Mold Inspection in Kingwood, TX

Kingwood in brief

Kingwood is a master-planned area of the City of Houston, about 24 miles from downtown, set between Lake Houston, the West Fork San Jacinto River, Spring Creek and several bayous. Releases from Lake Conroe flow down the San Jacinto into Lake Houston. During Hurricane Harvey, more than 80 percent of homes in Kingwood Greens Village, Barrington and Fosters Mill had water damage according to the district council member, Kingwood High School's first floor filled with water, and businesses in Kingwood Town Center, Kings Harbor and Main Street Kingwood were damaged. The Houston Health Department also reported flooding outside the mapped floodplain across the city after Harvey.

Steps to take now

1. Find and stop the water source, whether it is a roof leak, plumbing or a clogged AC drain.
2. Dry what you can quickly. EPA says 24 to 48 hours is the window to prevent growth.
3. Leave visible mold alone until it has been assessed; do not paint over it.
4. Schedule a mold assessment and ask for a written report.
5. Check permits before rebuilding. The Houston Permitting Center handles building permits for Kingwood, and most repair and renovation projects need plan approval.

Signs and likely causes

Cost factors

Angi's Houston cost data reports inspection and testing averaging $453, typically $355 to $563. Price climbs with square footage, multiple AC systems, tight attic access and the number of lab samples. If remediation follows, Texas law means a separate company does it, and the assessor returns later to confirm clearance. Ask whether the inspection quote includes that later clearance visit or bills it separately.

Renters in Kingwood can report apartment habitability problems such as water leaks through Houston 311. The Houston Health Department responds to some indoor air quality issues but does not inspect or test for mold, and refers those requests to TDLR. Its call center number is 832-393-4220.