What should be the first step when conducting a mold inspection?

The first step when conducting a mold inspection is to conduct a visual assessment of the property. This step is crucial because it allows the inspector to identify areas with visible mold growth, any water damage, or conditions conducive to mold growth, such as high humidity or water leaks. A thorough visual assessment helps to gather preliminary information which then informs the necessity for further actions, such as air quality testing or sample collection.

Visually assessing the property gives inspectors insights into the extent of mold contamination, potential sources of moisture, and locations that may require closer inspection or sampling. Following this initial assessment, the inspector can prioritize areas for more detailed examination and testing based on the findings.

In contrast, testing air quality or collecting samples should come after the visual assessment since it's essential to first establish whether mold is present and identify its locations. Likewise, cleaning up visible mold immediately without understanding the extent of the problem may lead to the release of mold spores into the air and does not address the underlying moisture issues that need to be resolved.