Live Life Team
How much you can expect to pay for a mold inspection depends on the extent of the mold problem and where in your home it is located. With some mold removal companies it may also depend on where you live. This means that if you opt to use a firm that’s headquartered some distance away you may get a higher estimate when you give them your zip code.
The average range that homeowners pay is between $290 and $1,025, according to one mold remediation contractor.As you would expect, less serious mold issues are also cheaper to remedy than full-blown toxic mold problems.It’s possible to buy a testing kit for around $40 and check on mold yourself, and if you think the problem is minor that’s an option. However, be aware that this is no substitutefor a comprehensive, professional assessment.
When your home is damp the constant moisture can enable spores to grow and spread rapidly. These can be toxic and may lead to health problems for you and your family if left uninterrupted for too long. If you don’t see any visible mold but there is a musty smell in some areas then it makes sense to test anyway, as mold can be concealed behind walls and in crawl spaces, such as somebasements or attics.
It’s worth deciding whether you may also benefit from air quality testing, particularly if anyone in your family has respiratory problems. Typical costs are between$300 and $550.
Types of mold
The most common types of indoor spores include:
- Acremonium: Needs immediate removal as is dangerous.
- Alternaria: Remediation is a good option. Can be dangerous for people with allergies.
- Aspergillus: Needs immediate removal as is dangerous.
- Cladosporium: Remediation is a good option. Can be dangerous for people with allergies.
- Penicillium: Remediation is a good option. Can be dangerous for people with allergies.
- Stachybotrys: Needs immediate removal as is dangerous.
- Ulocladium: Remediation is a good option. Can be dangerous for people with allergies.
In total, there are more than 10,000 different kinds of spores, typically sorted by their colors, principally black, white and pink.
Black Mold, Mildew and Bacteria
Black mold is the most toxic form and can lead to serious health conditions, such as asthma. It should be removed immediately as it may cause other symptoms including eye irritation, headaches, chronic coughingand fatigue.More severe cases can lead to further health problems.Typical sites throughout the U.S., are in cardboard, drywall and lumber.
White spores form mildew, which is not as harmful as black mold initially, although over time it can cause allergic reactions if left untreated. Pink spores are common in kitchens and bathrooms and are a form of bacteria. Like mildew they can cause health problems if left untreated.
Remedial treatment
As with mold inspection, the costs ofremoving mold vary according to the severity of the problem and the accessibility of the location. You can pay between $1,000 and $3,500 for professional remediation services, once the inspection has determined the nature and extent of the mold, and the best way to treat it.
