Mold Inspection and Mold Testing

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Mold Testing and Detection

Are you worried you have a mold problem? Mold inspection and testing will determine if you have an issue. Our mold testing specialists will inspect your home for signs of mold. If necessary, they will take samples to determine if you have mold. Call for a free in-person estimate from a certified mold detection specialist near you now.

mold prevention - mold inspection and testing

What is Mold Inspection and Testing?

Mold inspection and testing is the process of detecting mold in your home. In some cases, mold tests also determine what kind it is, such as black mold. In most cases, a mold test is not required if you can see mold. However, some states have regulations about mold testing and inspections to prevent fraud and keep consumers safe. If you’re concerned about a mold issue, call Restoration Local® now for mold detection near you.

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How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost?

A home mold inspection costs between $300 and $900 based on the size of your home. However, there are several factors that determine the total cost of mold detection. Your technician will explain the process and provide a free mold testing estimate in advance.

What Affects the Cost of a Mold Inspection?

There are three factors that determine the cost of a home mold inspection:
  • Size of Your Home: Mold inspections for smaller homes are usually $300 to $400, with homes larger than 4,000 square feet ranging up to $900 or more.
  • Invasiveness of the Inspection: The mold inspection cost will go up if the specialist needs to open up walls or dig under a crawl space.
  • Type of Testing Needed: The cost of mold testing will depend on the tests needed. Tape and swab tests are less expensive than bulk testing or culturing.

How to Get a Free Mold Inspection?

Restoration Local® offers free visual mold inspections when we provide an estimate for mold removal services. Although our free mold check-up does not include lab tests, our mold detection specialists are trained to find problems. After they check your home, they will let you know if you need further mold testing.

What are the Types of Mold Tests?

There are several tests used to detect a mold problem. Regardless of the type of test, samples are analyzed to identify the concentration of mold in the air and the amount of mold growing in your home. Unfortunately, mold contamination is rarely consistent. As a result, each sample or test could return a different level of concentration.

  • Air Quality Tests: An air quality test is one method of detecting mold in your home. While an air quality test will identify the concentration of mold spores in the air, it does not guarantee you actually have mold. Mold spores exist naturally in the air, so it is common for them to appear on an air quality test. However, an air quality test can be helpful in identifying a mold problem if you already have other signs of mold.
  • Surface Tests: Mold surface tests use swabs or tape to collect samples from hard surfaces like walls and cabinets. This test will determine the extent of your mold problem. However, they are usually done on surfaces that already show visible signs of mold growth. Since you can already see the problem, this kind of test is only necessary when you need scientific proof of mold.
  • Bulk Testing: Bulk tests determine the concentration of mold inside a material, like a wall. Since they involve cutting out a small piece of material, bulk tests are best at detecting mold inside walls or in areas with low visibility. However, knowing the mold concentration doesn’t change the removal process.
  • Culture Tests: Culture tests are done alongside other mold tests to determine the exact kind of mold you have. Although a culture test is required in some cases, knowing the type of mold doesn’t change how it is removed.

Do I Need a Mold Inspection?

As long as you see mold, you do not need mold testing or inspection unless it’s required in your area. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.” However, an inspection can identify a problem if you are concerned you have a problem but do not see mold.

Since the removal process is the same for all kinds of mold, mold inspection and testing will only cost more and delay the cleanup process. For that reason, we offer a free visual mold check-up as part of our estimate for mold remediation. If our specialists see mold, you can decide whether to move forward with testing or skip to removal.

Can I Use a Home Mold Testing Kit?

While you can use a home mold testing kit, they are extremely unreliable. Since mold spores are all around us, it’s likely that they will contaminate the testing container. In most cases, all home test kits return inconclusive results. If you are worried you have mold but cannot see it, an independent mold inspection is the best option.

Mold Detection and Inspection

If you think you have mold but cannot see any, mold detection will help determine if there is a problem. Our mold detection specialists will inspect your home and test for mold. They are also available for mold testing if you are buying or selling a home. Call now for a free estimate on mold testing and inspection. Our restoration specialists will come out for a free visual mold checkup and provide a written estimate for detection and testing.

Mold Removal Services | Mold Remediation - Mold Abatement

When is a Mold Inspection Necessary?

If you cannot see mold, a mold test will determine whether there is an issue. Due to the expense involved in mold inspections and tests, we recommend that you only have one if it is absolutely necessary.

  • If You Have Signs of Mold, but Don’t See It: You should have an inspection if you have signs of mold but cannot see any. This includes musty odors, dark stains, peeling or cracking walls and areas that are always wet.
  • If You Have Severe Allergies or Respiratory Conditions: People with severe allergies or respiratory conditions are often sensitive to mold. If you notice that your symptoms have gotten worse, a mold test can help identify the cause.
  • If You Are Buying or Selling a Home: Although an inspection isn’t required when buying or selling a home, it can give you peace of mind when it comes to a major purchase.

However, if you can see mold, you can usually skip mold testing and move on directly to mold cleanup. Whether you need a mold inspection or removal, call 888-443-3110 for a free in-person estimate from a Restoration Local® specialist near you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Detection and Inspection

Mold testing is a complicated process, so here are some of the most common questions we get. If you still have questions, call us now to talk with one of our mold detection specialists near you.

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