Mold Inspection in Franklin, TN

What happens when you call

You'll reach an independent company that inspects homes and small buildings around Franklin. Tell them what prompted the call: an odor, a stain, a leak, a purchase, or water from the river or a creek. They'll set a time, and the inspector will start with the exterior, looking at grading, gutters and the foundation, then move through the house with a moisture meter, a thermal camera where useful, and a flashlight for the crawl space, basement and attic. Expect a written report with photos, readings, likely causes and a recommended scope.

Cost factors

• Size of the home and number of affected areas.
• Access to crawl spaces, attics and mechanical rooms.
• Whether sampling is added; EPA says it is usually unnecessary when mold is visible.
• Older downtown buildings with layered renovations can take longer to read.

Angi reports national inspection prices of $303 to $1,075, with an average near $689. Middle Tennessee prices vary.

Local conditions in Franklin

The city says the Harpeth River and its tributaries are Franklin's biggest flood risk, and that Franklin is especially affected by heavy rain upstream in the watershed. On May 1 and 2, 2010, about 16.1 inches of rain fell, the Harpeth crested above its 1948 record and flooded downtown plus businesses and subdivisions on all sides of town; small businesses along Hillsboro Road were among the hardest hit, and hundreds of residents were displaced. The river reaches flood stage at 30 feet on the gauge near Pinkerton Park. Franklin takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program and offers flood zone determinations, keeps elevation certificates for many properties, and notes that a standard homeowners policy does not cover flooding. Building and Neighborhood Services handles both floodplain management and building permits, so it's the office to call before rebuilding walls or floors after cleanup. It also enforces property maintenance codes, which gives renters a route for leaks a landlord won't fix.

Checklist before the visit

• Pull your elevation certificate or flood zone determination if you have one.
• Clear access to the crawl space, basement and attic.
• List past water events, including any repairs after 2010.
• Leave growth undisturbed until it has been seen.