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Think the crisp post-storm smell means ozone can fix mold? We challenge that assumption with a clear, practical breakdown of what ozone does, where it fails, and how real mold remediation succeeds. We start with building science basics: mold is a symptom of moisture. If humidity, leaks, or poor ventilation remain, colonies rebound no matter how clean the surface looks. That’s why “blast it with ozone” doesn’t solve the root cause and often leaves hidden hyphae alive inside wood and drywall.

We dig into the biology—hyphae, mycelium, and the way colonies anchor into porous materials—and explain why oxidizers that don’t penetrate can fragment spores without removing the reservoir. You’ll hear why the EPA and restoration standards don’t endorse ozone as a primary fix, and how fragmented particles still trigger allergies unless you use true HEPA filtration and thorough cleanup. We also raise smart questions about mycotoxins during slow-kill scenarios and why speed, containment, and source control matter more than gadgets.

Then we share a proven, step-by-step plan. Fix the moisture. Contain the workspace. Remove or treat contaminated materials. HEPA vacuum and air-scrub. Use targeted antimicrobials and, when appropriate, apply protective coatings like Concrobium or Superstratum to resist regrowth once conditions are kept dry. We cover when an ozone pass might help with odors only after proper remediation, the safety risks to lungs, pets, plants, and finishes, and how to vet contractors who lead with ozone instead of fundamentals.

If you’re weighing options for a damp basement, a musty attic, or a recurring bathroom bloom, this guide gives you a science-first roadmap to a healthier home. Subscribe for more straight-talk building science, share with a friend who’s battling mold, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next.

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

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Fresh paint, new keys, and a hidden problem you can’t see: the air. We dive into the realities of indoor air quality in brand‑new homes and rentals, where VOCs, moisture, and access restrictions can collide to create costly, preventable issues. From carbon dioxide and ventilation to radon, particles, and the chemistry of off‑gassing, we break down what actually matters and how to test it without wasting time or money.

We share field stories from pre‑drywall inspections and new developments where dehumidifiers were unplugged, basements stayed wet, and “mold curtains” formed under stairs. You’ll hear practical steps to clear VOCs before move‑in, set up effective drying, and verify results with targeted testing. We also call out red flags like builder policies that limit site access and leases that ban mold or air sampling altogether—signals that should push you to negotiate, document, or walk away. For renters and buyers alike, we outline how to protect your health: ask for access milestones, bring in third‑party inspectors, and insist on transparent remediation when problems appear.

We also debunk the comfort of simple numbers. The popular 100‑square‑foot DIY rule overlooks sensitivity and complexity, and research tools like ERMI and HERTSMI were never meant for routine home decisions. Instead, choose protocols that match the problem: moisture mapping, surface confirmation, calibrated air sampling, and continuous CO2 and humidity monitoring. With certified labs and disciplined methods, you can turn data into action—dry, ventilate, remove sources, and verify your fix. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building or renting, and leave a quick review to help others breathe easier.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Ever wondered if that “finished” project is actually finished right? We unpack a homeowner’s renovation that looked fine from the sofa but fell apart under closer inspection: a deck ledger bolted into rotten wood, sliding doors with a one-inch gap and nonfunctional locks, and siding so loose the J channel could be moved inches by hand. It’s a case study in why independent inspections—before you release the final payment—can save you thousands and protect your home from moisture, drafts, and long-term structural problems.

We walk through smart timing for maintenance inspections, including pairing an every-two-years radon retest with a targeted moisture inspection. Not all permits are required everywhere, but contractor behavior is a tell: if someone panics when permits are mentioned, that’s a signal to slow down and verify. In this story, the roof was actually done well by a subcontractor, yet warranty expectations were mismatched because the product wasn’t the 50-year shingle the owner thought. Documentation matters. Keep invoices, product data, and warranty paperwork for roofs, windows, doors, and HVAC.

We also dig into the dangers of missing labels and scratched-off serial numbers, which can void warranties and raise serious questions about sourcing. For new construction, a pre-drywall inspection is essential; once walls close, you can’t see wire protection, pipe clearances, or window flashing that keep water and electricity where they belong. Our goal is simple: celebrate what’s right, clearly flag what’s wrong, and give you a practical checklist to hold contractors to professional standards.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a homeowner who’s mid-renovation, and leave a quick review to help others find these tips. Got a renovation red flag we should cover next? Send us your story.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...