Inspection is the visual + moisture assessment. Testing is the lab analysis. You usually need both. Here's why.
Inspection: finding the problem
A mold inspection is a trained inspector visually and instrumentally walking your property — moisture meters, thermal imaging, and a flashlight in every crawlspace and attic. The deliverable is a written assessment of moisture intrusion, suspect surfaces, and probable cause.
Testing: confirming what species and how much
Mold testing means collecting samples — air spore-traps, surface tape-lifts, or bulk pieces — and sending them to an accredited microbiology lab. The lab identifies genus, spore concentration, and whether the indoor air is elevated relative to outdoor controls.
Why credible reports include both
Inspection without testing is opinion. Testing without inspection is data without context. Insurance adjusters, attorneys, and escrow officers almost always require both pieces to act on a report.