Average Costs
- National Average: $657
- Typical Range: $302–$1,045
- High-End Costs: Up to $4,100 (e.g., New York City, extensive inspections).
Cost by Mold Type
| Mold Type | Cost |
|------------------------------|-----------------------|
| Alternaria | $450–$550 |
| Aureobasidium | $450–$550 |
| Chaetomium | $450–$550 |
| Cladosporium | $450–$550 |
| Aspergillus | $450–$550+ |
| Penicillium | $500–$600 |
| Trichoderma | $500–$600 |
| Ulocladium | $500–$600 |
| Serpula Lacrymans | $500–$600 |
| Fusarium | $600–$800 |
| Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold) | $600–$800+ |
Cost by Location
| City | Cost |
|-------------------|-----------------------|
| Los Angeles | $160–$2,663 |
| Portland, OR | $160–$1,400 |
| New York City | $200–$4,100 |
| San Antonio, TX | $200–$625 |
| Dallas | $216–$1,100 |
Inspection Types and Costs
| Inspection Type | Cost Range |
|-------------------------|------------------------|
| Swab Test | $200–$300 |
| Air Test | $250–$350 ($700 for extensive testing). |
| HVAC Test | $50–$75 |
| Lab Stain Test | $150 (additional cost). |
| Mold Culture Test | $50 (additional cost). |
Factors Impacting Cost
- Home Size: Larger homes cost more to inspect due to greater area coverage.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach spots (e.g., wall cavities, air ducts) increase costs.
- Number of Samples: More samples = higher cost, especially if mold is widespread.
- Mold Type: Toxic molds like black mold require specialized handling, raising costs.
- Testing Extent: Visual-only inspections are cheaper, but thorough testing increases expenses.
When to Get an Inspection
- After Water Damage or Flooding: Mold thrives in moist areas after leaks or floods.
- Buying or Selling a Home: Prevent or address mold-related property value loss.
- Signs of Mold: Musty odors, visible mold, warped walls, or unexplained health issues.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
- DIY Mold Testing Kit: <$40 but limited in scope.
- Professional Inspection: $657 on average, with thorough assessments and lab testing.
- Recommendation: Always hire a professional for reliable results and proper safety protocols.
Why It’s Worth It
- Health: Mold exposure causes allergies, respiratory issues, and severe infections.
- Property Value: Mold devalues homes by 20–37%.
- Long-Term Savings: Early detection prevents expensive remediation or structural repairs.
Pro Tip: Get regular inspections if your home is prone to moisture or in a flood-prone area to prevent mold growth!
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