Mold Inspection in Freeland, WA

Freeland's water on two sides

Freeland sits on a mile-wide isthmus between Holmes Harbor to the north and Mutiny Bay on Admiralty Inlet to the south. Island County's Freeland Subarea Plan says flooding can happen around low-lying marine shoreline areas during intense storms or unusually high tides and large seas, and that FEMA flood rules are applied mainly at building permit time. Freeland is also a designated Critical Drainage Area, and the plan notes that more paved and roofed surfaces raise runoff and future flooding potential. During the December 27, 2022 king tide, a driver had to be helped out of floodwater on Shoreview Drive. Housing is mostly single-family homes on relatively large lots, along with some apartments and senior housing. For mold, that adds up to two common patterns: water arriving from outside during storms, and slow seepage around foundations where drainage is poor.

Inspection or lab testing?

Signs to look for

• Puddles near the foundation that linger days after rain.
• Musty smell from floor vents or a lower-level bedroom.
• Stained or swollen baseboards along exterior walls.
• Growth on window frames facing the water.

Timing

Book soon after any high water recedes, because EPA says to assume mold if a home couldn't be dried within 24 to 48 hours. For slow drainage issues, a winter visit shows the problem while it's active. Summer is the best season to regrade, fix downspouts or replace damaged materials, since wood can dry out between rains. Freeland is unincorporated, so repairs go through the Island County Building Department, where FEMA flood rules come into play at permit time for homes in mapped flood areas. Washington has no state mold license, so ask any inspector about training, and check anyone doing repairs on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool.