In Kathleen, a mold inspection traces a musty smell or stain back to the moisture causing it, usually an AC, roof or plumbing leak, and shows how far growth has spread. A state mold assessor performs the survey. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold inspector in Kathleen.
About Kathleen
Kathleen is an unincorporated community in Polk County, part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area and about 28 miles from Tampa. Being inland, it isn't dealing with storm surge. The moisture load comes from the climate itself: a long, humid summer, air conditioning that runs most of the year, heavy afternoon storms, and hurricane-season rain that finds weak spots in roofs and windows.
Steps to take now
- Track down any active water. Look at the AC drain pan and condensate line, under sinks, behind the washer and around the water heater.
- Dry fast. The Florida Department of Health advises drying wet building materials and carpet within 24 hours, since common molds can take hold when water stands that long.
- Check humidity. A simple hygrometer helps; EPA suggests staying below 60 percent indoors.
- Leave the AC off if it's the suspect. EPA warns that running a contaminated system can spread mold.
- Don't scrub large areas yourself. EPA's line is about 10 square feet; beyond that, get the scope assessed.
- Book the assessor and ask for the state mold assessor license number.
What you see vs. what's behind it
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water on the floor by the air handler | Clogged condensate line or cracked drain pan |
| Ceiling stain that grows after storms | Roof, vent boot or flashing leak |
| Spots on walls behind a bed or dresser | Poor airflow along an exterior wall plus high humidity |
| Soft drywall beside a tub | Failed grout, caulk or a valve leak inside the wall |
| Smell from cabinets under the sink | Drain or supply line drip |
Cost factors
Angi reports Tampa-area mold inspections typically range from $300 to $1,075. Square footage, attic access, the number of problem areas and any lab samples set the final figure. Ask why before paying for samples; EPA says they're usually unnecessary when mold is visible. Florida's s. 468.8419 keeps the assessor from remediating a home it assessed within 12 months, so plan on a separate company for removal. Rebuilding permits in unincorporated Kathleen come from the Polk County Building Division in Bartow. Renters facing substandard conditions can file a minimum housing complaint with Polk County Code Enforcement, which inspects living conditions but doesn't test for mold. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County lists indoor air quality among its environmental health services.
Mold Inspection questions in Kathleen
Should I run the AC before the inspector arrives?
Is an inspection worth it if I can already see the mold?
Is inspecting a mobile or manufactured home different?
How do I check a mold assessor's license?
More mold services in Kathleen
Mold Inspection nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: Mold Information Slideshow (testing and sampling)
- Florida Statutes s. 468.8419, Prohibitions; penalties (Florida Senate)
- Angi: How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost in Tampa, FL?
- Florida Department of Health: Mold and indoor air quality
- Polk County: Building Division
- Polk County Code Enforcement: FAQs
- Florida Department of Health in Polk County: Environmental Health
- Kathleen, Florida (Wikipedia)
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