Mold Testing in Montréal's East End

Musty smell in the basement, stains that keep coming back, or a past water problem in a house in Rivière-des-Prairies, Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montréal-Est, Anjou or Saint-Léonard? I find where the moisture comes from, test the air with samples analysed by an independent lab, and explain the results in plain language. I'm Pantelis Ambatzis, a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) and an IAC2-certified mold and indoor air consultant.

Houses in the east end

The east end has many bungalows, split-levels and duplexes from the 1960s to the 1980s, a lot of them with finished basements. That is where I find mold most often: behind drywall and carpet, when water gets in through the foundation, a window well or the drain, or after a sewer backup. Condensation on cold walls and windows in winter, and bathrooms without a fan that vents outside, are the other usual sources.

How the inspection works

I start by listening: what you noticed, since when, and what was already repaired. Then I go around the house from the outside in: grading, gutters, parging and foundation cracks, windows and roof, because that is often where the water gets in. Inside, I check walls, floors, ceilings, the basement, the attic when accessible, the bathroom and the kitchen, with a moisture meter and a thermal camera. The camera doesn't see mold: it shows me where a surface is colder or warmer than it should be, and the moisture meter confirms whether there is moisture.

Air sampling and lab results

When the situation calls for it, I take air samples inside and one outside for comparison. An independent lab identifies and counts the mold spores, and you get the results in about 72 hours. An air test doesn't replace the inspection: the two together give you a useful answer. Air sampling can also be added to a pre-purchase inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Do you also cover Rivière-des-Prairies and Pointe-aux-Trembles?

Yes. The whole east end of the island is part of my service area, as are Montréal-Nord, Anjou and Saint-Léonard. See the full mold testing page for more details.

Mold found after buying: is it a hidden defect?

It depends on the case. I have acted as an expert in about 16 cases before the TAL and the civil courts, and the first step is always a clear, documented inspection. For the legal side, talk to a lawyer.

Can the inspection be in French or English?

Both. The inspection and the report can be in English or French, as you prefer.

Call 438-256-5323 for mold and air quality, or reach us through the contact page.