"Musty odor, past water damage, or something you can see? As a Certified Residential Mold Inspector, Tom finds the moisture source, evaluates the mold concern, and gives you clear answers — backed by lab analysis when it's needed."
Mold is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — concerns in CSRA homes. Our hot, humid climate, crawlspace foundations, and frequent storms create exactly the conditions mold needs to take hold. As a Certified Residential Mold Inspector, Tom Cely helps homeowners, buyers, and sellers across the Central Savannah River Area get straight answers: where moisture is coming from, whether there's a mold problem, and what it will take to address it. Every inspection is thorough, documented with photos, and explained in plain language — no scare tactics, no upselling.
A mold inspection is a careful visual and moisture-based evaluation of the home for signs of mold growth and the conditions that cause it. Tom examines the areas where mold is most likely to develop — crawlspaces, attics, bathrooms, laundry, around windows and plumbing, HVAC systems, and anywhere with a history of leaks or water intrusion — using moisture meters and, where appropriate, air or surface sampling.
When sampling is warranted, samples are sent to an accredited independent laboratory for analysis, and you receive the lab results along with Tom's findings. Every inspection is documented with clear, high-resolution photos and delivered in a plain-language report — typically within 24 hours — so you know exactly what was found and why.
Whether you're buying a home, selling one, or simply worried about a musty smell, you walk away knowing whether mold is present, where the moisture is coming from, and what needs to happen next.
Mold isn't just a cosmetic issue. Beyond the stains and musty odor, mold can affect indoor air quality and health — triggering allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation, especially in children, older adults, and anyone with sensitivities. And where there's mold, there's almost always a moisture problem that will keep causing damage until it's found and fixed.
The CSRA is prime mold territory. Long, hot, humid summers, crawlspace foundations, and frequent heavy rain push moisture into the spaces homeowners rarely see. Poor ventilation, plumbing and roof leaks, and grading problems all feed it — and by the time mold is visible in living areas, it has often been growing out of sight for a while. Tom's 15+ years in construction and 3,000+ inspections since 2014 mean he knows exactly where to look.
That's why an independent, certified inspection matters. Tom finds the source of the moisture — not just the symptom — so you can address the real problem and protect both your home and your family. Straight answers, backed by photos and lab analysis when needed.
A musty smell you can't track down is one of the most common reasons homeowners call — that odor usually means moisture and mold somewhere out of sight. Visible growth on walls, ceilings, baseboards, or in the crawlspace is another clear trigger.
Buying or selling a home is a smart time for a mold inspection — buyers get peace of mind, and sellers avoid surprises that can derail a closing. After any water event — a roof or plumbing leak, a flooded crawlspace, storm intrusion — an inspection confirms whether mold has taken hold. And if anyone in the home has unexplained allergy or respiratory symptoms, the indoor air is worth checking.
Whatever brought you here, Tom gives you an honest, evidence-based assessment — and if there's no mold problem, he'll tell you that too.
From your first phone call to the report in your inbox — clear communication and no surprises at every step.
Call Tom at 706-840-4907. Tell him what you're seeing or smelling, and he'll book a time that works for you.
Tom evaluates the moisture-prone areas of the home, takes moisture readings, and works to identify the source of any problem.
When needed, samples go to an accredited lab. You get a plain-language photo report with results, typically within 24 hours.
Tom explains what was found and what to do about it — from moisture fixes to remediation guidance — with no upsell.
A pre-purchase inspection is only as good as the inspector behind it. Tom's experience and credentials make the difference.
A Certified Residential Mold Inspector who evaluates moisture, surfaces, and air — and uses accredited labs when sampling is warranted.
Real-world experience built since 2014 across the CSRA — and the eye for detail that comes with it.
15+ years in residential and light commercial construction quality control informs every inspection Tom performs.
Plain-language reports, a field summary of the major points, and one re-inspection of agreed-upon repairs included.
It's a visual and moisture-based evaluation of the areas where mold develops — crawlspaces, attics, bathrooms, laundry, HVAC, and anywhere with a history of leaks. Tom uses moisture meters, looks for the source of any problem, and documents everything with high-resolution photos in a plain-language report.
Yes, when it's warranted. Tom collects air or surface samples and sends them to an accredited independent laboratory, and you receive the lab results along with his findings. Not every inspection needs sampling — Tom will tell you honestly when it adds value and when it doesn't.
Almost always moisture. The region's humidity, crawlspace foundations, plumbing and roof leaks, poor ventilation, and grading problems all create the damp conditions mold needs. Tom focuses on finding the moisture source, because fixing that is the only lasting solution.
No — and that's intentional. Tom is an independent inspector, not a remediation contractor, which keeps his assessment unbiased with nothing to sell you. He identifies the problem and its moisture source, then explains what remediation should involve so you can hire qualified help with confidence.
It's a smart idea — especially with a musty odor, a crawlspace foundation, or any history of water damage. A mold inspection gives buyers peace of mind and gives sellers a chance to address issues before they derail a closing.
Call or text Tom directly at 706-840-4907, or use our contact form. Tom personally handles all scheduling and is happy to answer any questions before booking.
SC License RBI 48737 • Certified Residential Mold Inspector • 3,000+ Inspections • Serving the CSRA Since 2014