Mold can get a bit crazy if left untreated over a certain amount of time. Not only does it look horrible, but it can really affect the condition of your house and the health of the members in it. When did you last check your crawl spaces, basement, or attic for mold? You may want to start looking and see if anything could indicate a mold problem. The following big question people often ask themselves is how much a mold inspection costs. Obviously, there isn't a flat-out price to say, but it can depend on a bunch of different factors. Read on for how INX Indoor Air Quality does our inspection process, the costs, and if it's worth the pay!
Why Professional Mold Inspection Matters
Most homeowners think finding mold is pretty easy, especially if they know where to look, but having a professional mold inspection instead may be worth it. When mold is present, it's rarely easy for homeowners to find. Professionals go above and beyond your average DIY mold test kit and can see mold or mold concentration in places you'd never even think of. Here is what a typical mold inspection can look like if you end up hiring companies like INX Indoor Air Quality:
- A Thorough Look Around: Professionals inspect your entire property, including areas you may not think to check.
- Knowing Which Mold is Which: Different molds have different risks, and we accurately identify the type and concentration present.
- Finding Sources of Water or Moisture: Mold loves moisture. We analyze where it’s coming from, whether leaks or condensation.
- Tailored Strategies for Your Specific Issue: With expert analysis, we effectively tailor a plan to eliminate your mold problem.
All these steps work together to provide a level of precision that ensures your home's safety and prevents mold from returning.
What do Expert Mold Testing Techniques Look Like?
Most testing from professionals like INX Indoor Air Quality isn't your simple look-over and leave process. Mold testing requires a lot of steps, techniques, technology, and more. Here are some of the things we do:
Looking Over Common Mold Areas
First, we look over all the moisture-prone areas in your home, like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Then, see if there are visible signs of water damage or mold.
Sampling Air Quality
The thing that many homeowners don't know to look for when it comes to mold is mold spores. This may be entirely due to the fact that they are hard to be seen by the naked eye. Mold professionals come out to your home, collect air samples from various rooms, and send them to certified labs to analyze the type and level of mold spores present.
Taking Samples from Countertops and Other Surfaces
Another step our team does is to use swabs and collect the germs from common surfaces like countertops, shelves, and more. We test these areas with mold contamination to pinpoint severity and spread.
Moisture Mapping
Using our high-tech equipment, we're able to see areas that have hidden moisture or water leaks. This is a prime spot for mold growth, so it's important to find them early before mold starts causing damage to your home.
Thermal Imaging and Spore Traps
This is another technique we use to help us identify temperature differences under walls and floors while capturing spores for lab analysis. This makes sure no hidden mold is left undetected.
Can Mold Affect Your Property Value?
Yes! Unfortunately, if mold goes long enough, it can do some serious damage to your property. We have seen mold affect a home's foundation, walls, ceilings, and more to where it's beyond repair. That's why it's crucial to have an expert mold inspection. A professional mold inspection and remediation protect your investment and your home’s integrity.
The Next Step After Finding Mold: Mold Remediation
If we have found mold in your home, the next step is mold remediation. This primarily means getting rid of the mold entirely and making sure it doesn't come back for more. At INX Indoor Air Quality, we specialize in tailoring mold remediation plans for homeowners in Malvern. With years of experience, we remove mold and address underlying moisture issues to prevent future growth. Here is what we do within the mold remediation process:
- Fixing leaks or condensation problems
- Removing existing mold growth
- Protecting your home against potential mold growth
- Providing professional advice on ongoing prevention strategies
Tips to Keeping Your Home Mold-Free
There is only up from here after a proper mold remediation or inspection service! Keeping your home clean has to be consistent, and prevention is important. Things like water damage or leaks are your enemies, so keep a close eye on these immediately when they happen. Also, look into how well your ventilation is. Proper airflow in kitchens or bathrooms is great for keeping these areas dry and moisture-free. Then, use things like dehumidifiers in basements and regularly check or clean your HVAC system while you're down there. If you keep the entire house's humidity below 50%, you should be in good shape. Long story short, being proactive about moisture and air circulation can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth.
How Much Does Mold Inspection Cost?
So, with all that being said, how much is a mold inspection cost? Depending on the size of your property, the severity of the mold issue, and what experts like INX Indoor Air would need to do to remove it, it could be anywhere from $250-$900. Most people think this service is worth the investment because the real value lies in the benefits—protecting your health, preserving your property value, and avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Summary
Mold might be small, but its impact on your health and property is anything but minor. A professional mold inspection with INX Indoor Air Quality is an investment in your well-being and peace of mind. From advanced testing techniques to customized remediation plans, we’re here to ensure your home remains a safe and healthy haven. Schedule your mold inspection now and breathe easy, knowing you’re in expert hands.