Mold Inspection in Peachtree Corners, GA

Does living near the Chattahoochee raise the odds of mold?

It can for some lots. About seven miles of the Chattahoochee River run along the city's northern and western border, past Simpsonwood Park and Jones Bridge Park. Homes on low ground near the river and its feeder streams deal with higher ground moisture, and a basement or crawl space there can hold humid air through most of the summer. Houses on higher ground are more likely to have the ordinary problems: roof leaks, sweating ductwork in the attic and slow plumbing drips. An inspector will ask where on the slope your house sits and look at grading, gutters and the lowest level first.

What does an inspection here actually include?

Expect a walk from the attic to the lowest floor. The inspector looks at roof decking and bath fan ducts, the air handler and condensate line, walls near tubs and exterior doors, and the crawl space or basement. Moisture meters and often a thermal camera show damp spots that aren't visible. Sampling is optional; EPA says it is usually unnecessary when mold is visible. The useful product is a report with photos, readings, likely sources and a scope.

I rent in Peachtree Corners. Who do I call if the landlord won't fix a leak?

Send the landlord a written repair request and keep a copy; Georgia law requires landlords to keep the premises in repair. If the leak continues, the city's Community Development Department runs Code Enforcement under a property maintenance code. Its quick-reference guide focuses on exteriors and building components, so describe the leak or roof problem behind the mold rather than the mold alone. This is general information, not legal advice.

A local note

Peachtree Corners became a city in 2012 and runs its own Building Division at City Hall on Technology Parkway, which issues residential building, roof and trade permits. If the inspection turns up a roof leak or framing damage, ask whoever does the work which permits apply, and confirm that any contractor tearing out and rebuilding holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license on the Secretary of State's GOALS Verify Now lookup.