What to Know About a Mold Inspection

A mold inspection can ensure your home is safe and retains its resale value. If you already own a home, a mold inspection can also be a good idea if you think you see signs of mold growth. Let’s walk through a few ways to tell when you should get a mold inspection, how much it usually costs and other mold-related information to keep in mind.

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus which grows in moist places. Floods or leaks often cause mold, but there’s potential for mold anywhere a home has water. However, not all mold is created equal. Many different types of molds exist, and some types are more toxic than others. Your existing health conditions and the length of mold exposure are also critical factors to consider.

Depending on the type and how long you’re around it, mold may cause health problems. Living in a house with extensive mold for decades can cause serious respiratory illness, especially if you have asthma or autoimmune diseases. However, you can avoid any long-term adverse health effects if you mitigate mold before moving into a home.

Mold can also impact a home’s resale value. Potential home buyers are often reluctant to buy a home with mold. Homeowners are required to disclose any mold issues during a sale, so you can’t hide it if you sell your house.

What does a mold inspector do?

When you hire a mold inspector, they’ll start with a complete walkthrough of the home. This includes a special focus on basements, floors, crawl spaces and attics. They’ll also focus on areas of high humidity or areas affected by a flood.

Mold inspectors then take samples of any mold spores found and send them to a lab for analysis. This analysis compares the indoor air quality and mold levels versus outdoor samples.

When to get mold inspection and testing

For starters, you should get mold testing anytime you’re buying a home. When you make an offer on a house, you’ll have typically between 5 – 10 days to check out the home before closing on it. A home inspection is a great time to order mold testing.

Identifying the presence of mold before you buy can save you time and money in the long run. If an inspector finds mold in a home you plan to buy, you can negotiate with the seller to have them pay for mitigation. If you find it after buying the house, you’re responsible for removal.

You may also want to consider getting mold testing immediately after a flood or anytime you suspect moisture has collected and might be causing mold growth. For example, after a hard rain is a good time to check the attic, basement and windows for wetness.

Signs you need mold inspection and testing

When it comes to mold, knowing is half the battle. Understanding the signs to look for will help you determine when mold inspection and testing are necessary. Keep an eye – and nose – out for the following:

• Visual signs of water damage: When you see signs of water damage, it’s time to order a mold inspection. Some of the most common sources of mold to look for are leaks, wood rot and water stains.
• Musty or unpleasant odors: If you smell woody, mildewy or rotten odors in a home, you’ll want to order a mold inspection. Pay close attention to basements, attics and areas of condensation.
• Older houses: If you buy an older home, a mold inspection is a good idea even if you can’t see or smell any signs of mold. The longer a house has been around, the more wet weather events it’s been through. That means it’s seen more possible scenarios for mold to occur than newer homes.

How much does a mold inspection cost?

Mold inspection costs vary based on your situation and where you live, but you can usually expect to pay $450 – $800. This includes surface sampling, lab testing and a complete report of the findings.

Most companies charge based on a home’s square footage. And if extensive work, like removing drywall, is needed to get to the source of the mold, it can also increase the cost.

The type of mold can also affect the cost, depending on how much safety equipment and caution it requires. Stachybotrys (aka black mold) and fusarium tend to be the most expensive.

HVAC mold testing cost

Even if you’re diligent about looking for signs of mold, it can develop in places you can’t see, like your HVAC system. Fortunately, you can get HVAC mold tests to identify any problems. HVAC mold tests are often less expensive than whole-house mold inspections. Depending on the amount of duct work you have, it will usually cost you $50 – $75.

Even though an HVAC system won’t have visible mold, you can recognize other signs. If you smell a musty odor coming out of your vents, an HVAC mold test is probably a good idea. Coughing, breathing problems and worsened asthma are also signs you might need an HVAC mold inspection.

How much does mold removal cost?

If you find mold in a home, you have to remove it for the safety of those living there. Full mold remediation helps identify the source of the mold, which usually costs $1,500 – $3,000. This can ensure the mold won’t return and prevent you from selling the house in the future.

Similar to inspection and testing, the price varies by square footage as well as the type and amount of mold.

FAQs: Home mold inspection

Still not sure if you should get a mold inspection? Check out our answers to some common mold-related questions for help deciding.

How do I check for and get rid of mold in my house?

You may think you can save a buck by giving your home a visual inspection, using a home test kit or attempting to remove the mold yourself. But mold testing and mitigation are highly specialized tasks. They require extensive knowledge and expensive equipment. In the event of suspected mold, hiring a professional mold inspection and remediation company is usually best.

Do air purifiers help with mold?

Air purifiers can help filter mold spores out of the air inside your home, but they don’t fix a mold issue. If your home has mold, you’ll need to hire a professional to mitigate it.

Do home inspections check for mold?

A general home inspector doesn’t have to check for mold. But a good inspector should note any indicators of water damage or suspected mold.

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