New construction · Knoxville, TN
New construction mold and moisture inspection in Knoxville
InDepth Mold Consultants checks a new home for moisture and mold conditions at two points: before the walls are closed, and again before you move in. You get dated readings, photographs and a plain list of anything that needs attention, from a consultant who works for you, not the builder.
Based in Knoxville, TN. Serving East Tennessee and the southeastern United States.
Why now
Why check a house that is brand new
New homes are built in the weather. Framing, subfloor and sheathing often get rained on before the roof and windows are in, and lumber that is still wet when insulation and drywall go up can stay wet inside the wall. Once the walls are closed, those areas can't be seen or measured directly. Checking at the right stages is the simplest way to find a problem while it is still easy to fix.
Visit 1
Pre-drywall moisture inspection
After the roof, windows and rough-ins are in, and before insulation and drywall:
- Moisture readings taken across the house at studs, plates, rim joists, sheathing, subfloor and the underside of the roof deck, recorded by location
- A visual check of framing and sheathing for suspect growth, standing water in the crawlspace or basement, and materials left exposed to rain
- Tape-lift samples only where suspect growth is visible
- A list of locations that read too wet to enclose, so they can dry or be corrected before the walls are closed
Air sampling isn't done at this stage. With open framing and unsealed openings, indoor air is essentially outdoor air, so a sample wouldn't tell you anything useful.
Visit 2
Final inspection before move-in
With the house closed up and the heating and cooling system running, before closing or move-in:
- A visual and moisture check of the crawlspace or basement, attic, mechanical areas, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry
- Indoor temperature and humidity readings, and a look at the supply side of the heating and cooling system
- Air samples indoors, compared with an outdoor sample, when they answer a specific question about the home
- A dated record of conditions at the start of ownership
For buyers
Working for the buyer
InDepth works for you, the buyer. The builder controls the site until closing, so we ask you to confirm the builder will allow access for each visit. We coordinate timing with your construction schedule and with your home inspector if you have one. InDepth focuses on moisture and mold conditions; items such as flashing, house wrap and code compliance belong to your home inspector and the local building department.
Independent
Independent advice
InDepth provides assessment and consulting only. We don't sell or perform repairs, drying or mold removal, so our findings aren't tied to a job. If something needs correction, the report describes what was found and where, so you can take it to your builder.
The report
What you receive
A written report after each visit with observations, photographs, moisture readings by location, any sample results, and the limits of what was inspected. See how a report is laid out in the sample report (PDF, 10 pages).
Limits
What this inspection is not
Readings and observations describe the locations checked at the time of each visit. The inspection is not a code inspection or a home inspection, and it doesn't certify a home as mold-free or cover areas that were already enclosed or couldn't be reached. Related services: moisture investigation and mold inspection and testing for homes that are already lived in.
Who inspects
Dusty Jameson
Dusty Jameson has inspected homes and buildings in East Tennessee since 2004, with more than 10,000 inspections completed. Credentials include IAC2 Certified Mold Inspector (IAC2-23753) and Tennessee Home Inspector License No. 00123, with building-science training from Building Science Corporation.
Areas served
Areas served
Based in Knoxville, serving East Tennessee and the southeastern United States.
Next step
Book before the drywall goes up
The pre-drywall visit has to happen in a short window, so it helps to reach out once framing starts. Share the home's location, your builder and your expected drywall date through the inquiry form, or call (865) 256-1456. Scope and fees are confirmed before any work begins.