🏡 Home Inspections & Mold Testing: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, a professional home inspection is one of the most valuable investments you can make. But beyond structural and mechanical checks, one hidden threat often goes undetected—mold.

At Quality Home Consultants, we’re excited to announce that we now offer both air mold testing and physical surface mold testing as part of our inspection services.

Here’s why that matters—and how we can help protect your home and health.

🔍 Why Mold Testing Matters

Mold is more than an eyesore—it can cause:

  • Respiratory issues and allergies

  • Structural damage to wood and drywall

  • Unpleasant odors

  • Failed real estate transactions

What’s worse? Mold often hides behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces—especially in areas with high humidity or past water damage.

🧪 Our Mold Testing Services (Now Available!)

We now proudly offer two types of mold testing:

1. Air Mold Testing

We use professional-grade air sampling equipment to capture airborne spores in key areas of your home. These samples are analyzed by a certified lab to identify:

  • Types of mold present (including toxic black mold)

  • Spore concentration levels

  • Whether indoor levels are higher than outdoor (a key health and safety indicator)

Ideal for: Homes with musty odors, prior flooding, recent leaks, or HVAC concerns.

2. Physical Surface Mold Testing

If mold is visible or suspected on a surface (like drywall, wood, or insulation), we take physical swab or tape-lift samples for lab analysis.

This helps determine:

  • Exact species of mold

  • Level of contamination

  • Whether remediation is necessary

Ideal for: Confirming the type of visible mold before cleanup or repair.

đź“… Book Your Inspection & Mold Test Today

At QHC, we take your health and home seriously. That’s why we’re proud to offer full-service inspections and professional mold testing under one roof.

👉 Ready to schedule your home inspection and mold test?
Call us at 828-687-7221 or book online at www.qualityhomeconsultants.com

🛠️ Serving Asheville, NC & Surrounding Areas

We proudly serve Asheville, Hendersonville, Fletcher, Black Mountain, and surrounding mountain communities. Our inspectors understand the unique challenges of Western North Carolina homes, including high humidity, basements, crawlspaces, and well/septic systems.

Common Issues Found During Septic Tank Inspections

If you’ve ever scheduled a septic inspection, chances are you’ve heard something like, “We found a few issues with the tank.” That’s because, more often than not, we do find something wrong. It’s rare that a septic tank is in perfect working order — and that’s not necessarily due to neglect. These systems are buried, largely out of sight and out of mind, and even normal use over time can cause wear and tear.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common problems we find during septic inspections and why they matter.

1. Broken or Missing Tank Lids

One of the first things we check is the condition of the tank lid. A broken or missing lid is not just a minor inconvenience — it’s a serious safety hazard. Not only can it allow debris, animals, or even people to fall in, but it can also let in rainwater, which overloads the system. Tank lids should be secure, intact, and designed to withstand the elements.

2. Deterioration of Outlet Tees

The outlet tee is a critical part of your tank that helps control the flow of wastewater into the drain field. Over time, these fittings can degrade, especially if they’re made of older materials like concrete or cast iron. A deteriorated or missing outlet tee can allow solids to enter the drain field, leading to costly system failure.

3. Cracks and Holes in the Tank

Concrete septic tanks, especially those that are decades old, can develop cracks or even large holes due to shifting soil, tree root intrusion, or long-term water damage. These openings can cause untreated wastewater to leak into the surrounding soil or groundwater, posing environmental and health risks.

4. Broken Baffle Walls

Baffles are internal walls in the septic tank that slow down wastewater and help separate solids from liquids. If these are broken or missing, solids may exit the tank too quickly, overloading the drain field. This can lead to backups, foul odors, or even a complete system failure.

5. Tree Root Intrusion

Roots are a common issue in septic systems — especially if there are trees or shrubs planted too close to the tank. Roots seek out moisture and can force their way into tanks through small cracks or joints. Once inside, they can cause blockages, structural damage, and ongoing maintenance headaches.

Final Thoughts

Septic systems are out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Regular inspections are the best way to catch problems early — before they become major repairs or replacements. If you’re buying a home with a septic system or haven’t had yours inspected in a while, it’s worth scheduling a professional evaluation. In our experience, it’s rare that we walk away from a tank inspection without finding at least one issue. But identifying those issues early is the first step toward keeping your system healthy and functional for years to come.

Also note that Quality Home Consultants has a Septic Maintenance Program to help you maintain your septic tank and provide discounts for any future septic repairs that come up!

Why Regular Septic Tank Inspections and Pumping Are Crucial

Your septic system plays a vital role in managing household wastewater, yet it’s often one of the most overlooked parts of a property. Regular inspections and timely pumping are essential not just for the health of your system, but for your home, environment, and wallet.

Prevent Costly Repairs
Routine inspections can catch small issues—like leaks or blockages—before they turn into expensive repairs or full system failures. A neglected septic tank can overflow or back up, causing damage to your property and creating a health hazard.

Protect Your Health and the Environment
An overfilled or failing septic tank can contaminate nearby groundwater, wells, and local water sources with harmful bacteria and pathogens. Regular maintenance helps ensure your system is operating safely and not polluting the environment.

Extend the Life of Your System
Pumping your septic tank every 3–5 years (depending on usage and household size) removes solid waste that builds up over time. This simple step can significantly extend the lifespan of your system and avoid premature replacements.

Peace of Mind
Knowing your septic system is functioning properly gives you confidence that you’re protecting your home and your family. A quick inspection today can save a lot of hassle tomorrow.

Join Our Septic Maintenance Program
Take the guesswork out of septic care with our convenient Septic Maintenance Program. We’ll handle the scheduling, inspections, and pumping to keep your system in top shape year-round—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

If it’s been a while since your last septic check-up, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn more or to sign up for the program!

Why Regular Home and Septic Inspections Are Worth Every Penny

When was the last time your home or septic system had a check-up?

Many homeowners wait until there’s a problem—a mysterious odor, a slow-draining sink, a foundation crack—before calling for help. But just like going to the doctor, preventative care can save you from costly surprises down the road.

Here’s why regular inspections matter:

âś… Early Detection Saves Money
Catching a small leak or crack early can prevent thousands in repair costs later. We’re trained to spot issues before they become emergencies.

âś… Peace of Mind for Homeowners and Buyers
Whether you’re settling into your forever home or preparing to sell, knowing the condition of your structure and septic system brings confidence—and often, bargaining power.

âś… Avoid Septic System Nightmares
A failed septic system can cause massive damage and even lead to health hazards. Routine inspections help ensure everything is working as it should—no backups, no stink, no stress.

At Quality Home Consultants, we don’t just check boxes—we educate you about your home’s condition and how to keep it in great shape. Inspections aren’t just for when things go wrong—they’re how you keep things going right.

Need an inspection? Let’s take a look before it becomes a problem. Call today!

Pre-Listing Home Inspections for Sellers

Are you thinking of selling in 2025? It might be a good idea to have your home inspected before listing. Here are some reasons why more sellers are doing pre-listing home inspections. A pre-listing home inspection can help sellers identify and address potential issues with their home before listing it for sale. This can save time and money during negotiations and help the sellers in marketing their homes more effectively. 

Benefits of a pre-listing inspection: 
  • Save money: A seller with a pre-listing home inspection can save money in the long run because they can account for repair costs in the asking price or even be able to fix the issues before listing the home. 
  • Avoid surprises: Knowing what is on the inspection report can help your sellers anticipate what buyers might ask for in repairs. Allowing for no surprises and the ability to get those items fixed before a buyer can ask for money off the purchase price or to have them repaired for potentially a higher price.  
  • Sell faster: Homes with pre-inspections can potentially sell more quickly and have fewer inspection-related issues. 
  • Build trust: Disclosing the pre-listing home inspection to prospective buyers can provide potential buyers with transparency and ultimately shows they openness and trust amongst all parties. 
  • Stand out: Having the pre-listing inspection can also highlight your home’s value to potential buyers. 
How to get a pre-listing inspection:

  • Decide on the scope of the inspection – Do you want just the home inspected? Or do you want the septic system, well, look for termites, etc?
  • Hire Quality Home Consultants of course! We are licenses and certified home inspectors in WNC!
  • Get a detailed written report – All our inspections come with a written detailed report. 
  • Include the report in your listing 
Cost: 
You can expect to pay around $400–800 for a pre-listing inspection. The cost depends on the size of your home and if you decide to have other inspections added (ie. septic inspection, well, termite, etc).  
Ultimately having a pre-listing inspection helps to foster an atmosphere of openness and trust, allowing prospective buyers see the big picture from the very beginning, building their confidence in the home seller and listing agent. This is especially useful in a seller’s market where homes are selling with no contingencies.

Water Woes: Tackling Basement, Crawlspace and Foundation Concerns

It’s no doubt that Asheville and WNC sees A LOT of rain each year, we are part of a temperate rain forest system after all. With all that rain comes the potential of having water that can intrude into your homes basement or crawlspace causing lots of different issues. Below is a list of some key actions that we recommend you take to avoid these sometimes costly water woes.

Key actions to take:
  • Exterior drainage: Make sure that the soil around your house is graded down and away from the foundation in order to direct water away. 
  • Clean gutters and downspouts: Regularly remove debris from gutters to ensure that water flows properly away from the home.
  • Extend downspouts: Ensure downspouts direct water far away from the foundation by extending them with additional piping.
  • Check for cracks and seals: Inspect your basement walls and foundation for cracks, and seal them with appropriate materials.  
  • Install a sump pump: Place a sump pump at the lowest point in your basement to collect and pump out excess water.  
  • Interior waterproofing: Apply sealant to basement walls and floors to prevent water seepage. 
  • Monitor humidity: Use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels in the basement. With elevated moisture, mold can take over and wreck havoc on a home.
  • Install window well covers: Protect basement windows from rain and debris with covers. 
Not sure what to look for? That’s okay! Give QHC a call and we can inspect your gutters, look for foundation cracks, check your crawlspace vapor barrier, check humidity levels, and more!
Schedule today: https://www.qualityhomeconsultants.com/