How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost?
A mold inspection can be performed in order to determine the presence of mold (both hidden and visible) on surfaces, as well as the level of contamination present. It is a good idea to have a mold inspection performed before you begin any remediation or construction, as it can save time and money. If the level of mold is high enough, no remediation should be done until testing has been completed and corrective action(s) have been taken, as the presence of visible mold does not necessarily mean that it is a health risk to those in the contaminated environment.
A mold inspection will include 4 steps:
1
Visible Inspection of Surfaces – an inspector will inspect visible areas for physical signs of microbial growth. Some examples of this would be finding standing water, discoloration on or around surfaces, and obvious signs such as mildew or mold. If visible mold is found, the inspector will remove a sample for analysis (with your consent) in order to determine if it is toxic or not.
2
Culturing – samples of any suspected microbial growth will be collected and sent to a lab where they will be cultured for microbial growth; this typically takes 3-5 days.
3
Visible Mold Inspection – after the growth is visible, an inspector will determine whether or not it poses a significant health risk. If so, immediate corrective action will be taken; if not, remediation can begin.
4
Air Quality Test – an air quality test can be performed if necessary to determine the levels of airborne mold spores. If there are visible areas of contamination, this test should be performed before any remediation is done; otherwise, it may not be necessary. An air quality test can also help to determine whether your home or work environment meets indoor air quality guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is the typical cost of mold inspection?
A mold inspection is the first step in starting a mold treatment plan for your home or work place; also finding out how to know if you need mold removal. The average cost of an inspection in Rockville, District of Columbia (D.C.), is $350-$700+. A small portion of this fee usually covers analysis and lab testing fees; these fees will typically add another $200 to the overall cost of the inspection. For homes and buildings with extensive mold infestation the inspection costs can be in several thousands of dollars.
Mold inspection costs are dependent upon many factors including the number of inspections, size of buildings, length of time since last inspection, type and level of mold contamination present. Types of inspections include surface sampling only, limited testing or comprehensive testing.
The cost of mold inspections varies significantly depending on the size and type of building or property, geographic location, amount of mold present and the extent to which the inspection will be inspected by a professional.
If mold growth covers more than 100 square feet, costs can be significantly higher due to the need for extensive sampling and laboratory analysis by certified laboratories. Thus, comprehensive mold testing in this situation could cost $3,000 or more. Costs of mold inspections with limited or no access to inside areas also tend to be higher than average.
Since mold inspection prices vary from one company to another, it is important to request an estimate from several mold testing experts before hiring a professional for this job. Many companies offer free telephone consultations to discuss the problem and provide cost estimate before making a final decision.
The cost of mold inspections may be tax deductible in case if the inspection was made to detect hidden leaks or other water damage, which can cause growth of toxic molds and result in serious health problems for the occupants. If mold remediation is necessary after inspection, this work may also be tax-deductible.
How to prepare for a Mold Inspection?
When hiring someone to inspect a moldy area, there are a few important things you should do beforehand:
Remove all personal items from the area being inspected. This is extremely important if you have just moved into a new home or apartment that is suspected of having high levels of mold. In this case, remove items that are not necessary for the inspection.
Remove all pets from the area being inspected. Pets can carry mold spores so it is best to keep them out of your living space during the inspection process. If you have small children, remove toys and any other items they may be playing with so these do not interfere with sampling or testing activities.
Cover all vents, air ducts and fans to prevent the spread of mold spores. Be sure any materials used for this task are easily removed after the inspection is complete.
Don’t discard anything that may be useful during the inspection process until you have cleared it with your inspector first. Your inspector can tell you what items you should keep and what items you should remove from the area being inspected.
What type of inspection will be carried out?
A comprehensive inspection of an entire facility will include the following:
Taking samples from various areas of the building.
Laboratory testing to determine what type(s) of mold are present and at what level. The results may either indicate that levels are low, in which case you will simply need an air quality test (which is less expensive), or they could show high levels of contamination, in which case you may need a full assessment to determine the extent of the problem and cost of corrective action(s). High levels of mold require removal and/or treatment, as well as further inspection and testing.
The inspector will analyze all available information and documentation and generate a report which details:
- Areas where visible signs of mold are found, including the concentration of mold spores.
- The consequences associated with it being inhaled or ingested by humans and/or animals.
- Recommendations for further testing that may be necessary to determine cause & extent of contamination (if any).
- Recommendations for corrective action(s) that should be taken.
- For HVAC systems, estimate of the cost for cleaning and/or replacement.
- A detailed overview of the entire inspection process.
- The report will also include a section detailing the lab testing information and results with a comparison to industry standards and guidelines.
For more information on mold removal in Rockville MD contact Pro Restorer- Rockville Mold Inspection – Remediation & Removal | Water Damage Restoration at (240) 363-7171
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