How much does mold testing cost?

Mold testing costs can vary depending on the size of your home or building, what areas are being tested for mold, and whether testing is done inside or outside. A quote from an insurance company may not meet current standards in some states. It is best to consult with a professional mold tester.

Insurance companies typically pay for indoor air quality tests if there is visible evidence of mold growth in the home that has resulted in minor damage to drywall. If it’s uncertain whether there is any damage, policyholders might need to cover the cost themselves. For this reason, some people hire a private mold inspector before they report black and gray molds growing inside their walls and ceilings to their insurer. By conducting their survey first, homeowners may find and fix the moisture problem, removing any need for an insurance claim and saving on mold testing costs.

Many professional mold testers offer free consultations to assess the scope of the work that needs to be done. Generally, rates for mold testing services start at $75 per hour with a minimum three-hour charge. If you choose to have your home or building tested for mold, make sure you get a quote in writing that specifies what is included in the test and what isn’t.

It’s important to remember that a negative test doesn’t always mean that there’s no mold present; it just means that the tester couldn’t find any. So if you’re concerned about black mold, you might want to consider more extensive testing. For example, looking for Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold) requires more expensive lab tests that cost thousands of dollars.

Do You Need Mold Testing?
If you or your family are suffering from respiratory problems like wheezing and difficulty breathing, it would be wise to get tested for exposure to toxic molds like Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Chaetomium. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with weakened immune systems may experience even more significant effects than healthy ones.

When mold levels are high due to water damage inside a building, some individuals will experience allergic symptoms, headaches, body aches, and fatigue. These are typical allergy symptoms that can occur in several areas of the United States all year round.

How to Hire a Professional Mold Tester?
Before hiring any experts for professional mold testing services, make sure the person you’re speaking with is board certified by an organization like the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).[3] Also, avoid anyone who guarantees results or says they can detect every type of mold; no one has that capability yet.