Frequently asked questions

It depends on the type, the amount, and who is exposed. Many molds produce allergens and irritants that cause sneezing, coughing, eye irritation and skin rashes. People with asthma, allergies, weakened immune systems, infants and the elderly are more sensitive. Some species can produce mycotoxins. Any visible indoor mold growth should be addressed, and persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.

'Black mold' usually refers to Stachybotrys chartarum, a greenish-black mold that grows on very wet cellulose materials like plasterboard and paper. It can produce mycotoxins, but many other dark-coloured molds (such as Cladosporium) are far more common and also need removal. Colour alone cannot tell you the species or the risk — that requires laboratory testing.

Mold grows wherever there is moisture, a food source and time. Cleaning removes visible growth but not the moisture that caused it. Unless the leak, condensation or humidity problem is fixed, spores that remain (or arrive from outdoors) will re-colonise the surface. Our inspections focus on finding and resolving the moisture source.

Bleach is not recommended. On porous materials like plasterboard, timber and grout, bleach's water content soaks in while the chlorine stays on the surface, so roots (hyphae) survive and regrow. Bleach also releases irritating fumes and can discolour the surface. For small areas on hard, non-porous surfaces, detergent and water or a vinegar solution is more effective; for anything larger than about 1 m², professional remediation is advised.

For most straightforward cases, a visual inspection with moisture readings is enough to identify the problem and plan remediation. Laboratory testing is valuable when there are health concerns, when mold is suspected but not visible, for tenancy or insurance disputes, and to verify the air is clean after remediation.

Typically one to three hours depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the issue. Sampling adds a little time. We'll walk you through our initial findings before leaving, and the written report follows within 48 hours (longer when lab results are pending).

Pin and pinless moisture meters, thermo-hygrometers for humidity and dew point, thermal imaging cameras to locate hidden moisture, borescopes for inspecting wall cavities, and spore-trap air sampling pumps with laboratory cassettes. We also use particle counters for indoor air quality assessments.

Yes. Pre-purchase and pre-lease mold inspections are a smart investment, especially for older homes, properties with a history of water damage, or homes in humid or coastal areas. We'll report on current growth, moisture conditions and risk factors.

Usually not. We set up containment with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure so spores don't spread to the rest of the home. For very large jobs, or where occupants are highly sensitive, we may recommend temporary relocation and will discuss this with you in advance.

Hard, non-porous items can be cleaned. Porous items with visible growth (soft furnishings, mattresses, cardboard, paper) often cannot be reliably cleaned and may need to be discarded. We'll assess and advise on an item-by-item basis and document anything that needs disposal for your insurer.

Post-remediation verification includes a visual check for residual growth and dust, moisture readings to confirm the structure is dry, and where appropriate, air sampling compared to an outdoor control. We issue a clearance certificate when the area meets the criteria.

Yes — our remediation work carries a 12-month workmanship warranty, provided the identified moisture source has been repaired. If mold returns in the treated area within that period and the moisture source has been addressed, we'll re-treat at no cost.

Call us, email, or send a message through the contact page. A coordinator will triage it and book an inspector, and you'll get a job reference plus updates at each stage — inspection, remediation and clearance.

Our reports are written to be clear, evidence-based and suitable for tenancy tribunals, strata committees and insurance claims. They include photographs, moisture readings, laboratory results and recommendations. We can invoice landlords or insurers directly.

We're available 24/7 — call, email or message us any time, day or night, and we'll respond right away, including for flooding and water damage. If you haven't heard back, you can talk to Sarah, our assistant, from any page. After-hours call-outs may attract a surcharge, which we'll confirm before dispatch.

We accept card, bank transfer and direct billing to landlords, strata managers or insurers. Inspection fees are credited toward remediation if you proceed with us within 30 days.