Mold thrives anywhere Calgary's dry climate meets a hidden moisture source — an ice-dammed attic, a Poly-B pinhole leak, a chronically damp basement, a leaking HRV drain, or the underside of a poorly vented bathroom. Because visible mold is usually only the tail end of a larger colony, a professional mold inspection focuses on finding the moisture source first, then documenting where growth has started, and finally recommending the right scope of remediation. HomeWise combines a full visual inspection with FLIR thermal imaging, pin and pinless moisture meters, humidity/dew-point logging, and (when warranted) third-party lab air or surface sampling. You receive a clear digital report identifying the source of moisture, the extent of any growth, and honest guidance on whether DIY cleanup is safe or professional remediation is required — never an upsell to a service we don't perform.
What's included
- Full visual inspection of basement, attic, crawlspace, bathrooms, laundry, kitchen and mechanical rooms
- FLIR thermal imaging scan of walls, ceilings and floors to locate hidden moisture
- Pin and pinless moisture-meter readings on suspect surfaces (drywall, subfloor, framing)
- Relative humidity, temperature and dew-point logging in problem areas
- HVAC, HRV and bathroom-fan ventilation assessment
- Attic ventilation and ice-dam risk evaluation
- Plumbing leak and drainage-slope review at all fixtures
- Optional third-party lab air sampling (indoor vs outdoor spore counts) when warranted
- Optional tape-lift or swab surface sampling for species identification
- Digital report with annotated photos, thermal images, moisture readings, and prioritized recommendations
Why this inspection matters
Calgary Homes Have Multiple Hidden Moisture Sources
Chinook freeze-thaw cycles drive ice-damming in attics. Clay soils funnel water toward foundations. Poly-B plumbing and copper pinhole leaks quietly wet drywall for months. High-efficiency HRV systems mismanage humidity when not commissioned properly. Any of these can seed mold long before a homeowner sees a spot on the wall.
Visible Mold Is Almost Never the Whole Story
By the time mold is visible on drywall, tile grout, or trim, the colony behind the surface is usually 5–20× larger. A proper mold inspection maps the full extent using thermal imaging and moisture meters so remediation is scoped correctly the first time.
Health Impacts Are Real for Sensitive Occupants
Infants, seniors, asthmatics, and immunocompromised occupants can develop respiratory symptoms from prolonged mold exposure. If anyone in the home has unexplained coughing, congestion, sinus infections, or asthma flare-ups, a mold and indoor air-quality inspection is a reasonable first step.
We Don't Remediate — So Our Findings Are Unbiased
HomeWise inspects; we do not sell remediation. Our only job is to accurately identify moisture sources and mold conditions and recommend the smallest effective response. That independence is why realtors, buyers, and homeowners trust our reports.
Serving Calgary & surrounding communities
We provide mold inspection services across the greater Calgary area, including:
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mold inspection cost in Calgary?›
A stand-alone visual and moisture-based mold inspection typically runs $300–$500 depending on home size and access. Adding lab-grade air sampling (two indoor + one outdoor sample) is roughly $150–$250 for lab fees. When bundled with a pre-purchase home inspection, add-on pricing is lower — call (403) 710-7770 for a transparent quote.
Do you take air samples for lab analysis?›
Yes, when it's clinically useful. Not every inspection requires air sampling — sometimes visual and moisture evidence is enough. When we do sample, we use a calibrated Air-O-Cell pump and send cassettes to an accredited third-party lab. You get the raw lab report plus a plain-English interpretation.
Can you tell what species of mold it is?›
Lab surface (tape-lift or swab) sampling can identify genus and often species. Air samples identify spore types and concentrations. Common Calgary finds include Cladosporium, Penicillium/Aspergillus, and — in chronically wet cavities — Stachybotrys ("black mold"). Species matters less than moisture source: fix the moisture and the mold cannot return.
What if you find mold?›
You receive a written report identifying the moisture source, the extent of visible or suspected growth, and a recommended scope of remediation. For anything larger than about 10 square feet or involving HVAC systems, we recommend a certified remediation contractor. Small localized growth can often be handled by a competent homeowner — we'll say so honestly.
Do I need a mold inspection before buying a home?›
Consider it when a home has visible staining, musty odours, a history of leaks or flooding, an unfinished or partially finished basement, a Poly-B plumbing system, or an aging attic in an ice-dam-prone quadrant. It is also common on any home older than 25 years or on properties that have been vacant.
How long does the inspection take?›
A stand-alone mold and moisture inspection on an average Calgary home takes about 2 hours on-site, plus report writing. Add roughly 20 minutes if air sampling is included. Digital report is delivered the same day.
Do you inspect condos and townhomes too?›
Yes — condo and townhome mold inspections are common in Calgary, especially in older wood-frame walk-ups, buildings with known envelope issues, or units directly below flat roofs or mechanical rooms.
Can this be combined with a full home inspection?›
Absolutely — most of our clients bundle mold and moisture testing with a pre-purchase inspection. Thermal imaging and moisture metering are already included in every full inspection; a formal mold add-on extends that with detailed sampling and reporting.