Do you feel that the walls of your home are a little wet and have chances for mildew formation? Go For mold inspection. Although it may seem costly at the start, as you sort the fungal formation at the early stages you can prevent the fungal formation from spreading all over the house. With a national average cost of $656, the typical cost range for a home mold inspection ranges from $299 to $1014.
Root Causes for Mold Growth
A place with a lot of moisture, for instance around leaks in windows, roofs, or pipes where there is a greater chance of flooding, can lead to mold formation. Bathrooms with a lack of ventilation are particularly susceptible to mold growth. Moreover, if the pipes and drainage are not working well, then the slow leaking is the main cause of mold growth.
As per the area and the leakage in the wall, mold can either grow slowly or can grow quickly and can be the cause of damage to your property. The type of the surface, for instance ceiling tiles, wood, paint, or cardboard also determines the rate of growth. But at first, if you want the problem to be sorted out real quick, you need to carry out mold inspection and testing.
When should you go for mold testing?
If you notice cracks in the ceiling, then there is a greater probability of mold growth and spreading. But if you don’t see clear signs, that do not mean that you are mold-free. The places that are not visible to you for instance air ducts and pipes have a higher chance of mold growth. Most in the long rainy season it can grow in insulation, drywall, and carpet.
For this, you have to carry out a professional test of the mold. Specifically, if you are planning to purchase a home that has some sort of water drainage issues, you can carry out the mold testing.
Process OF mold Inspection
The mold inspection is not a one-step process, as it involves three crucial steps to eradicate the growth of the mold in the home. It is always a good idea to go for a detailed inspection to stay safe from potential dangers. Rather than jumping to start to sort out the issue, homeowners should try to complete three detailed steps to get the best results. Knowing what type of mold is present in the walls and other parts of the home will make it easier to make informed decisions to get rid of the mold formation. The three phases of mold inspection include the following.
- Mold Inspection
- Mold Testing
- Mold Remediation
Mold Inspection
The first and foremost step to detect mold problems is mold inspection. A professional mold inspector usually takes $300 to $1000 for a complete house inspection to check the spots where there are potential changes of mold growth and which type of test you need to run for this. Some companies also offer free quotes if you hire the same company for home remediation.
The basic inspection typically takes a duration of 2–6 hours, depending on how large your property is. The basic test typically is in the range of $50 and $300 which adds to the cost of mold inspection. The initial inspection will save you money in the longer run with more damage to your property.
Mold Testing
Often the basic test is included in the mold testing, but the inspector detects the presence of dangerous mold types. In this case, additional testing is required. The additional test may cost in between $400-$500 for lab inspection.
To prevent clashes it is important to ask the inspector about the detailed pricing and the overall package that includes inspection, testing, and remediation as well. Moreover, it is good to go for a professional service to sort out the mold issue at the earliest.
Mold Remediation
As mold inspection and remediation go side by side. The magnitude and extent of mold growth and the size of the home determine the cost. If the property is inspected with multiple types of molds and the cost of living in that particular location is high, then you have to pay a higher amount.
Generally, mold remediation usually costs between $1.150 and $3,400. The remediation can be simple in areas with easy access but can be difficult in those where you need to remove the chunks of the drywall where simple chemical removal is not possible. One particular mold type known as black mold can be hazardous for those who have respiratory and allergic issues, so it is better to tackle it at the earlier stages and go for remediation. Mold won’t go away on its own, so you need to tackle it early until it becomes costly to abate.
Factors that Determine Mold Inspection Cost
The quick answer to the integral question“ How much does a mold inspection cost” does not have any clear answer. The testing procedures vary from property to property, and there are various tests that can impact the mold testing procedure cost. A preliminary test will determine the type of the mold, and then extensive testing is carried out to determine the extent of the problem before finalizing the best remediation plan.
The accessibility of the mold can also pile up the overall cost. As in some cases, expensive equipment is required for the removal of wood, wall panels, and other building materials. The qualified team of mold inspectors will carry out the extensive testing procedure in detail. Firstly, the inspectors will conduct a detailed inspection of your property, poking around the crawl spaces and peeling the small bits to determine the mold. If the inspector needs no further testing, you can start with the removal procedure. For commercial buildings, the sampling may be based on the laboratory to assess the type and quality of the mold.
How do I select the best mold inspector?
The professional mold inspectors are highly skilled in doing the job right and on time. They can easily locate the spots in your home that might have a higher chance of mold growth. They start and perform all the mold inspection with ease, making it easier for you to note any areas that might have been impacted by water.
Secondly, the qualified inspector uses a moisture-mapping device to determine the areas with high moisture in your property. The extensive testing includes air sampling and other comprehensive analyses of various mold types. Before you make the final decision about the mold inspector, make sure that you ask for a quote and proper experience before you opt for their services to mitigate any further damage to your property.
Conclusion
While the mold inspection can be a little costly process, it’s better to stay safe than to mourn later about the damage. The inspection and remediation costs can collectively become to at least a thousand dollars, but when you pay for it, you can rest easy knowing that you are safe from the mold toxins.