Overview and FAQ

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Finding a qualified Buildingbiologist Sydney residents trust

If you are dealing with unexplained health issues like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), your home or office environment might be the trigger. Finding a qualified Buildingbiologist Sydney residents trust is the first step to identifying hidden hazards like toxic mould, volatile organic compounds, and electromagnetic fields or radiation. Many property owners spend years treating symptoms without realising their living space is actively contributing to their illness.

Building Biology Services is an Australian indoor environment consultancy dedicated to identifying and eliminating these environmental health hazards. Operating primarily in Sydney and surrounding areas, we combine scientific assessment with holistic principles to address chronic health issues, environmental sensitivities, and sick building syndrome, caused by modern living spaces. We provide comprehensive investigative services to detect invisible indoor triggers.

What does a Buildingbiologist actually test for?

A thorough environmental assessment goes far beyond a standard building inspection. While a traditional inspector looks for structural defects, a building biologist looks for biological and chemical hazards that impact human health. Our assessments cover three main categories of indoor pollution.

First, we test for mould and moisture. Water damage is a leading cause of indoor air quality degradation in Sydney homes. We conduct detailed on-site visual checks, followed by laboratory sampling of air, dust, wall cavities, sub-floors, and surfaces. This process identifies specific mould species and spore counts, which is necessary for medical practitioners treating patients with CIRS.

Second, we measure indoor air quality and volatile organic compounds. Modern building materials, paints, and furnishings often off-gas chemicals into the home. We test the air to identify these chemical toxins and provide structured remediation reports to improve ventilation and remove the source materials.

Third, we assess electromagnetic fields and dirty electricity. With the proliferation of wireless technology, many individuals report symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. We measure high-frequency and low-frequency field strength to map out exposure levels in sleeping and living areas.

How our scientific background shapes our approach

The Building Biology industry in Australia includes practitioners from various backgrounds. Building Biology Services was founded by Joachim Herrmann, who holds a Master of Science in Biology and a Diploma of Education. He is a certified Buildingbiology Consultant IBN (Germany) and has been supporting clients since 1993.

This deep scientific background provides a distinct advantage when diagnosing complex building biology issues. Understanding the biological mechanisms of mould growth and the physics of electromagnetic radiation allows us to provide actionable mitigation strategies rather than generic advice. We do not guess where moisture is hiding or assume which frequencies are present. We rely on hard data collected through rigorous sampling protocols.

We also maintain professional memberships with the Indoor Air Quality Association Australia (IAQAA), and the Australian Passive House Association (APHA), as well as the Australian Institute of Buildingbiology (AIBB). These affiliations ensure our testing methodologies align with the latest industry standards for environmental health.

Transparent pricing for Sydney home inspections

Many environmental consultancies do not list their inspection packages or hourly rates online. We believe in complete transparency so you know exactly what to expect before booking an assessment. Our pricing structure is based on the specific testing required for your property.

Service or Package

Cost

Consultation (including report and recommendations)

$640 plus travel

Standard mould package (2 air, 1 dust, 1 surface sample)

$970 plus travel

Detailed mould package (3 air, 1 dust, 3 swab/tape samples)

$1,660 plus travel

Air sample fee

$180 per sample

Dust sample fee

$180 per sample

Tape or swab sample fee

$150 per sample

Travel fee (Sydney and surrounding regions)

$22 per hour

These packages provide a clear baseline for our services. If your home requires specialised testing beyond these standard packages, we will discuss the options and costs during the initial consultation.

More detailed information can be found on the relevant Services pages, in the main menu.

The professional equipment we use

Accurate environmental testing requires professional-grade diagnostic equipment. Consumer-level meters often lack the sensitivity to detect low-level hazards. As the long-term Australian distributor for Gigahertz Solutions, we use and supply the most reliable EMF and EMR measuring instruments available.

Our toolkit includes high-frequency and low-frequency field strength meters, electro-smog measuring kits, and specialised probes for detecting dirty electricity. This equipment allows us to pinpoint the exact source of electromagnetic radiation, whether it is a nearby cell tower, faulty household wiring, or an ungrounded appliance.

In addition to using this equipment during our assessments, we distribute these tools across Australia and New Zealand. We also provide extensive educational materials and instructional video training courses via the Gigahertz Academy. This ensures that other practitioners and proactive homeowners have access to accurate measurement tools and the knowledge to use them correctly.

Step by step: What happens during an assessment

A common frustration for property owners is a lack of clear timelines showing exactly what happens during and after a home inspection. When you hire Building Biology Services, the process follows a structured timeline.

The process begins with a pre-inspection conversation. We discuss your health concerns, the history of the building, and any specific symptoms you experience while at home. This information helps us tailor the testing protocol to your specific needs.

Next, we conduct the on-site assessment. A typical inspection takes around 3 hours. We perform visual checks for water damage, measure humidity levels, and collect air, dust, and surface samples. We also map the electromagnetic fields and radiation in your primary living and sleeping areas.

After the site visit, the collected samples are sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. Once the lab results are returned, we compile a detailed remediation report. This document outlines the specific hazards found in your home and provides step-by-step mitigation strategies to eliminate them. We remain available to answer questions as you work with builders or remediation contractors to fix the identified issues.

Solutions and shielding for a healthy home

Identifying hazards is only the first part of the process. We also provide the products and guidance needed to create a low-EMF, non-toxic living space. Our product catalog features a range of shielding materials designed to block high-frequency radiation and reduce low-frequency electric fields.

For individuals sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, we supply Gigahertz Solutions and Yshield carbon-based shielding paints and bed shielding canopies. These products create a protective barrier in sleeping areas, allowing the body to rest without constant exposure to external frequencies. We also offer dirty electricity filters for $493.00, which plug directly into your wall outlets to reduce high-frequency voltage transients on your electrical wiring.

For property owners, architects, and builders looking to establish health and safety standards from the ground up, we offer Healthy House Australia Certification. This service ensures that new builds and renovations meet strict criteria for indoor air quality, water purity, and electromagnetic hygiene.

Educational resources and further reading

We believe that education is a powerful tool for improving public health. In addition to our consulting services, we offer a variety of resources to help you understand the principles of Buildingbiology. Joachim Herrmann is the author of the book 'Health at Home', which is available in our educational books section for $28.00.

We also publish regular updates and articles on our blog, covering topics ranging from insulation materials to the impact of everyday gadgets on your health. For those interested in learning more about the intersection of health and the built environment, our health care articles provide practical advice for minimising exposure to common toxins.

Frequently asked questions

Do you travel outside of Sydney for inspections?

Yes. While our primary service area is Sydney and the surrounding regions, we are available to travel to other areas upon request. A travel fee of $22 per hour applies for locations outside our standard service radius.

Can a building biologist help with CIRS and MCAS?

Yes. Many of our clients are referred to us by integrative doctors treating conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Our detailed mould packages are specifically designed to identify the water-damaged building materials and specific mould species that trigger these conditions.

Do you sell the testing equipment you use?

Yes. We are the long-term Australian distributor for Gigahertz Solutions. You can purchase the same professional-grade meters we use in our assessments directly from our shop.

Take the next step toward a healthier home

Ignoring indoor environmental hazards can lead to prolonged illness and costly property damage. Whether you need a comprehensive mould inspection, EMF testing, or guidance on building a non-toxic home, working with an experienced building biologist that Sydney residents rely on will give you the data you need to make informed decisions. Contact Building Biology Services today to schedule a consultation and start creating a safer living space.