Professional Mold Inspection & Testing
Independent Mold Testing Since 2002
If you've noticed a musty odor, experienced water damage, or suspect mold may be growing inside your home, professional testing is the first step toward understanding the problem.
Quality Environmental Testing (QET) has been providing independent mold inspection and testing throughout Lockport and the southwest Chicago suburbs since 2002. We help homeowners, home buyers, sellers, landlords, and real estate professionals identify moisture problems and determine whether mold is present through professional inspection, air sampling, moisture investigation, and laboratory analysis.
Unlike remediation companies, QET performs testing only. Because we do not remove mold, our recommendations remain objective and unbiased, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions.
When mold is suspected, guessing isn't enough.
Professional testing helps answer important questions:
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Is mold actually present?
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Is it isolated or widespread?
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Is there hidden moisture feeding mold growth?
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Is airborne mold elevated?
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What areas need further attention?
Our inspections combine visual evaluation with professional testing equipment to provide a complete understanding of the property's condition.
Why Homeowners Choose QET
Every inspection begins with understanding your concerns and the history of the property.
Our inspection may include:
Complete Visual Inspection
We examine accessible areas for signs of:
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Water damage
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Visible mold growth
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Moisture staining
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Condensation
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Building material deterioration
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Previous leak repairs
Moisture Investigation
Since mold cannot grow without moisture, locating the source is critical.
We utilize professional moisture meters and infrared imaging to locate areas of elevated moisture that may not be visible during a normal inspection.
Mold Air Sampling
When appropriate, air samples are collected using our calibrated Zefon BioPump air sampling equipment.
Indoor samples are compared with outdoor control samples to help determine whether airborne mold levels are elevated.
Surface Sampling
When visible growth is present, swab or tape lift samples can identify the type of mold growing on the material.
Our Mold Inspection Process
Many customers contact us after experiencing:
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Basement seepage
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Plumbing leaks
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Roof leaks
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Flooding
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Sump pump failures
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Condensation problems
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Persistent musty odors
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Water damaged drywall
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Buying or selling a home
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Remodeling projects
Common Reasons Homeowners Call Us
Mold Can Hide Where You Least Expect It
Not all mold is visible.
Hidden mold commonly develops behind:
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Drywall
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Finished basement walls
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Bathroom tile
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Cabinets
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Insulation
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Ceiling cavities
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HVAC systems
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Crawlspaces
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Attics
Often, the only clue is a persistent musty odor
Mold Testing for Home Buyers
A standard home inspection may identify staining or moisture damage but usually does not determine whether mold is present.
Professional mold testing provides additional information that can help buyers make informed decisions before closing.
This is especially valuable for homes with:
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Finished basements
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Previous water damage
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Fresh paint covering stains
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Long-term vacancies
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Older plumbing
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Roof repairs
Why Independent Testing Matters
Because QET performs inspection and testing only, we have no financial interest in selling remediation services.
That means our recommendations are based solely on what we observe and what laboratory testing reveals.
Our goal is simple:
Provide accurate information so you can make informed decisions.
Why Choose Quality Environmental Testing?
✔ Family-Owned Since 2002
✔ Independent Testing Company
✔ Professional Moisture Investigation
✔ Air & Surface Sampling
✔ Independent Laboratory Analysis
✔ Electronic Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mold grow behind finished basement walls?
Yes. A foundation leak, plumbing problem, condensation, or previous flooding can allow moisture to become trapped behind drywall, insulation, paneling, or baseboards. Moisture meters and infrared imaging can help identify areas that require closer investigation.
Can you tell whether something is mold just by looking at it?
Some growth has characteristics commonly associated with mold, but appearance alone cannot reliably identify the exact type. Surface sampling can be used when laboratory identification is needed.
Do you test the entire house with one air sample?
Not always. One sample generally represents approximately 1,500 square feet of open, connected space. Separate floors, closed rooms, walls, and divided areas may require additional samples.
Does QET remove mold?
No. QET is an independent testing company and does not perform mold remediation. This separation helps keep our findings unbiased.
How quickly will I receive the results?
Laboratory results are typically available within 48 hours after the laboratory receives your samples via overnight FedEx. Once the laboratory analysis is complete and our inspection findings have been finalized, Quality Environmental Testing (QET) will provide a detailed electronic report.
Should I test after mold has been removed?
Independent post-remediation testing may help determine whether the treated area is visually acceptable and whether sampled airborne conditions have improved before reconstruction is completed.