How Much Does A Mold Inspection Cost?

Mold doesn't just grow on the leftovers that get shoved to the back of the refrigerator and forgotten. The microscopic spores can also grow on almost any surface in your home, including drywall, wood, carpeting and furniture. It looks unattractive, but it can also cause health issues.

The worst part is that you might not even know it’s there. Schedule a mold inspection if you suspect you have mold growth in your home.

You typically only need a mold inspection if you suspect you have mold growth or you have a situation that could cause mold growth. For example, if you discover water damage in your basement or have flooding in your home, it's a good idea to schedule a mold inspection because excess moisture often causes mold to grow. You might also choose to have an inspection before you buy a new home because you won't know if the home has experienced moisture issues. It could prevent you from buying a home with major mold issues that could cost a lot to repair.

What Happens During a Mold Inspection?

The mold inspection typically starts with a discussion about your mold concerns, things you've noticed that make you think you have mold, moisture issues that could cause mold and other things that might help the inspector locate any mold issues. Mold inspections always include visual inspections of your home, especially in areas where you've had water damage or moisture.

Experienced inspectors should know what to look for and what types of environmental issues might indicate mold growth. Some mold inspectors also use infrared imaging to help search for mold. This makes it easier to determine if there's hidden mold in your home, such as behind walls or in the ceiling. If the inspection reveals mold, the inspector will likely collect a sample for testing. They'll also provide options and suggestions for fixing the mold situation if you have one.

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How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost?

According to Bob Vila, the average mold inspection cost is about $650, but you might pay anywhere from $295 to upwards of $1,000.

Basic mold inspections typically cost around $300 to $500. The size of your home can affect how much the company charges. More detailed inspections can cost more, as can mold testing. A basic mold test costs between $75 and $150 in most areas. Additional tests and samples that are taken of mold can also add to the cost.

How Often Do You Need to Get a Mold Inspection?

There is no set schedule for a mold inspection. You don't typically need routine mold inspections. You only need them if you suspect a problem, so the timing can vary. Some people never need mold inspections if their homes don't have moisture issues. If you already see visible mold, you don't typically need a mold inspection or testing. You can skip straight to mold remediation because you know it's there.

Signs of Mold Growth

It's not always easy to tell if you have mold growing in your home unless it's growing on an easily visible surface. Look for these signs as an indicator that you might have mold and could benefit from a mold inspection:

• Water damage. If you see water spots or other water damage, you could have mold growing behind the walls. Moisture is necessary for mold growth.
• Odor. Mold often has a musty smell. If you notice recurring musty smells but don't see mold, a mold inspector can determine if there's hidden growth.
• Health issues. Some people are sensitive to mold and might experience physical symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, headaches or skin irritation. It can also make allergy and asthma symptoms worse.
• Spots on the carpet. Mold spores often grow in carpet fibers, but it might not always be obvious that it's mold. If you notice unusual or unexplained spots or stains on your carpet, it could be mold.

Mold can be difficult to detect if you don't actually see it growing. Mold inspections can come in handy if you're not sure if you have mold.