Mold Inspection in Friendswood, TX

Our house was repaired after Harvey. Why inspect now?

Harvey caused 500-year flood events along Clear Creek all through Friendswood, and a preliminary estimate put about 3,000 homes underwater. The city issued 1,787 permits for Harvey repairs in 2017 alone. With that much rebuilding at once, some walls were closed up before framing and slabs fully dried. A musty smell years later, stains at the base of new drywall or swelling cabinets can point to moisture left behind. An inspector uses a moisture meter and often a thermal camera to check the lower walls, cabinet bases and flooring without opening anything until there is a reason to.

What else does the inspector look at?

Friendswood, founded as a Quaker colony in 1895 and about 24 miles from Houston, is mostly suburban homes. In those houses the everyday causes of mold are the AC system and the attic: air handlers and ducts sweating in humid heat, clogged condensate lines and roof leaks. The assessor also checks windows, plumbing walls and the water heater closet, and writes up what they find. If removal is needed, the consultant writes a protocol, and by Texas law a different company does the removal.

Who handles permits and complaints in Friendswood?

The City of Friendswood's Community Development department handles building permits and inspections, including repair permits like the ones issued after Harvey. Code Enforcement investigates substandard and dangerous buildings and takes reports through a Submit a Concern form, which renters can use for leaks a landlord has not fixed. Friendswood lies mainly in Galveston County, with part in Harris County. The Galveston County Health District lists mold among complaints outside its jurisdiction.

A local note on cost

Angi's Houston cost data reports inspection and testing averaging $453, typically $355 to $563. A home with flood history may need more readings. Expect a second bill from the remediation company if removal follows, plus the assessor's clearance visit. Lab samples are not automatic; EPA says sampling is usually unnecessary when mold is visible, so ask the inspector what any sample would add. Before booking, look up the company on TDLR's license search, and keep the final report with your Harvey repair records.