Mold Testing Costs

Some molds are airborne and can lead to significant health problems. The longer you wait to test and remove, the worse it can get.

On This Page:

1. Professional Mold Inspector Cost
   1. Locating
   2. Mold Air Test Cost
   3. Home vs. Commercial Space
   4. Timing & Amount
2. Average Cost of Mold Assessment by Type
   1. Black Mold Testing
   2. White Mold
   3. Pink
3. FAQs
4. DIY vs. Hiring a Certified Mold Specialist

Professional Mold Inspector Cost

Professional mold inspectors, also known as certified Microbial Consultant by ACAC will charge an average of $400 to $800 to test an average-sized property and home for toxins. They’re certified to take a close look at your property and find both symptoms and sources of moisture damage.

Some businesses offer a free walk-through. These pros may require you to work with them on removal if they find any growth. Others charge a more comprehensive inspection that includes sample testing. Your range can go as high as $1500 for a large property with many difficult-to-access spaces. That price does not include remediation.

Locating the Mold

Depending on its location, mold can be very easy or difficult to spot. If it’s difficult to access, the inspection can take longer and can cost up to $700. Common growth spots include:

Common Mold Areas in Your Home

Location	Accessibility & Visibility
Bathroom or kitchen walls	High
Exposed foundation walls, especially near cracks	High
Windows and window sills	Medium
Air conditioning and heating vents	Low
Fireplace and/or chimneys	Medium
Wall cavities, especially between drywall and foundation	Low
Enclosed attic spaces near the roof	Medium
Crawl spaces under your home that are difficult to reach	Low

An inspection that only checks the obvious spots takes as little as two hours. A comprehensive checkup that includes even the most inaccessible areas costs more and takes as much as six hours.

Mold Air Test Cost

Testing your home’s air for toxic spores costs between $180 and $500. Most professionals include this step in their overall inspection. Airborne toxins are a serious health risk and can lead to respiratory and lung problems.

Mold Inspection Cost on a Home vs. Commercial Space

Inspecting a commercial space for moisture-based toxins typically costs between $500 and $1,500 This higher cost compared to a home assessment comes from the larger area that typically needs tested.

Timing of Evaluation & Amount

If you ignore the problem in your home, it will grow. Once you see exposed spores, you typically don’t even need a test anymore. Get an inspection as soon as you think you might have a problem. You can usually tell you have mold by a musty smell like dirty socks. The quicker you get the test, the sooner you can stop the growth and reduce eventual remediation costs.

The most common types of indoor spores include:

• Cladosporium
• Aspergillus
• Penicillium
• Ulocladium
• Acremonium
• Stachybotrys
• Alternaria.

Of these seven, aspergillus, acremonium and stachybotrys are the most dangerous and need immediate removal. Remediation is also a good option for the other four, which are dangerous for people with allergic reactions. In all, there are more than 10,000 different types of spores, typically sorted by their colors.

Black Mold Testing

Black mold is the most toxic growth and can lead to asthma and other serious health problems. It has a greenish-black hue and should be removed immediately.

If you don’t take care of this problem, serious health issues might follow. Typical symptoms include chronic coughing and sneezing, eye irritation, fatigue, and headaches. In more severe cases, exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, lung bleeding, and even death.

Fortunately, this is not the most common type of fungus, growing more slowly and less easily than other types. It’s found throughout the U.S., in areas that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen: drywall, lumber, and cardboard.

FAQs

How Much Mold Exposure is Harmful or Toxic?

Even a few days of continuous exposure to mold can be harmful. Children and infants are more prone to health problems, as are those with existing respiratory problems or allergies.

Short-term exposure may lead to sneezing, stuffy noses, and eye irritation. The more exposed you are, the more significant these symptoms can become. Long-term exposure without a solution can lead to chronic respiratory illness or asthma.

What Are the Underlying Reasons for Mold Growth?

Moisture is the biggest reason for spore growth. Since the spores thrive in damp environments, it is important to fix the core problem. That might include:

• Leaking pipes
• Cracked foundations
• Unsealed or non-waterproof basement
• A leaking roof
• Unsealed window wells
• Moisture entering your home

In many cases, the costliest part of remediation is not removing the mold but repairing these underlying issues.

Can I Get a Free Mold Inspection?

Some mitigation businesses offer a free checkup as part of their effort to win customers. Homeowners should tread carefully. Some, but not all services offering free evaluations will look for problems where none exist. It’s their only way to get revenue. When offered a free checkup, always do your research to make sure the company you’re considering is credible.

How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

If your inspector finds any issues, comprehensive mold removal costs between $1,100 and $3,400. Once the issue is clear, the expert will determine the best method for remediation and prevention.

Depending on the extent of the damage and the location, your home could require anything from a deep cleaning to a multi-day overhaul to prevent spores from entering the home again.

Mold Inspection & Removal Services

Inspectors should not also perform remediation services. This is considered an ethics violation.CALL A MOLD