Getting rid of mold isn’t a quick and easy job, especially if it’s spread everywhere. You’ll need to know what goes into mold removal and testing before knowing how much it typically costs. This is where INX Indoor Air Quality comes in! In this blog, we’ll break down the costs of mold inspection and the factors that affect these prices, as well as explore whether DIY mold testing is a viable alternative. Read on for more!
Average Costs of Mold Inspection
So, diving into the average costs of a mold inspection takes a couple of different factors to think about. How big is your space? How bad is the mold? These are questions you should be asking yourself to get a clearer picture of costs. On average, hiring a mold inspector costs $671, but this can vary widely, ranging from $302 to $1,045. Homes under 4,000 square feet will generally cost between $300 and $400 to inspect. However, larger homes (above 4,000 square feet) can cost between $700 and $1,000.
These mold inspections are crucial for detecting mold in hard-to-see places, identifying potential problems early, and avoiding more expensive repairs in the future.
Factors That Impact Mold Testing Costs
As we’ve mentioned, there are tons of different factors at play when it comes to mold testing. Mold isn’t always right in front of your face, either. You may have to look for it. It can lurk behind drywall, inside air ducts, or in poorly ventilated crawl spaces. Due to the nuanced nature of mold detection, costs can vary based on several factors:
How Big Your Home Is
The larger your home, the longer the inspection takes—and higher costs follow. Mold inspectors usually charge more for larger properties because they must examine more areas.
Can You Get to the Mold, Okay?
Is your suspected mold hiding in a bathroom wall, air duct, or crawl space? Hard-to-reach areas often mean additional labor and potentially extra fees. The accessibility of the mold will significantly impact the complexity (and cost) of your inspection. If it’s hard to access the mold, it’s more than likely going to be more expensive to get professionals to test, considering the extra legwork involved.
How Many Mold Samples Are Needed?
Sometimes, the mold situation can be a bit more messy than typical. If this is the case, professionals will more than likely need multiple samples to fully grasp the situation. With more samples, there can be more fees since they have to send each one to the lab to get a true report.
What Type of Sample is Required for the Situation?
The cost of your mold inspection can vary depending on the types of samples collected. Most inspections typically involve using at least two mold testing methods. Swab tests, which range from $200 to $300, are used for surface sampling and work well for visible mold, though they’re limited to specific areas. Air tests, costing between $250 and $700, measure mold spore concentrations in the air, offering a more thorough assessment of the situation. Usually priced at $50 to $75, HVAC tests focus on detecting mold within your ventilation system and are often paired with air tests. If black mold is suspected, you may see higher costs because protective gear and special handling procedures are required to ensure safety.
What’s the Deal with DIY Kits for Mold?
Some homeowners think getting a mold DIY kit will solve all their problems. They’re wrong. All a DIY kit does is waste the time it takes to get an expert in and tell you what is accurately the problem. It may seem cheap, but it isn’t worth it. It’s cheap for a reason. These kits cost between $20 and $50 and can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. DIY kits generally focus on testing a single area. If mold is present in hidden spaces, a kit likely won’t catch it. They also don’t provide remediation advice or next steps, which professional inspectors include.
Are Mold DIY Kits Even Accurate?
The simple answer is no. DIY kits don’t have the same accuracy or reliability as professional testing methods. They often produce false negatives, meaning they may miss mold that’s present, giving homeowners a false sense of security. In contrast, professional inspectors have specialized equipment and training to accurately detect and identify mold growth in various areas of your Downington home.
Go with INX Indoor Air Quality for Your Mold Problems
If you’ve finally ditched the DIY idea, then you’re probably looking for a reliable mold company to team up with. Choose INX Indoor Air Quality! We know how important it is to protect your home and health. We offer precise, professional mold inspections to find even the most hidden mold issues. Our inspectors use state-of-the-art technology and provide detailed analysis, including recommendations for mold remediation if needed.
Is Mold Testing Really Worth the Money?
We believe that the short answer is yes. Nobody wants to spend all their time and effort on figuring out their mold situation by themselves. Professionals know what to look out for and can potentially help you avoid costly remediation down the line. Remember, mold can grow and spread quickly, causing structural damage to your home and posing a risk to your health. A professional inspection provides the information you need to take action effectively. Don’t hesitate to schedule a mold inspection no matter if you’re a new homeowner or suspect mold in your living space. Contact INX Indoor Air Quality today or book an inspection through our website to keep your indoor spaces clean and worry-free.
