Properties We Commonly Inspect in the Missoula Valley
Missoula includes historic and older residential neighborhoods, established mid-century homes, and newer construction in expanding areas. Commercial properties are also within scope when appropriate.
Older homes may have different construction details, previous repair histories, and drainage conditions. Newer homes are often more tightly sealed for energy efficiency, which can affect how indoor moisture behaves. Basements and lower levels are common, and property-specific drainage or past water entry can be relevant on some sites.
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 Missoula
Missoula sits west of the Continental Divide and receives somewhat more precipitation than many eastern Montana cities, though the overall climate remains relatively dry. Spring conditions, snowmelt, and property-specific drainage are often more relevant than high outdoor humidity.
Basement or lower-level moisture can occur from seepage, past flooding on certain sites near the Clark Fork or Bitterroot rivers, plumbing leaks, or inadequate drainage. Not every Missoula property has elevated flood risk; the concern is specific to the individual site and its history.
Attic condensation can develop when warm indoor air leaks into colder attic spaces. In tighter newer homes, everyday moisture from showers, cooking, and laundry can accumulate if ventilation is limited. Window condensation during cold periods is another common observation that may point to indoor humidity levels worth evaluating.
Practical signs that may warrant an inspection include:
- History of basement or lower-level water entry
- Musty odors in basements, crawl spaces, or living areas
- Staining or discoloration in accessible attic spaces
- Ongoing window condensation
- Known plumbing or roof leaks
An inspection focuses on accessible evidence and the property’s reported history rather than assuming a uniform risk across the valley.
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
-
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.
-
We Evaluate the Building
We assess accessible building conditions and use professional inspection tools to identify moisture-related evidence and areas requiring closer attention.
-
Rex Conducts the Search
Rex systematically searches accessible areas and alerts to locations associated with mold odor.
-
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 Missoula Valley.