Mold Inspection in Highlands, TX

Local conditions in Highlands

Highlands is an unincorporated community in east Harris County, about 24 miles from downtown Houston, on the higher east bank of the San Jacinto River near the Houston Ship Channel. Higher ground does not mean dry ground everywhere: in the October 2015 storm the river rose about six feet above normal and flooded some homes near its banks, while an EF-0 tornado closed FM 2100. Much of the town grew during World War II to house war-plant workers and military families, so neighborhoods mix older homes with newer ones around Main Street, East Wallisville Road and Stratford Park. Add Gulf humidity and months of air conditioning, and both river water and everyday condensation can feed mold.

Handle it yourself, or call an inspector?

If you are unsure which row fits, an inspection costs far less than opening the wrong walls. Angi's Houston cost data reports an average of $453 for inspection and testing, typically $355 to $563, and Texas law keeps the inspector separate from whoever does any removal.

Signs to take seriously

• Spotting low on walls in rooms nearest the river side of the lot
• Doors that start sticking after a wet spell
• Dust on vent covers that turns dark and fuzzy
• A sour smell in closets on exterior walls

Seasonal timing

River rises and tropical storms tend to come from late spring through fall, and that is also when indoor humidity runs highest. Book an inspection soon after water gets in, ideally before drywall is replaced, because EPA says materials that stay wet beyond 24 to 48 hours should be assumed to have mold. Rebuilding in unincorporated Harris County needs a permit from the Office of the County Engineer, Residential Group (713-274-3920), and projects in the 100-year floodplain require sealed drawings, so loop in the county before you rebuild.