WHAT TO EXPECT
Our approach to assessments is holistic, as we strongly believe that it is important to understand the building and how it interacts with the occupants in order to identify and solve a problem, rather than just jump in, grab a few air samples and run out.
All of our inspections are performed either by Dr. Eva King, CIEC and her assistant, or by Dr. Andrew King CIE.
The best consultant choice for your individual needs depends on several factors.
Dr. Eva King and her assistant work mostly with complex cases involving clients with underlying medical conditions, often by direct physician referral. Her schedule is typically booked out ~3 months ahead, but waitlist appointments may become available sooner.
Dr. Andrew King works with non-medical and well as some medical case investigations. He performs all of our post-remediation verification inspections, as well as inspections that do not require investigation of the whole home. His schedule is managed differently to enable quicker response times.
What to expect from an inspection:
We visit the building, take a detailed history of what has been going on, and perform a thorough visual inspection of the building. This includes all areas we can get to/fit in, including crawlspaces, attics or other locations, inside and around the outside of the house. We take a range of indicator measurements with the analytical equipment that we carry with us (relative humidity, carbon dioxide, temperature, surface/scanned moisture, total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, sewer gas, formaldehyde, ozone, airborne particulate, combustible gasses). We also carry an infrared camera and other equipment, look at the HVAC system where applicable/accessible, check ventilation efficiency, and take pictures, measurements, and notes.
This inspection typically takes about 3-6 hours on-site, depending on size and complexity. You do not need to be there/with the whole time, but we would like to have a bit of your time to get the history, and general lay of the land.
What about laboratory samples?
In many cases (though not all inspections) it makes sense to take samples that need to be analyzed by a laboratory, to get confirmation of a specific hypothesis. This is the part that we can only give you an upfront estimate for rather than a firm number, because we cannot tell from a distance if, -and if so which, or how many- laboratory samples we might need to take. Every situation is different, and the sampling strategy therefore needs to be customized to what makes sense in each particular case. The kinds of samples that are useful in one building may not be the way to go in another one. And sometimes we do not recommend spending money on any samples at all. It really depends on each specific case. But whatever the samples may be, the cost is determined by what the laboratory charges us and the materials we use.
We never take any samples without explaining them first and getting your permission on the cost involved, so you don't have any surprises. We will not pressure you to spend money on unnecessary samples.
The inspection report:
Once we have finished the actual inspection, we send samples off to be analyzed by an accredited third-party lab. In the meantime, Dr. King writes a detailed report that combines all of our findings, images, measurements, hypotheses/explanations, and laboratory results.
Our report also gives you detailed recommendations on how to resolve the issues that were identified, and any applicable standards/guidelines that should be followed in the remediation, to get you on the path to a healthier home.
We custom-write every report for each client and project. No generic boiler-plate templates or AI slop!
Can I ask questions after I get the report?
Yes! Once you had a chance to read the written report, we offer a complimentary 30-45 minute Zoom consultation to address any questions you may have.
What does this cost?
The charge for the inspection/data analysis/report is dependent on the project size and complexity (including size and age of the building, number of bathrooms, whether there are basements, crawlspaces, attics, number of HVAC systems, etc.). If you provide us with your address, we can look up relevant details and give you a firm price.
If lab samples are necessary, they are charged separately. Sample fees are determined by what labs charge us, and vary by analysis type, turn-around time.
For appointments outside of Charlottesville VA, travel charges apply, at the current IRS mileage rate. If an overnight stay is required due to project complexity or distance, hotel and per-diem charges may apply.
Payment information:
We take payment by check, Venmo (+2% processing fees), or credit card (+3.5% credit card fees). Full payment is due on the day of the inspection.
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In some cases, we may be able to provide contractor recommendations. Please note that we are not affiliated with any contractors or third-party providers. We do not benefit from referrals in any way, and we cannot vouch for any contractors. Any recommendations we may be able to provide are purely based on prior experience of their work quality, conduct and customer service.
We serve residential, commercial, and institutional clients throughout Virginia and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and South Eastern region.