Professional mold inspections, air quality testing, and moisture assessments for Spokane County and the Inland Northwest
Call 509-593-8757The Pacific Northwest’s wet climate makes Spokane County homes and buildings particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion and mold growth. Mold problems are almost always the result of underlying water or moisture issues — a leaking roof, poor ventilation, plumbing failure, condensation, or inadequate drainage. Left unaddressed, mold can cause property damage, reduce indoor air quality, and create health risks for occupants.
1st Choice Environmental provides thorough mold inspections that go beyond simply confirming visible growth. We identify the source and extent of moisture problems, assess indoor air quality through laboratory-analyzed spore sampling, and deliver detailed reports that give you a clear understanding of the situation and your options for remediation.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, respiratory irritation, and in some cases toxic effects including fatigue, nausea, and headaches.
Thorough inspection of accessible areas to identify visible mold growth, water damage, and conditions conducive to mold.
Indoor and outdoor air samples analyzed by an accredited laboratory to identify mold types and spore concentrations in your home.
Direct sampling of suspect surfaces to confirm mold type and determine the appropriate remediation approach.
Moisture mapping with professional-grade meters to identify hidden moisture sources driving mold growth.
Spokane County experiences a climate that creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Cold, wet winters produce condensation on windows and exterior walls. Spring snowmelt and rain can drive moisture into basements, crawl spaces, and foundations. Even during drier summer months, undetected plumbing leaks or poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens can sustain hidden mold growth for months or years.
The Washington State Department of Health recognizes that mold is a significant indoor environmental concern and advises that mold problems should be addressed promptly. When molds are disturbed, they release spores into the air that occupants breathe. Health effects from mold exposure can include:
The Washington State Legislature has formally recognized these concerns, finding that residents face preventable exposures to mold in homes, apartments, and schools, and that these exposures can impair health and daily functioning.
A professional mold inspection is recommended whenever you suspect mold may be present, even if you cannot see visible growth. Common situations where a mold inspection is warranted include:
Concerned about mold in your home or building? Call us at 509-593-8757 to discuss your situation. We can help you determine whether an inspection is needed and what type of testing is appropriate.
We begin with a conversation about your concerns — what you’ve observed, when the issue started, any history of water damage, and whether occupants have experienced health symptoms. This helps us determine the right scope and testing approach for your property.
Our inspector conducts a thorough visual assessment of the property, examining all accessible areas for signs of mold growth, water damage, staining, condensation, and conditions that promote mold. We pay particular attention to high-risk areas including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, attics, around windows, and near plumbing fixtures.
Using professional-grade moisture meters, we measure moisture levels in walls, floors, ceilings, and other building materials to identify active moisture sources and areas with elevated readings. Moisture mapping helps pinpoint hidden problems that aren’t visible to the eye — a critical step, since mold often grows in concealed spaces behind walls, under flooring, and inside ceiling cavities.
We collect air samples from inside the building and an outdoor control sample for comparison. Indoor samples capture airborne mold spores that are circulating through the living space, while the outdoor baseline allows the laboratory to assess whether indoor spore levels and types are elevated relative to the normal outdoor environment. This comparison is essential for determining whether an indoor mold problem exists, even when growth is not visible.
When visible growth or suspect staining is present, we collect surface samples using tape lifts or swabs. These samples are analyzed to identify the specific types of mold present, which informs the appropriate remediation approach and helps assess potential health implications.
All samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. You receive a comprehensive report documenting our visual findings, moisture readings, laboratory results, and clear recommendations. The report identifies what types of mold are present, whether indoor levels are elevated compared to outdoor conditions, where moisture problems exist, and what steps should be taken to address the issue.
1st Choice Environmental provides mold inspection and indoor air quality testing services to a wide range of clients across Spokane County and the Inland Northwest, including:
Common signs include visible mold growth on surfaces (which may appear as dark spots, fuzzy patches, or discoloration), musty or earthy odors, recent or ongoing water damage, excessive condensation on windows or walls, and unexplained health symptoms like respiratory issues, allergies, or headaches that improve when you leave the building. However, mold often grows in hidden locations — behind walls, under flooring, in crawl spaces — where it isn’t visible. If you suspect a problem but can’t see mold, air quality testing can detect elevated spore levels in your indoor environment.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, most molds do not harm healthy people, but people with allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to mold exposure. Symptoms can include skin rash, runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. People with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions may face increased risk of infection. Some molds produce mycotoxins that at high exposure levels can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes. Children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women are also considered more vulnerable to mold-related health effects.
Air quality spore sampling captures airborne mold spores from the indoor environment using specialized collection equipment. The samples are analyzed by an accredited laboratory to identify the types and concentrations of mold present. An outdoor control sample is collected at the same time because mold spores naturally exist in outdoor air. By comparing indoor results to the outdoor baseline, the laboratory can determine whether indoor mold levels are abnormally elevated — which indicates an active indoor mold source — versus simply reflecting normal background levels entering from outside.
Washington State does not have specific laws requiring mold testing or setting indoor mold limits. However, the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) requires landlords to maintain rental units, including fixing water leaks, ventilation issues, and heating problems that can lead to moisture and mold. Landlords must also provide tenants with written information about the health hazards of mold and how to control mold growth. There are no specific state certification requirements for mold inspectors or remediation specialists, which is why it’s important to hire an experienced professional with proper training and equipment.
The Washington State Department of Health advises that you should not paint or caulk over mold — the mold will grow under the surface and the paint will peel. Small areas of mold on hard, non-porous surfaces can often be cleaned by the homeowner using detergent and water, then thoroughly dried. However, larger areas of mold growth, mold in concealed spaces, or situations where the moisture source is unclear should be assessed by a professional. Identifying and correcting the underlying moisture problem is essential — without fixing the source, mold will return after cleaning. A professional mold inspection can identify the moisture source, assess the extent of the problem, and provide guidance on appropriate remediation.
A typical residential mold inspection — including visual assessment, moisture mapping, and sample collection — takes approximately one to three hours depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the situation. Laboratory analysis of air and surface samples generally takes 2 to 5 business days for standard turnaround, with rush options available. You will receive your complete report including all laboratory results and recommendations as soon as analysis is finalized.
Health agencies recommend maintaining indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50% to minimize the risk of mold growth. You can monitor humidity with an inexpensive relative humidity meter available at home improvement stores. During Spokane’s cold winters, condensation on windows and exterior walls is a common sign that indoor humidity is too high. Using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and heating all rooms in the home can help control moisture levels.
Under Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18), landlords are responsible for maintaining rental units in a habitable condition. This includes fixing water leaks, ventilation defects, and heating issues that can cause moisture problems leading to mold. Landlords must also provide tenants with written information about mold health hazards and prevention. While there is no specific state mandate to remediate mold itself, failing to address the underlying water and moisture problems can result in code enforcement action and potential legal liability. A professional mold inspection provides documentation of conditions and moisture sources that can help guide necessary repairs.
Proudly serving Spokane, Spokane Valley, and all of Spokane County. Also serving Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Whitman, Adams, Grant, and Ferry Counties in Eastern Washington; Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah, Shoshone, and Latah Counties in North Idaho; and Missoula, Flathead, Mineral, and Sanders Counties in Western Montana.
Don’t wait for a small moisture problem to become a major mold issue. Call us for a professional assessment.