Mold Inspection Costs? It’s Not Free For Sure! Here’s Why…
Ever heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” Well, that saying hold true for mold inspection costs. Here’s the lowdown on how much you should expect to pay for a mold inspection. But first, you need to know there are two types of mold inspectors: mold testing only and mold testing & mold repair.
- Mold Test Only. Mold inspection companies should only perform mold testing and not perform mold repair. It is considered a conflict of interest to do both because the test and repair company may exaggerate the problem in order to overcharge for a solution. Mold inspection costs for test only companies are paid at the time of the inspection. The test only business molded is preferred because consumer are less likely to be uphold on costly repairs if the inspector should up for free. In essence, mold removal companies pose as mold inspectors to offer free inspections to unsuspecting customers. Be sure to hire a mold test only company when you are trying to determine if you have a mold problem. Paying mold costs up front will lessen the likelihood of overpaying of mold repairs.
- Mold Test and Mold Repair. Several test and repair companies backload the cost of mold testing by offering low-cost or free mold inspections for the purpose of being the first responder. Conventional wisdom holds that first responders will usually get the job. So, how do you think mold removal companies cover the mold inspection cost? Each visit costs $50-$100 just to show up. There’s the advertising dollar spent to get your cell, the phone bill, the cost of labor to take the call and show up to your property, fuel and other costs of doing business (insurance, utilities). If a mold removal company shows up to ten house for “free”without getting a single job, they’re out nearly a thousand dollars. They simply couldn’t stay in business without finding a mold “problem.” And they won’t be profitable unless a majority of the house have a mold “problem.” That is why mold test and repair companies exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions.
- Mold Inspection Cost. Once you know the difference between mold test-only and mold test & mold repair, you have a better appreciation for the cost of mold testing. As stated in the mold test and mold repair paragraph, it cost $50-$100 just to show up. Then there is the time factor associated with performing the mold inspection and providing a mold report. Of course, every company needs to make a profit to effectively serve customers. All told, mold inspection costs by a reputable company range from $150 to $250. There are other mold costs as well, known as mold sampling. Mold testing is necessary for several reasons: mold identification, mold concentration, and indoor air quality. The going rate for mold sampling is $100 per sample. The inspection company pays an accredited laboratory to analyze the mold samples. Mold sampling is a mold cost that is helpful in determining the extent of the mold problem and establishing a scope of work for mold repair. The total number of samples vary for each job. The mold inspector makes sampling recommendations based on the factors associated with the building and its occupants.
To Summarize:
- Mold inspection costs are real and should be expected for most consumers. It is rare that a customer will be told there is no problem when it cost the company $50-$100 just to show up.
- Mold test and repair companies will show up for “free” but their objective is to show up first so they can exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions.
- Mold test only companies will charge to show up and charge for each sample. They are a better option because there is no hidden agenda to sell you on a potentially unnecessary repair.
- Be an informed consumer of mold services and hire a test only, certified mold inspector.