How to Verify Your Mold Inspector Is Truly Independent

You're About to Spend $300-500 on a Mold Inspection

That's not nothing. And you're probably wondering: how do I know this inspector won't just find problems so they can sell me more services?

Fair question. The mold industry has earned its skeptical reputation.

Good news: there are specific questions you can ask — before you ever book an appointment — that will reveal whether an inspector is genuinely independent or financially motivated to find problems.

Here's your checklist.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Book

These aren't trick questions. They're the same questions I'd ask if I were hiring someone. A legitimate inspector will answer them without hesitation.

1. "Do you also provide mold remediation or cleaning services?"

The right answer: "No. We only do inspection and testing."

If there's any hesitation — or any variation of "we have a separate department for that" — keep looking. Oklahoma law prohibits companies from both inspecting and remediating for good reason: the financial conflict is too significant.

2. "Do you receive referral fees or compensation from remediation companies?"

The right answer: "No. We don't accept kickbacks."

Some inspectors technically don't do remediation but have cozy referral arrangements with remediators. If the inspector makes money when they recommend Company X, they have an incentive to find problems — and to recommend that specific company.

3. "Where do you send lab samples for analysis?"

The right answer: A named, accredited third-party laboratory.

Legitimate mold testing uses independent labs that have no stake in the results. If an inspector analyzes samples "in-house" or can't name their lab, that's a red flag. Ask for the lab's accreditation — look for AIHA-LAP or EMLAP accreditation for environmental samples.

4. "What certifications do you hold, and can you verify them?"

The right answer: Specific certifications with verification options.

The two most recognized credentialing bodies are:

• ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification) — You can verify credentials on their website
• IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) — Industry standard for mold professionals

"Certified" means nothing without a credentialing body behind it. Anyone can print a certificate. Legitimate inspectors can point you to a third-party registry where their credentials are listed.

5. "Do you carry professional liability insurance (E&O insurance)?"

The right answer: "Yes, and I can provide a certificate of insurance."

Professional liability insurance (Errors and Omissions) protects you if an inspector misses something significant. It's not legally required in Oklahoma, but legitimate professionals carry it. The fact that they're willing to be held accountable for their work tells you something about their confidence in it.

Red Flags That Signal Bias

Beyond the five questions, watch for these warning signs:

• Quick, superficial inspections. A thorough mold inspection takes 1-3 hours for most homes. If someone quotes you 30 minutes, they're skipping steps.
• High-pressure sales tactics. "You need to act today!" is what salespeople say, not inspectors. Mold problems are serious but rarely emergencies that prevent you from getting a second opinion.
• Vague reports without documentation. A proper inspection includes detailed findings, moisture readings, photos, and a clear written protocol. "You've got mold in your attic" with no supporting data is not a professional assessment.
• Instant remediation quotes. If an inspector finishes testing and immediately hands you a remediation estimate, they were never really independent.
• "Don't worry about the lab report." Any inspector who discourages you from reviewing raw lab data is hiding something. The lab report is your data — you paid for it — and you should understand what it says.

What You Should Hear From an Independent Inspector

When you're talking to a truly independent inspector, you'll hear things like:

• "I don't do remediation. Here's why that matters for you."
• "The lab data will tell us what we're dealing with. I don't guess."
• "If we find problems, I'll explain your options — but the choice is yours."
• "I can refer you to reputable remediators, but I don't have a financial relationship with any of them."

You'll also notice something in their tone: they're not trying to convince you. They're explaining. The difference is subtle but once you hear it, you can't unhear it.

How I Answer These Questions

I'll just lay it out directly:

1. Do I do remediation? No. I literally cannot. I built TrueSight so that my finances and my findings are completely separate.
2. Do I get referral fees? No. I maintain a list of reputable remediators, but I don't accept kickbacks. My recommendations are based on quality, not who pays me.
3. Where do I send samples? AIHA-accredited laboratories. I'll tell you exactly which lab I use and you can verify their accreditation yourself.
4. What certifications do I hold? IICRC certified in multiple mold categories, plus ongoing education toward Industrial Hygienist standards. I also have my RN license and Army National Guard background — not mold-specific, but relevant to how I assess health risks and communicate difficult information.
5. Do I carry E&O insurance? Yes. Happy to provide a certificate.

These are the answers you should hear from any inspector you hire. If you don't, keep looking.

A Note on Being "Rude"

Some people worry these questions seem confrontational. Here's my perspective:

A surgeon doesn't get offended when you ask about their experience. A mechanic doesn't storm out when you request a detailed estimate. Professionals who are confident in their work welcome scrutiny.

If an inspector takes these questions personally, that tells you everything you need to know about whether they expected to be questioned — and whether they're prepared to answer honestly.

Ask anyway.