If you’re a home inspector who already offers mold testing—or you’re thinking about getting more serious with it—you might be wondering: What would it look like to do this full-time?
You’re not alone. Many inspectors eventually reach a crossroads where they consider taking mold testing to the next level. That’s where the world of environmental consulting comes in.
This blog is Part 1 of a 3-part series for inspectors who are already exploring that next step. We’re not here to convince anyone to switch careers—just to offer a clear look at what environmental consultants do, how their work compares to home inspections, and whether it’s a good fit for you.
What’s an Environmental Consultant?
An Environmental Consultant (EC) is a building science professional who investigates and assesses indoor environmental issues in homes, workplaces, and public buildings. Their focus isn’t on general property conditions like a home inspector’s—it’s on environmental health and safety.
While a home inspector might take a mold sample as part of a broader evaluation, an environmental consultant might be brought in specifically to investigate why there’s mold, how far it’s spread, what type it is, whether the environment is safe, and whether the remediation was successful.
Environmental consultants often work on:
- Mold investigations and post-remediation verification
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) testing – including VOCs, CO₂, particulate matter, allergens, and more
- Moisture mapping and humidity control assessments
- Other environmental assessments, such as asbestos, lead, or radon testing
- Water damage assessments
- Commercial or government contract compliance
They’re typically more specialized, often have advanced certifications, and may act as third-party investigators in legal, insurance, or remediation projects.
Home Inspector vs. Environmental Consultant: What's the Difference?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the two roles compare:
| Home Inspector (HI) | Environmental Consultant (EC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Overall condition of home systems | Environmental health and safety |
| Testing Role | Limited, basic testing (like air/surface mold) | In-depth investigation and analysis |
| Client Expectations | General insights | Detailed reports, remediation plans, expert guidance |
| Scope of Work | Broad (structure, roof, HVAC, etc.) | Narrow and deep (IAQ, mold, moisture, etc.) |
| Certifications | State license or industry training | Advanced credentials (e.g. CMI, CIE, CIEC) |
| Service Model | Single-visit home inspections | Ongoing consulting, sometimes long-term projects |
Why Some Inspectors Make the Shift
Many inspectors love the investigative nature of mold testing and want to focus on it more deeply. Some want to expand their services, while others see environmental consulting as a way to build a niche or even a full-time career.
Common reasons home inspectors start exploring this transition:
- They’re already offering mold testing and getting great feedback
- They’re passionate about building science or indoor air quality
- They want to differentiate their services from competitors
- They see strong demand in their market for environmental assessments
- They’re looking for more repeat business or commercial opportunities
Of course, it’s not the right move for everyone. Environmental consulting requires deeper training, new tools, and a different kind of client relationship—but for those who enjoy the science and the problem-solving, it can be a rewarding next step.
Up Next: How Do You Become an Environmental Consultant?
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll walk through the training, certifications, and experience needed to take mold testing from a side service to a professional environmental consulting business.
Stay tuned!
