Properties We Commonly Inspect in the Gallatin Valley
The Gallatin Valley includes a wide mix of housing: established neighborhoods with older homes, mid-century properties, and a large amount of newer, more tightly constructed residential development. We also inspect commercial properties when the scope fits our service.
Newer construction is often built to higher energy-efficiency standards. While this reduces heating costs, it can also retain indoor moisture if ventilation is not adequate. Older homes may have different pathways for moisture related to roof condition, plumbing history, or past repairs. Both types of properties benefit from an inspection that looks at accessible areas and the specific history of the building.
A More Complete Mold Investigation
We use established inspection procedures to evaluate the building and interpret Rex’s alerts in context.
Property History
The inspection begins with your concerns and the history of the building, including leaks, flooding, repairs, odors, previous testing, and the areas where concerns appear most noticeable.
Building and Moisture Assessment
We evaluate accessible conditions and look for moisture intrusion, water damage, material deterioration, ventilation concerns, and other conditions that may support mold growth. Moisture readings and thermal imaging are used where appropriate.
Systematic Canine Search
Rex searches accessible areas for mold-related odor, including locations where visible evidence may be absent. His alerts help identify areas that warrant additional attention. Rex is trained to detect odor associated with 18 mold species commonly found in buildings, including species that may produce mycotoxins.
Findings and Next Steps
We review the findings with you, document relevant observations and canine alerts, and explain the available next steps.
Depending on the findings, those steps may include targeted sampling, further investigation of a concealed area, correction of a moisture source, or consultation with a qualified remediation professional.
What a Canine Alert Means
A canine alert identifies a location associated with mold-related odor. It is an investigative finding—not a laboratory result.
An alert does not identify the mold species, measure the amount of growth, establish the extent of contamination, or determine medical risk. It helps us focus the investigation and recommend an appropriate next step.
When confirmation is needed, sampling can be directed toward a specific area of concern rather than performed randomly throughout the building.
Likewise, no canine alert does not guarantee that mold is absent. Inaccessible areas, unexamined materials, and the limitations of any inspection method must be considered when interpreting findings.
Rex’s search is systematic within accessible, safe, and agreed-upon areas. We do not open walls or remove flooring during the search.
Local Moisture Considerations in Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley
Bozeman’s climate includes cold winters, significant snowfall, and spring snowmelt. These conditions make roof-edge and attic moisture pathways relevant on many properties. Ice dams can form when heat escapes into the attic and melts snow that then refreezes at the colder eaves. Meltwater can back up under shingles and enter attic spaces or wall cavities. Spring runoff can also introduce moisture at foundations or lower levels on some sites.
In newer, tightly sealed homes, everyday indoor activities—showers, cooking, laundry, and the use of humidifiers during dry winter months—can raise indoor humidity. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture can condense on cold surfaces inside walls, around windows, or in attics.
Practical signs that may warrant an inspection include:
- Staining or discoloration near roof edges or in accessible attic spaces
- Persistent musty odors
- History of ice dams, roof leaks, or spring water entry
- Window condensation that continues beyond typical cold snaps
- Known plumbing leaks or HVAC condensate issues
Montana’s outdoor climate is relatively dry compared with many parts of the country. Mold problems here are usually tied to specific moisture sources rather than high ambient humidity alone. An inspection helps identify accessible areas that show evidence of those sources.
Meet Jess and Rex
Jess Reverie is a certified mold inspector and certified K9 handler. She combines building investigation, moisture assessment, thermal imaging, and canine detection to evaluate possible mold and moisture concerns.
Rex is a working-line German Shepherd trained and certified in mold detection through Bill Whitstine at Florida Canine Academy.
Together, Jess and Rex conduct a disciplined, methodical investigation designed for one purpose: helping people find mold that might otherwise remain hidden.
Learn more about Jess and Rex on our About page.
Follow along: @rexthemolddog and @mt_mold_dogs
What to Expect
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Tell Us What Is Happening
We will discuss the building, your concerns, its moisture history, previous testing, and the areas you are most concerned about. You will receive a quote before scheduling.
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We Evaluate the Building
We assess accessible building conditions and use professional inspection tools to identify moisture-related evidence and areas requiring closer attention.
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Rex Conducts the Search
Rex systematically searches accessible areas and alerts to locations associated with mold odor.
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You Receive Clear Findings
We explain what was observed, where Rex alerted, the limitations of the inspection, and the most appropriate next steps.
Next Steps
If you suspect mold but cannot find the source, professional inspection combined with certified canine detection can provide a more focused path forward.
Call Us About Your Concerns: (406) 479-9664
Serving homes, apartments, rental properties, commercial buildings, and properties being considered for purchase throughout the Gallatin Valley.