Mold Testing Experience You Can Trust

  • 20 Years Experience
  • 300 reviews
  • 8,500 Inspections
  • 40,000 hours
  • 40,000 samples

Why Same Day Mold Testing?

Why Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. (SDMT)?

Simply said: Because We Care. We care about landlords with difficult tenants. We care about tenants with uncooperative landlords. We care about buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. We care about property managers and your valued clients. We care about business operators and the customers that patronize your business. We care about families that are concerned for the health of their loved ones. We care about your peace of mind. Contact us to see how we can help with a mold concern that affects the ones you care about.

What SDMT Does:

We perform investigations related to water damage and mold contamination. We perform indoor air quality assessments and produce reports with meaningful recommendations.
We investigate water damage, mold contamination and air quality concerns in an objective manner. We serve residential, commercial, property managers, real estate agents, and tenants that are concerned about the health of occupants inside the built environment. SDMT offers these services on expedited timelines to ensure mold and air quality issues are dealt with in a timely manner.

How SDMT Does It:

Visible inspection is performed by a certified mold inspector; moisture and humidity readings are collected; sampling recommendations are offered based on property condition and occupant concerns. In addition, we collect samples and deliver them to an accredited third party laboratory. Lab results interpretation informs the recommendations offered for resolving the issue. We provide a written report with meaningful and actionable recommendations to solve the problem, be it a simple cleaning or a full-scale mold remediation project. When there is not a mold problem, we will express that opinion as well.

Pricing

Services Offered

Inspection Description Price
Same Day Date of booking (today) first time visit. Visual, moisture readings and report. $550
Initial Future date visit. First time, sample pickup, subsequent visits. Post-remediation verification. Any visit irrespective of a report. $350
Crawlspace or Attic Effective 2023, we no longer offer these services. However, air samples can be collected from these areas and surface samples that can be collected within arms reach. Sample prices apply. N/A
Sampling / Testing Our preferred laboratory is LA Testing. Visit www.LATesting.com to verify their credentials. Price
Sampling / Testing Same Day Results. Depends on time of day. Per Sample $300
Sampling / Testing Expedited Results. Excludes weekends. Per Sample $150
Sampling / Testing Standard rate. Per Sample $100
Other Services Description Price
Travel Outer limits of L.A. County and beyond. Varies
Additional SF Above 2,000 Square Foot Varies
Overtime / Holiday / Weekends Greater than 2 hrs. onsite / National Holidays / Sat-Sun. Report writing outside of published hours of operation. Consulting. Per Hour (1-hour minimum) $200
Sampling Media Each sample collected but not submitted to the lab. Also applies if collected when you were unavailable to discuss. Will be credited towards sample price if lab analysis occurs at a later point. $25
No Access / Cancellation 30 minutes wait after arrival without the ability to inspect. Canceling after the inspector is en route. Forfeits Service Fee that was booked.
What’s Included

Inspection appointment is based on a 2-hour window of time in which the inspector is expected to arrive.

Inspection fee pays for a visual inspection, relative humidity readings, moisture readings of construction materials, and an inspection report with recommendations. Delivery of report depends on turnaround time of lab results. It can take up to several days for a written report depending on the field workload, lab result turnaround time, and the demands of a “same day” brand.

Samples are not included in the inspection fee. Reports are generally handled in chronological order unless there was an expedited lab result for sampling associated with your inspection. Expedited lab result customers will receive their report sooner than someone who paid for standard labs even if that inspection occurred before the expedited customer. A customer that has paid for expedited service has a reasonable expectation to receive their report in accordance with the paid, expedited service.

Report Writing

We deliver a state-of-the-art report that includes photos of problem areas for repair. See our Gallery for a sample of our report documentation.

There are several tasks involved with generating a report. These tasks could take an hour or more, and are largely contingent upon the momentum of the inspector while performing office duty. Here’s what’s involved:

– Photo Review (necessary after the passage of time from the date of inspection)
– Review Job Notes (specific issues related to the job)
– Photo Selection (identifying the best photos taken during the inspection, which could total dozens!)
– Report Prep (data entry, report writing)
– Insert Photos (mark up photos with captions and labels)
– Draft Review (ensure completeness and accuracy)
– Final Draft (Save as PDF File)
– Email Delivery (lab results and report)

NOTE: If any portion of your balance is unpaid, no inspection report will be generated.

Sampling/Testing

Samples are collected from the air, wall cavities, bulk material, or from the surface depending on the level of validation sought from the analytical component of the assessment. The per sample testing charge is in addition to the inspection fee. Each job presents its own set of variables that will influence the number of samples recommended.

The customer has the discretion to accept or decline sampling recommendations. The lab provides a report of findings. Lab turnaround time starts when the samples are received by the lab. Verbal notification satisfies lab turnaround commitment, which includes call attempted, voice mail, text message and/or email.

If the lab is the reason for the delay in communicating lab results, there is no refund of the service fee. Periodically, the lab has to ship out samples to other laboratories in which case the timer doesn’t begin until the next lab logs the samples for analysis. But they do not discount the cost of sampling because of this inconvenience. Consequently, we do not discount the lab fees.

Pre-Inspection Advisements

If you are not going to be on site at the time of the inspection and are not a business or property manager, you will need to provide a method of payment prior to the appointment to ensure payment for services rendered.

It is advisable to have someone available to discuss inspection findings and to determine the number of samples to be collected. If no one is available, the inspector will collect the samples deemed appropriate and discuss them with you later, so as not to postpone subsequent field activities elsewhere. Samples collected but not submitted will be subject to the Sample Media fees.

Close doors and windows several hours prior to the inspection. Turn off air purifiers. To ensure indoor air quality is not diluted by outdoor air or “cleaned” with mechanical air purifiers. Remove contents from below sinks to enable viewing of the back wall and cabinetry floorboard.

FAQ

Same Day Mold Testing (SDMT) is an indoor environmental testing company that specializes in mold inspections, testing and consulting. SDMT is one of the most reviewed, top rated mold inspection companies in Southern California on Angi (formerly Angie’s List), with over 200 reviews. We also have the privilege of a 4-star rating on Yelp.

SDMT has been in business since June 2005.

Yes. SDMT inspectors are certified to perform mold inspections by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). ACAC is a nationally recognized certification organization for the indoor air quality industry.

ACAC credentials programs were recognized by HUD’s Healthy Homes website as having the most relevant and credible programs for mitigating home hazards. ACAC credentials are being required for many state licensing requirements and local government contracts.

Mold inspectors are not regulated by state or local government. Therefore, licensure is not required in California.

Click on the ACAC logo to verify the certification is in good standing and play the video to learn more about the credential

ACAC

HealthyHomes

Yes. SDMT carries worker’s compensation and professional liability insurance policies. SDMT liability is limited to the fee for service.

We do have thermal imaging (TI) technology to detect temperature variations within walls and other inaccessible areas. TI cameras are confused with mold detection technology. Generally speaking, TI cameras are not useful for detecting mold because mold contamination can exist on a dry surface that has no temperature associated with that surface. We use the FLIR C5 camera and may charge an additional fee to use this device during a mold inspection because it takes extra time to interpret and explain the readings to the customer.

We can perform moisture mapping at an additional cost. We price this service based on the number of areas we are mapping and the approximate time to do the mapping. In general, this is billed at $200 per hour with a 1-hour minimum. This includes grid line diagrams with labeled areas and the associated moisture readings. Call us if you are interested in this type of work.

Yes. As an inspection company, we use a separate company to analyze the samples we collect. This ensures the legal integrity of the process and employs an accredited laboratory to analyze the samples and provide lab results. We then pass those lab results along to you for your records.

Our preferred laboratory is EMSL, which is an international brand with a local imprint in California by the name of LA Testing. Visit their website at www.LATesting.com to verify their credentials. On occasion, we may use a different lab if LA Testing cannot accommodate our sampling needs.

Please be advised that the laboratory will not answer any questions about the lab results we provide to you. They will defer to Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. because we are the indoor environmental professionals (IEP) and we are their client, you are our customer. Therefore, they will redirect you back to us for answers to your questions.

ERMI Testing. We do not offer “ERMI” Testing. Here’s what the EPA has to say about it:

Should I test or sample for mold in my home using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, or ERMI?

No. The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, or ERMI, developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers, is a research tool and is not recommended for use except as a research tool.

For more information, see EPA’s Office of Research and Development Fact Sheet: The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index – www.epa.gov/air-research/environmental-relative-moldiness-index-research-tool-fact-sheet

Our inspectors do several things to ensure a thorough inspection and meaningful recommendations.

  1. Visual Observation. We look for signs of water damage or mold. Our trained eyes look in the most unlikely places that people would think of for mold contamination.
  2. Moisture Readings. Common places for moisture readings are around plumbing sources, but we also test areas like other shared walls to plumbing and exterior walls as well as ceilings.
  3. Relative Humidity. We collect humidity readings because the higher the “moisture” content in the air, the higher the likelihood for mold to take hold on carpet, clothing, furniture and walls.
  4. Sampling Recommendations. Oftentimes, no samples are recommended. But most customers call with a concern in mind. We couple the customer’s concern with the condition of the property to make sampling recommendations.
  5. Sample Collection. We collect air, surface, wall cavity and other types of samples to ascertain whether or not there is a mold problem. Each job will be unique and sampling recommendations are customized to each job.
  6. Lab Results Interpretation. We synthesize the lab results with the property condition to formulate recommendations that are actionable, which may include cleaning, repairs or trade specialty involvement (e.g., plumbers).
  7. Inspection Report. Here is where it all comes together in language you can understand so that you know whether or not there is a mold problem and what to do about it.
  8. Follow Up. We’re available for questions you may have after reading the report. We are also available to retest the areas if a cleaning or repair has been recommended.

The average on-site inspection takes one hour. The average commute time is one hour. And the average report time is one hour. The total average is three hours of involvement with commuting, inspecting and reporting.

We advise that you close all doors and windows several hours prior to the inspection to ensure the best air quality sampling. It will also enable us to smell the musty odors you report during the phone call. We also advise that you clear out the contents (bottles, boxes, etc.) underneath sinks so that we can see the floorboard and back wall around plumbing. This will ensure that we don’t damage your items and that we can move through your property more efficiently. Turn off any air filtration/purification devices 24 hours prior to an inspection, or as soon as you schedule an appointment. The inspector will contact you prior to arrival to let you know he is on the way.

Lab results notification largely depends on the turnaround purchased. Verbal notification satisfies the lab result commitment. Either a phone call, a text message or email satisfies verbal notification. The actual lab results are delivered with the report, which can take several days. Some factors that influence report delivery is the end of shift for the inspector, training, weekends and holidays. But verbal notification satisfies the lab results commitment.

There are several tasks involved with generating a report. These tasks could take an hour or more, and are largely contingent upon the momentum of the inspector while performing office duty. Here’s what involved:

  • Photo Review (necessary after the passage of time from the date of inspection)
  • Review Job Notes (specific issues related to the job)
  • Photo Selection (identifying the best photos taken during the inspection, which could total dozens!)
  • Report Prep (data entry, report writing)
  • Insert Photos (mark up photos with captions and labels)
  • Draft Review (ensure completeness and accuracy)
  • Final Draft (Save as PDF File)
  • Email Delivery (lab results and report)
  • Photos are optional at the discretion of the Inspector

Delivery of report depends on turnaround time of lab results. If no samples are collected, we can usually deliver the report same day or next day. It can take up to 10 business days for a written report with 1 week lab results depending on the field workload and the demands of a “same day” brand. Holidays, weekends, training, illness, termination, technical difficulties, emergency, social constraints and jury duty are excluded from delivery time frames. We recognize the report is an important document and want to get it to you as soon as possible.

Our price point for the mold inspection fee assumes reports are written within published business hours. Mold inspection reports can be generated outside of business hours for an additional fee.

To pay $200 for Overtime, pay here using your job reference #. This will ensure completion of your report on a prioritized basis.

Once payment has been received, an inspector will be dispatched to complete the report. Paying the Overtime rate will initiate a call-in for report preparation.

Requests for updates might not be responded to because we have disclosed our report deliverables policy here on our website. However, we will acknowledge your payment.

Make sure we have your accurate email address for sending the report.

$550 – Same Day Mold Inspection or visit of any type (Initial, Reinspection, Pickup, Post-Remediation Verification).

$350 – Future date visit. First time, sample pickup, subsequent visits. Post-remediation verification.

Same Day Mold Testing inspection fee pays for a visual inspection, relative humidity readings, moisture readings of construction materials, and an inspection report with recommendations. Delivery of report depends on turnaround time of lab results. It can take up to 10 business days for a written report depending on the field workload and the demands of a “same day” brand.

*Additional square footage above 2,000 is subject to an additional charge. For a complete list of our fees, see Pricing

Effective 2023, we no longer offer these services. However, air samples can be collected from these areas and surface samples that can be collected within arms reach. Sample prices apply.

$150 This is the additional fee to travel to the outer limits of L.A. County (Calabasas, Lancaster/Palmdale, Long Beach, Malibu, Pomona, San Pedro/RPV) and neighboring counties. In some circumstances, it may double (e.g., Bakersfield, Kern County). Covers the cost of additional commute time, fuel, tolls and vehicle wear & tear.

No Access Fee. No Access/Cancellation is when an inspector arrives at the location (30 min max wait time) and is not able to enter the property or the appointment is canceled after the inspector is en route. Forfeits the prepaid service fee.

$200 This may be an additional fee to perform report writing duties outside of published business hours. (1-hour minimum)

$200 Hourly rate to perform moisture mapping. (1-hour minimum)

5% Processing Fee for Card and PayPal payments.

There are several types of samples that we can collect. The most frequently collected sample types for mold testing include air, surface, and cavities. Lesser type samples for mold are carpet, bulk materials and personal contents.

We can collect paint chip samples to be analyzed for lead hazard and bulk samples like acoustic “popcorn” ceiling, insulation material, and other suspected asbestos containing materials.

Pricing is the same for mold, lead paint and asbestos samples. However, there are times when the price has to be revised upwards for asbestos and lead. The lab is required to analyze each layer of material in a bulk sample. We won’t know how many layers they are billing for until after the analysis is done. In cases where they have analyzed multiple layers, we revise our sample fees upward to reflect each layer analyzed. For example, if we submit one bulk sample and they count it as two layers, we revise our price upward from one sample to two samples and bill accordingly.

Samples are collected from the air, wall cavities, bulk material in or from the surface depending on the level of validation sought from the analytical component of the assessment. The per sample testing charge is an addition to the inspection fee. The lab provides a report of findings. Lab turnaround time starts when the samples are received by the lab.

$100 – Per Sample Standard Rate

$150 – Per Sample Expedited Results. Excludes weekends.

$300 – Per Sample (Same Day) – depending on time of day

Our preferred accredited, independent laboratory is www.LATesting.com.

The average cost of an inspection is $750.

Example: Scheduled Initial Inspection and 4 samples with standard rate results: $350 + $400 (4 samples @ $100/ea.): Total: $750.

Yes. Price will vary depending on the type of inspection you will need. Go to our Pricing page for more detailed information

Inspections are available Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited availability on weekends. Other hours are designated for office duty.

Our commitment is to offer an appointment the same day you contact our office. Depending on the work load of our inspector, it may have to be an evening appointment.

The fastest way to schedule an appointment is to send us an email. If there is availability for the time you are requesting, we will respond accordingly. Please be sure to read our Pricing section before inquiring to make sure the cost fits your budget. The appointment is based on a two hour window of time e.g., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the goal of arriving at the beginning of the window and being gone by the end of the window. Job overruns and traffic can and do influence arrival/departure times. An inspector will keep you apprised on appointment commitments. You can email us at: samedaymoldtesting@gmail.com.

SDMT provides services for those located in Southern California, spanning from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara and the Antelope Valley. We’ve been as far as Bakersfield too! Contact us to see if we can serve you!

Cash, Zelle, Check, Credit Card, Paypal. Invoice for Property Management only.

Note: There is a 5% processing imposed for card and PayPal payments.

Company policy is to collect payment at the time of inspection. If you are not going to be on site at the time of the inspection and are not a business or property manager, you will need to provide a method of payment prior to the appointment to ensure payment for services rendered.

In some cases, the person responsible for the payment is not on-site.

In cases where the payment was not collected during the inspection, we offer four ways to pay your bill:

1. Payment by Zelle offered at major banks. Most efficient and cost-effective.
2. Our website using a card of your choice
3. PayPal, or
4. Mail a check to our office.

Use email address samedaymoldtesting@gmail.com for online Zelle and PayPal. Refer to the Job Reference # in the invoice when making your payment.

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc.

50 N. Mentor Ave. #164

Pasadena, CA 91106-1745

Our Company Policy is that only the customer/client that paid for the inspection is given documentation or specifics about the inspection. For example: A tenant wants to know the findings of the inspection that was paid for by the landlord or property manager. They would not get that information from SDMT unless we have something in writing authorizing the release of the inspection report and/or lab results.

We encourage other interested parties to contact the paying customer or client to obtain specifics about an inspection and/or lab results.

We comply with all legal requests for information, such as subpoenas.

We do not share our documentation with government agencies.

We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site.

We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you.

We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g., to ship an order.

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

» See what data we have about you, if any.

» Change/correct any data we have about you.

» Have us delete any data we have about you.

» Express any concern you have about our use of your data.

We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.

Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser, or looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the web page.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.

If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via telephone at 626-568-2928 or samedaymoldtesting@gmail.com.

Yelp Rating
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