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Mold Inspection Cost: What to Expect

Mold inspections typically cost $300 to $650. Here's what affects the price and how to avoid overpaying.

Average Mold Inspection Costs

Small Home

$300 - $400

Under 1,500 sq ft

Average Home

$400 - $550

1,500 - 3,000 sq ft

Large Home

$550 - $800+

Over 3,000 sq ft

What Affects the Price

Home Size

Larger homes take longer to inspect and may have more potential problem areas. Expect to pay $100-200 more for every additional 1,000 square feet.

Number of Samples

Sample Type Cost Per Sample Typical Use
Air sample $75 - $150 Detecting airborne spores
Surface swab $50 - $75 Identifying visible mold type
Tape lift $50 - $75 Surface contamination
Bulk sample $75 - $100 Testing building materials

Geographic Location

Prices vary significantly by region:

  • Major metros (NYC, LA, SF): 20-40% higher than average
  • Humid climates (FL, Gulf Coast): Often higher due to demand
  • Rural areas: May be lower but fewer inspectors available

Accessibility

Hard-to-reach areas cost more to inspect:

  • Crawl spaces: +$50-100
  • Attics without easy access: +$50-100
  • Multiple buildings/structures: +$100-200 each

What Should Be Included

A Quality Mold Inspection Should Include:

  • Visual inspection of entire home
  • Moisture meter readings
  • Humidity measurements
  • Thermal imaging (infrared) in problem areas
  • Documentation with photos
  • Written report with findings
  • Recommendations for remediation (if needed)

Testing (Usually Additional Cost)

  • Air sampling (indoor and outdoor baseline)
  • Surface sampling of visible growth
  • Lab analysis and species identification
  • Written lab report

Inspection vs Testing

Inspection Only ($250-450)

Visual assessment and moisture readings. Best when:

  • You can already see mold
  • You need documentation for landlord/insurance
  • You want to identify moisture sources
  • Budget is limited

Inspection + Testing ($400-800)

Inspection plus lab analysis. Best when:

  • You smell mold but can't see it
  • You need species identification
  • Health symptoms require documentation
  • Legal or insurance claims are possible

Learn more about when you need inspection vs. testing.

When to Get a Mold Inspection

Definitely Get an Inspection If:

  • You're buying a home (especially with known water history)
  • There's been flooding or major water damage
  • You smell musty odors but can't find the source
  • Family members have unexplained respiratory symptoms
  • You're in a dispute with landlord or insurance company
  • Previous mold remediation was done (verify completion)

You Might Not Need One If:

  • Small, visible mold patch (under 10 sq ft) with known cause
  • Simple bathroom mildew on tile/grout
  • You already know you need remediation

How to Save Money

Smart Ways to Reduce Costs

Get free access to the full guide

5 cost-saving steps that lower your inspection bill

What NOT to Skimp On

Get free access to the full guide

4 things that protect you from a bad inspection

Red Flags to Avoid

Warning Signs of Untrustworthy Inspectors

  • Free inspections (often leads to inflated remediation quotes)
  • Same company does inspection AND remediation (conflict of interest)
  • No written report provided
  • Pressure to decide immediately
  • No credentials or certifications
  • Won't explain what's included in the price
  • Quotes without seeing the property

Learn more about mold testing scams and red flags.

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