Frequently Asked Questions :

Deciding upon an Investigation

1. What different surveys do you offer?

We offer various surveys and can cater any of them to fit the needs of the individual client. Our standard investigations are as follows:

IAQ – Indoor Air Quality Investigation. This can be performed to attempt to determine the quality of the environment in a home or workplace. It can be designed to test for specific concerns or complaints, or to provide a general overview of the environmental health of the building. This investigation can also generate recommendations of for improvement.
MRP – Microbial Remediation Protocol Investigation. This is performed in order to establish the degree of contamination in a home and to prepare a protocol that can be followed by the remediation contractor to return the property to an acceptable state.
IBI – Initial Baseline Investigation. This is a more streamlined version of the MRP. It is typically used in very straightforward cases by remediation contractors who are very experienced in microbial remediation and need minimum guidance.

2. How can I decide which survey would be best for me?

Generally, when your home is contaminated with mold or sewage, or water damage has occurred, the MRP should be the investigation for you. In the event that there is either very limited or complete contamination and the remediation contractor is experienced specifically in this line of work, the IBI may be considered. If no contamination is evident, but there are concerns that the indoor environment is compromised and you are looking for an investigation into this, the IAQ is advised. When there has been a contamination issue within the property and the remediation work has been completed, a post remediation verification inspection is recommended to confirm that all contaminated materials have been removed and that the home is ready for reconstruction.

3. What is the difference between an IBI and an MRP?

The sampling and inspection process is the same for the IBI and MRP investigations. The difference between the two lies in the report produced. The MRP comes complete with floor plans and photo pages, which are not included in the IBI. Also, the final MRP report provides an extensive guideline document that highlights the remediation process, giving the information necessary to perform a safe and effective building remediation. Through experience, we have learned that some of the remediation companies we work with do not require a full protocol and therefore we have created the much simpler IBI test, although we only recommend this in relatively straightforward cases.

4. How long does an inspection take?

The time taken at the inspection site varies according to which investigation is being performed. Generally, an MRP or IAQ inspection will take three to four hours on site, although longer time may be necessary depending upon the size of the building/project. Post remediation verification tests typically take two to three hours to perform.

5. What is a Post Remediation Verification test?

This inspection is performed by the environmental professional after the completion of work by the remediation contractor. Prior to any testing, a visual inspection is performed to confirm there is no visible mold or dust present. The actual test is the final testing process performed to ensure that the home is suitable for re-occupancy. This type of test is crucial both for the sake of documentation and for property resale.

6. Why is Post Remediation Verification testing important for me?

In these times of increased public awareness, it is important that any property owner can provide proof of mold remediation results to potential future owners. Without verification, it may be difficult to prove that remediation was successful and that the home is in fact suitable for occupancy.

7. What kind of guarantees can the report provide?

Our testing services are extensive, yet we can only report upon our findings at the time of the investigation and make a judgment based on what appears to be going on. Our reports present laboratory analyses that we use to create recommendations to improve the indoor air quality of the property. We are confident that with our balance of education and experience, we can provide a reliable analysis of each individual situation.

The Inspection Process

8. When are inspections performed?

Our inspectors perform site visits during business hours. Our operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. As our MRP, IBI and IAQ surveys take up to four hours to perform, inspections will begin no later than 2 p.m., unless special arrangements are made. If you have any queries regarding appointments, please contact our office and we will try to accommodate your requests.

9. How quickly can an inspection be performed?

We can assure our clients that when an inspection is requested, we can arrange to visit the job site and perform the survey within five business days, often sooner. If you have any special requirements as to when you would like an inspection to be performed, please contact our office as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. At EIS, Inc. we will always do our best to ensure prompt service to suit your individual needs.

10. What does the inspection involve?

Our inspections vary according to the situation and the specific type of investigation being performed, and requests of the client. However, there are certain stages that are performed irrespective of the type of survey. These are as follows:

Visual Inspection of Property
Interview with Property Owner/Occupant
Review of perimeter moisture and landscaping
Inspection of HVAC System and Ductwork
Pressure testing
Inspection of Attic/Crawlspace (if applicable)
Moisture Mapping
Temperature/Humidity Analysis
EMF survey
Initial inspection verbal summary with client and agreement on plan

Expanded Inspection
Sampling
Microbial Air Sampling
Tape-Lift Sampling
Sterile Swab Sampling (if applicable)
Chemical Air Sampling (if applicable)
Carpet Dust Analysis (if applicable)

11. What is the post-inspection process?

On the same day of the inspection, some of the samples collected will be sent by Federal Express to an independent laboratory. For special cases onsite analysis may be performed of the fungal samples. Following this analysis, a verbal report of findings can be given, if requested. When we receive the analytical reports, we will prepare the final report. Once this report is complete, it will be mailed with the attachments to the primary client and any other authorized parties. Note: Two copies of the report are provided in the cost of the investigation, although more copies can be produced for an additional fee.

12. How soon should I expect a report?

A verbal report of findings is often available within 24 hours. If a verbal report is required, please notify the inspector at the time of the investigation.

Final MRP, IBI or IAQ reports will be available within two weeks of the survey date. Final post remediation test reports will be available within seven days of the survey. These reports can be expedited for an additional fee, which covers the additional laboratory fees accrued to get a faster turnaround time of results.

Occasionally a survey will be performed using only in-house analysis of samples. In this case, there will typically only be one report, which will be available within three business days.

In special circumstances, reports can be produced more quickly. Should this be the case, please contact office staff for further information.

13. When is payment due?

Payment is due at the time of the investigation unless other arrangements have been made prior to the site visit. Our inspectors are not in a position to negotiate terms of payment, so if you do have any questions, please contact our office staff.

We accept personal or company checks, or cash as methods of payment.

14. Why do you send samples to an independent laboratory?

At EIS, Inc., we have our own in-house capability to review fungal samples for the purpose of screening samples. However, we use the services of an independent laboratory to analyze a majority of the samples collected during our investigations as they provide an unbiased third-party opinion of the environmental conditions found. The primary purpose of using an independent laboratory is to guarantee the reliability of our reports. This is particularly important in surveys involving insurance companies and legal questions, as there must be no doubt that the report is unbiased.

The Final Report

15. When can I expect the final report?

The final report should be available within two weeks of the investigation in most cases, with the exception of the clearance test final report, which will be available within seven business days.

16. What is included in the report?

The final report comes complete with all of the relevant attachments. For all reports that use the services of an independent laboratory, this includes a complete color set of laboratory reports. MRP investigations include a set of color photopages; depicting areas of concern, a floor plan that highlights materials that should be removed, and recommended containment strategies.

17. What do I do if I have any questions?

All of EIS, Inc.'s investigations come with a 15-minute telephone consultation incorporated into the fee. Should you have any questions, please contact our office and we will arrange a telephone consultation with an inspector to discuss these questions further.

Back to top