How Much Does Mold Inspection Cost in 2024?
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By the time mold makes its presence known, it’s likely there’s more than meets the eye. To verify the presence of mold, homeowners will want to budget $299 to $1,014, or $656 on average, for mold inspection costs.
Highlights
- The typical cost range for a home mold inspection is $299 to $1,014, with a national average of $656.
- Cost factors for mold inspection include property size, mold type, test type, the location of the mold, and the geographic location of the property.
- Mold inspection is a good idea if a home has visible mold growth or a musty odor, cracked paint, or warped ceilings or if residents have ongoing coughs or sore throats. It’s also wise to schedule a mold inspection before a home sale, after a flood, or following water damage.
- While a homeowner or renter may be able to identify and deal with a small amount of mold themselves, professional inspectors can determine whether mold has spread to unseen parts of the home and whether it poses any danger to residents.
Any source of moisture in a home can lead to mold growth. Bathrooms, especially those without ventilation fans, are particularly susceptible with their constant steam and dry cycles. But kitchen vents, air ducts, and anywhere a pipe or appliance is slowly leaking are also potential mold locations. In those dark, moist areas, mold can grow quickly—and while some mold is just an annoyance or allergy concern, other molds can quickly become toxic. Therefore, at the first suggestion of a mold problem beyond a little at the edge of the tub caulk, homeowners will want to schedule mold inspection and testing. But how much is a mold inspection?
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay between $299 and $1,014, and the national average cost for a professional mold inspection is $656. Costs tend to exceed the national average if the property being inspected is large, multiple types of tests are done, cost of living in the location is high, the mold is difficult to access, or the mold is an especially dangerous variety.
Mold Inspection vs. Mold Testing vs. Mold Remediation
There are three steps in the process to identify and eradicate mold growing in a home. It’s a good idea for homeowners to complete each of the three steps rather than jumping ahead; knowing what kind of mold is present will make it easier for homeowners to make decisions about how to get rid of it.
| Service | Cost |
| Mold inspection | $300 to $1,000 |
| Mold testing | $250 to $500 |
| Mold remediation | $1,150 to $3,400 |
Mold Inspection
A mold inspection is a good first step to take when a homeowner suspects a mold problem. A professional mold inspector (also called a certified industrial hygienist) will usually charge between $300 and $1,000 to complete a whole-house inspection, checking the spots where the mold is likely to be and determining which types of tests need to be run and where.A basic inspection takes about 2 hours, while a detailed inspection of the entire structure can take as long as 6 hours. The inspection may include one or more mold tests, costing between $50 and $300, which may be included in the overall charge for the inspection. The initial outlay for the inspection will allow the testing that follows to be targeted and will most likely save money in the long run.
Experts at New York Mold Specialists suggest considering a mold inspection “after you have experienced any type of flooding or water issue, if you smell a musty or unpleasant odor, if you are experiencing a leak that has been present for over 24 hours, or you notice stains on your furniture or building materials.”
Mold Testing
Mold inspection and testing costs are often charged together, but if the initial test indicates the presence of more dangerous types of mold, or if the inspector finds evidence that suggests there is more mold that requires remediation, additional testing may be required. Basic mold testing generally costs between $250 and $350, but that price range increases to $400 to $500 if the samples need to be sent to a lab for inspection. The cost for mold testing will typically include both the tests themselves and printed reports of the results from those tests.
Mold Remediation
Mold inspection and removal go hand in hand. Mold remediation is the process of removing mold and mold spores from a home. Costs for this will vary based on the magnitude of the mold growth, the type of mold, and the size of the home. However, in most cases mold remediation costs between $1,150 and $3,400. Remediation can be as simple as cleaning an area with a household mold killer like bleach or as complicated as removing chunks of drywall and discarding clothing and home decor fabrics; some molds really like to hang on and can’t be chemically removed.
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Key Cost Factors
The answer to the question “How much does a mold inspection cost?” isn’t straightforward. Costs can vary by type of testing and the type of mold, as well as by the size of the property, the location of the mold, and the home’s geographic location.
Property Size and Type
The size of the space to be tested has a direct effect on the overall cost of the testing services for a simple reason: A larger space requires more samples over a longer period of time, and then those samples need to be individually tested. Testing in homes that are larger than 4,000 square feet may cost $700 to $1,000, whereas testing in smaller homes will cost $300 to $400.
If more than one type of mold turns up in the staining or culture labs, further testing will be required—and again, a larger space will have more sites to test. Commercial spaces tend to be more expensive to test for mold, but only because the spaces are larger and more varied, so additional sampling is necessary.
Mold Type
While basic inspection and testing is sufficient for most types of mold, there are certain types that are more dangerous than others and require immediate removal. As a result, if the homeowner suspects that these types of mold are present, or if an inspector notes any indicators that they are present, the testing process may be more expensive.
This applies to white mold mildew, which is a particular type of surface fungus that is often detected during mold inspections, but most particularly to black mold, which is the most dangerous type of spore to humans: Prolonged exposure can lead to serious illness and, in rare cases, death, so the testing procedures for suspected black mold are specific, expedited, and more costly.
Test Type
Before mold growth can be remediated, testing is usually necessary to determine how much mold is present and what kind of mold it is. While there are home tests available, more comprehensive and useful results can be garnered from professional testing. There are three primary types of sampling: swab testing, air cell testing, and specialty HVAC testing.
- Swab testing: A technician will collect a surface sample from an area that may have mold growth. This test is limited to the specific areas where mold is actively visible or strongly suspected and can be used to determine the type of mold growing in a particular area, but because it can’t be used to rule out mold growth in other areas of the home, it is often used in conjunction with air cell testing. The cost for swab testing is usually between $200 and $300.
- Air cell testing: A more complete picture of the mold presence in a home can be acquired through air cell testing. A technician will set up sampling equipment in several areas of the home and allow them to absorb air and spores for a set period of time. Then the air and spore samples are analyzed to average a total number of mold spores present in the home and determine what kind (or kinds) of mold is present to develop a more comprehensive plan. The average cost of air cell testing ranges from $250 to $350. More-advanced air tests may cost up to $700.
- HVAC mold testing: Mold that accumulates in the ductwork of a home’s HVAC system is particularly pernicious, because the system forces the spores out of the ductwork at a high velocity, spreading mold through additional ductwork and into the open areas of the house. Itchy eyes, sore throats, and respiratory ailments are common when there is mold in the HVAC system, even among residents who aren’t specifically allergic to mold, so in addition to duct-specific air cell testing, a technician will also use special tape to collect samples from the HVAC filters and inside the ducts. This adds approximately $50 to $75 to the cost of the air cell testing.
Once the samples have been collected, they must be processed at a lab that will assess the type and quantity of mold along with its rate of reproduction. Lab technicians establish these numbers using stain testing and mold cultures.
- Stain testing: After the mold samples are collected from swabs, tape, or air sampling, they are placed in plastic cassettes and treated with specialized stains. The stains make the spores easier to visualize through a microscope and allow technicians to identify the type of mold, the number of spores in the sample, and the patterns of growth. Costing an additional $150 on top of the sample collection, stain testing is critical to determining a remediation plan, as the type of mold will determine the best removal method.
- Mold cultures: This type of testing involves taking the samples collected in the home and placing them in a medium that will encourage the spores to grow. This will establish how quickly the mold is growing. If the mold doesn’t grow, the test indicates that the spores that have been collected are dead and there is no actively growing mold in the house. Cultures that grow aggressively indicate that the mold in the home is probably widespread and must be dealt with immediately to prevent further health consequences. Mold culturing rings up at about $50 in addition to the sample collection cost.
Mold Location and Accessibility
If mold is growing in a damp basement or in the attic near an ice dam or roof leak, it’s easy to access the potential mold colony to test. However, mold grows best in dark areas where dampness might be harder to see and testing is more difficult. Bathrooms and kitchens are notorious for mold growth behind walls, between tile and drywall, or in areas behind appliances or fixtures that are difficult to access.
In addition, when mold is widespread in a home (which will show up on an air cell test), it can be quite difficult to follow up with swab testing if there are no visible mold spores on the surfaces in the house. This is when mold testing can get really expensive: Excising pieces of drywall to access the back sides of walls for testing or hunting in the recesses of crawl spaces and moving appliances will add to labor costs, and gathering and testing a multitude of additional samples will drive up the cost as well, potentially in excess of $700.
Geographic Location
Due to variation in the cost of living in different cities, mold inspection costs can depend on where a homeowner lives. Typically, costs are highest in coastal cities, with homeowners in New York City paying $200 to $4,100. By contrast, residents of San Antonio, Texas, pay between $200 and $625 on average. Homeowners can look up “mold inspection near me” to get a sense of local prices.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Mold can cause serious damage, so in addition to the cost for mold inspection and remediation, there may be additional costs associated with restoring the home back to its pre-mold state. Homeowners will want to consider the following when budgeting for mold inspection and remediation.
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Mold Damage Repair
Even when mold itself has been removed, it can leave unsightly stains and damage on ceilings, floors, and walls. Drywall is the least costly to repair and typically costs $240. Costs for other materials may be higher, especially if they must be replaced rather than refinished or repaired.
Whole-House Dehumidifier Installation
Even if mold is successfully removed, it is sure to return if the conditions that created it remain unchanged. Many times, mold is caused by high levels of humidity in the home. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can greatly reduce this problem. The system filters the air and converts excess moisture into condensation while releasing the treated air back into the home. Having a whole-home dehumidifier installed costs about $900.
Flooring Replacement
Mold can grow on most types of flooring, including carpet, hardwoods, and even the subfloor below. Since these materials are porous, they may need to be replaced in order to completely eradicate the mold. Costs for this project can vary depending on the area of flooring that needs to be replaced and the type of flooring material. For reference, carpet installation costs about $980.
Furniture Reupholstery
Mold can spread quickly on fabrics and upholstery, so furniture that has been affected will either need to be thrown out and replaced or reupholstered and restuffed. At a minimum, the labor and materials for this project will cost $750. Depending on the piece of furniture, it may be more cost-effective for the homeowner to opt for replacement over reupholstery.
Types of Mold
Determining which specific mold is growing in the house is important in order to decide what type of remediation is necessary and how aggressive the remediation needs to be—some types are mild and inevitable, while others can be quite dangerous. The following are some of the most common types of mold and mildew inspections.
| Mold Type | Cost |
| Alternaria | $450 to $550 |
| Aspergillus | $450 to $550 and up |
| Aureobasidium | $450 to $550 |
| Chaetomium | $450 to $550 |
| Cladosporium | $450 to $550 |
| Fusarium | $600 to $800 |
| Penicillium | $500 to $600 |
| Serpula lacrymans | $500 to $600 |
| Stachybotrys chartarum | $600 to $800 and up |
| Trichoderma | $500 to $600 |
| Ulocladium | $500 to $600 |
Alternaria
Alternaria is an outdoor mold that grows best in the spring and summer, creeping inside on unsuspecting residents. It can cause significant damage to trees and plants, and it spreads rapidly in an explosive fashion, latching on to clothing, furniture, shoes, and then houseplants, carpet padding, and behind the walls—and it will continue to grow in homes with high humidity. Reactions can range from none to sneezing, throat irritation, and mild coughs. Because it is not difficult to find, it will usually be covered in a standard inspection cost. Alternaria inspection can cost between $450 and $550.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a class of mold that is made up of approximately 250 species. All aspergillus begins as a white fuzz, but then changes color as it grows (the colors include black, brown, green, and yellow, depending on the species). It can cause a serious respiratory infection called Aspergillosis, so it’s important to remove the mold and treat the infection promptly. In most cases, this kind of mold inspection will cost $450 to $550 or more.
Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is a pink or black mold that most often appears on surfaces like painted or wallpapered walls. It’s a good idea to avoid contact with aureobasidium, as doing so can lead to infections in the eyes, nails, or skin. Aureobasidium inspection costs between $450 and $550.
Chaetomium
Chaetomium is an especially dangerous kind of mold that contains carcinogens and has been linked to brain infections. Chaetomium can be identified as a fuzzy light-colored mold that turns green or blue as it matures. It costs an average of $450 to $550 to inspect for chaetomium.
Cladosporium
This type of mold grows most aggressively in damp basements, bathrooms, and in HVAC systems. While it’s not an irritant to all residents, some may experience allergy symptoms or potentially a severe allergic reaction. Because it grows in areas that are fairly straightforward to access and test, cladosporium isn’t likely to incur additional inspection or test fees, thus costing $450 to $550.
Fusarium
Homeowners who have recently undergone a water leak will want to have their homes inspected for fusarium. This type of mold is highly toxic, and exposure to it can even cause blindness and scarring. Because of the danger associated with this type of mold, a mold inspection company may charge between $600 and $800 for this type of inspection.
Penicillium
This is a fast-spreading type of mold that is usually visible and identifiable by its blue-green velvet appearance. Penicillium (which was used to create the penicillin family of antibiotics) can cause an allergic reaction in some people, but it does require a substantial amount of water to grow. Therefore, it most frequently occurs in areas where significant water damage has occurred and the homeowner is already looking for mold and is less likely to grow stealthily in moderately damp areas. Penicillium inspection costs around $500 to $600.
Serpula Lacrymans
Serpular lacrymans is unique in that it is more dangerous to wood than to people. It is often the kind of mold present when materials are affected by dry rot. This type of mold can be found on wood, masonry, plaster, and mortar. Homeowners can expect to pay $500 to $600 for a serpula lacrymans inspection.
Stachybotrys Chartarum
Proliferating with astounding ease and speed on gypsum board, drywall, fiberboard, and paper, this dreaded mold is commonly referred to as black mold and requires immediate removal. It grows well in areas that have experienced flooding or major leaks, but also in areas that are subjected to high condensation and humidity, as it requires moisture to stay alive. Particularly dangerous to babies and young children, along with those with lung or respiratory problems, black mold can cause infection and even lung hemorrhage with sustained exposure. After identifying black mold, it’s a good idea for the homeowner to have a specialist to complete testing and coordinate removal to avoid spreading the mold to other locations. For this reason, a black mold inspection will be more expensive than other molds at $600 to $800 and up.