each dog/handler team meets rigid certification requirements through their affiliation with WDDO (Please see website for specific certification requirements). The properly trained and certified detection dog is recognized in court as a “scientific instrument” (US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals). This is our full time job and we are committed to customer satisfaction.
8. What other certifications or professional affiliations does your company have?
We are certified with both IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association) and AII (American Institute of Inspectors). We are always undergoing training and education to maintain and provide the best quality of service for our customers.
9. Please follow these instructions if we are coming to your location for an inspection.
» If you have pets remove them from the location or have them in a kennel away from area we are to work in.
» Pick up all animal related items (toys, dishes, letterboxes, beds)
» Please limit number of people present at time of inspection as excessive conversation and noise distracts canine and handler. |
