Home Mold Inspection 101: How Much Does It Cost and When Should You Get One?

Are you done with smelling the same musty odor around your house? Or the spots, stains, and discoloration on your walls and various surfaces affecting the aesthetics of your house?

You might already be aware of the cause behind these – mold. But are you confused about how to deal with it? Well, the best way is to schedule a mold inspection.

It is the best way to save your house from mold threats and keep your indoor environment healthy and safe.

When we recommend home mold inspection to homeowners, they often ask two questions: “What’s the cost?” and “When to get a mold inspection?”

If you have the same questions, this blog is for you. We’ll discuss the home mold inspection cost, factors affecting it, and when to get a mold inspection. But let’s first discuss what a mold inspection usually covers.

What Does A Home Mold Inspection Cover?

A mold inspection is the best way to get rid of the mold issues within your house. It thoroughly inspects various areas within your house to identify mold’s presence and assess potential risks.

The inspection process typically involves a visual inspection of both interior and exterior spaces. These focus on areas that are prone to moisture accumulation.

During the inspection, the most commonly inspected areas are: 

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Around windows

For this, the inspector uses moisture meters to detect hidden water issues. They also use thermal imaging that helps them identify temperature differentials that indicate moisture problems.  

Once your inspector does this, you can rest assured that your house is in good hands.

Moreover, during the process, inspectors employ air sampling to analyze the indoor air quality, capturing airborne mold spores.

Inspectors also conduct surface sampling on suspicious materials or visible mold growth.

How Much Does A Home Mold Inspection Cost?

The home mold inspection cost varies widely depending on several factors (we will discuss these later), including the property’s size and the extent of the inspection needed.

But to give you an idea, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 for a standard mold inspection. However, if you have a larger home or the issue is complex, the costs will be higher (of course). In this case, you can expect prices ranging from $700 to $2,500. 

If you are looking forward to getting a home inspection, too…then some companies offer package deals that include inspection and testing services. But in most cases, the inspectors charge separately for additional services.

“How do I set my budget if I’m unsure about the cost?”

For this we suggest obtaining detailed quotes from reputable mold inspection professionals in your area. You may also inquire about the specific services covered in the inspection.

Know that the initial cost of the mold inspection will provide valuable insights into the presence and extent of mold issues. However, additional expenses may arise in case of mold remediation or further testing.

Factors Affecting Home Mold Inspection Cost

 Property Size and Complexity

If you own a large house, it will require more time and effort for a thorough inspection, thus resulting in higher inspection costs. This is because the larger homes usually have complex layouts, multiple levels, and intricate structures. All this increases the complexity of the inspection and affects the overall cost.

Scope of Inspection

It is one of the major factors that affect the mold inspection cost. Various inspections only focus on visible mold. But some also include air quality testing, surface sampling, and a more comprehensive analysis. This addition in the inspection scope contributes to the increase in mold inspection cost.

Geographical Locations

If your house is located in an area with a higher cost of living, then there is a high chance that mold inspections have higher service fees.

Urgency and Timing

If you want to schedule an inspection during weekends or holidays, you may expect a higher cost than usual. So, it is better to schedule your mold inspection during weekdays or before holidays.

Credentials and Expertise of the Inspector

Not all inspectors are equal. This is a factor that highly affects the home mold inspection cost. If you want a professional, certified, and expert inspector to assess your house, then (of course) it will come with a higher price. But let us assure you, the inspection done by these professionals will be worth it all.

When Should You Get A Home Mold Inspection?

Mold growth within your home is not only a threat to your house but also to your health. So, to ensure the health and safety of the property and the occupants, it is better to schedule your inspection before it’s too late. Here are some scenarios where it is recommended to consider getting a mold inspection.

After Water Damage

If recently, your house experienced water damage in terms of leaks, burst pipes, or flood, then now is time to schedule your mold inspection. As mold starts to develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure, these inspections will thus help in assessing the affected areas.

Visible Mold Growth

In most cases, homeowners report that they can see mold growth. These usually happen on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This can indicate that there might be any underlying moisture issues. Scheduling a mold inspection, in this case, helps identify the extent of the problem.

Musty Odors

Mold has the worst musty odor. And, if you smell something like this, then know mold is the culprit. Persistent musty or moldy odor suggests hidden mold growth. Most of the time, you might not even see the visible mold. But this is when you need to schedule a mold inspection. During the process, the inspector will pinpoint the source of the odor and will also suggest remediation.

Before Renovation or Remodeling

If you plan to renovate or remodel your house, it is the right time to schedule a home mold inspection. You don’t want to move forward with hidden issues that will be a hassle for you after you’ve given the finishing touches to your house. Thus, it is wise to conduct a mold inspection, especially in areas with a history of water intrusion.

Conclusion

Scheduling a mold inspection might seem like an extra expense for you. But after realizing its benefits, you would want to conduct one for your house.

As discussed above, the mold inspection cost varies based on several factors. So, if you live in a small house, and not in an area with a higher cost of living, these inspections won’t hurt your pocket. If not, even then, the cost won’t feel like a burden because it will be a real-time investment.

The best trick is to schedule your inspection on weekdays so that you don’t experience a price hike. While musty odors, visible mold growth, and water damage are your signs, schedule your inspection right away.

If you want any further information regarding mold inspections, you can contact Elite Commercial Inspections. Our team of experts will guide you through it and can also lead to a better mold inspection experience.