How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost in 2025?
A mold inspection costs an average of $669
A mold inspection costs an average of $669, with most homeowners spending between $302 and $1,043. Costs can be as low as $150 or reach $2,992 in some cases.
Your mold inspection cost depends on factors like testing type, mold type, home size, and the location’s accessibility.
Hiring a professional inspector to check your home for mold ensures thorough and accurate results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Mold inspection is an essential preventive measure for homeowners. Mold inspections cost between an average range of $302 and $1,043, or $669 on average. Factors like location, home size, mold type, and testing type all impact the final price. Budgeting wisely and hiring a professional ensures reliable detection and peace of mind, especially when scheduling regular inspections for long-term protection.
Mold Inspection Cost Factors
As you begin your research on mold inspections, you'll quickly find that flat rates aren't the norm. Several factors can affect your final cost, including your home size, location accessibility, and the mold type you're potentially dealing with.
Mold Testing
On‑site mold testing runs $250 to $500. During the visit, the inspector collects air or surface samples to confirm the presence of mold, identify the species, and measure the spore count—critical details that your professional will use to plan remediation.
Lab Testing
Many inspectors also send samples to a lab, and pricing depends on the test method. For example, a stain test costs an average of $150, whereas a mold culture test adds $50.
Additionally, fees vary by the sample type used. The inspector will gather several pieces of household material and physically take them to an independent lab for testing. Depending on the type and number of different collection methods used, lab testing of mold samples can add additional costs, as laid out in this table.
| Sample Collection Method | Average Lab Testing Cost |
|---|---|
| Swab sample | $200–$300 |
| Carpet sample | $50 |
| Air sample | $250–$350 |
| HVAC test | $50–$75 |
Home Size
Home size plays a big role in your final inspection quote. Mold inspection costs can range from $150 to $2,992 overall. Homes under 4,000 square feet incur inspection costs between $300 and $400, while larger homes often cost between $700 and $1,000. The more ground an inspector has to cover, the more you can expect to pay for the inspection.
Mold Location and Accessibility
Most mold colonies are easy to spot, but growth tucked behind walls, under flooring, or inside ductwork takes extra time—and therefore extra cost—for an inspector to confirm.
Mold Type
Expect to spend $450 to $800 or more for an inspection that covers every mold type. If your mold inspector suspects there’s black mold in the home, the cost of your inspection may be even higher because they’ll have to take more care and use protective equipment to conduct the assessment.
| Mold Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Alternaria | $450–$550 |
| Aspergillus | $450–$550+ |
| Aureobasidium | $450–$550 |
| Chaetomium | $450–$550 |
| Cladosporium | $450–$550 |
| Fusarium | $600–$800 |
| Penicillium | $500–$600 |
| Serpula lacrymans | $500–$600 |
| Stachybotrys chartarum | $600–$800+ |
| Trichoderma | $500–$600 |
| Ulocladium | $500–$600 |
Signs You Have Mold in Your Home
If you think mold might be lurking in your home, check for these red‑flag warning signs.
Moldy/Damp Odors
Bathrooms, basements, closets, and other wet areas are popular hangouts for mold. It could be a sign of a more significant issue if you smell a musty odor coming from any of these spots.
Visible Mold Spores
Mold is often visible. Mold can appear as white, fluffy threads or as clusters of tiny black spots.
Previous Water Damage
Old water damage and long-term exposure to moisture will lead to mold. If you see water stains or discolorations on walls or ceilings, or if you notice bubbling or cracking paint, you could be dealing with water damage.
Water Leaks
Anywhere there is moisture, you're likely to find mold. In the case of water leaks, the evidence of an issue isn't always where you can see it. Damaged floors, sagging ceilings, and strange noises in your plumbing are good indicators of a water leak.
Flooding
Any home with past flooding will almost always have mold issues. In this case, a mold inspection is crucial.
Persistent Sickness
Chronic mold exposure can lead to several health issues, including skin allergies, nasal congestion, persistent coughs, and an overall uptick in your allergy and asthma symptoms.
How to Prepare for a Mold Inspection
A few quick prep steps help your inspector get accurate readings:
Stop all exterior ventilation: In the 24 to 48 hours preceding the examination, close all windows and keep doors closed.
Turn off your HVAC system: Be sure to turn off your HVAC system at least two hours prior to your inspection time.
Turn off any appliances that affect your indoor air: If you have air purifiers, air cleaners, whole-house humidifiers, or dehumidifiers, turn them off 24 to 48 hours before your inspection.
Pause any cleaning and landscaping projects: Landscaping, vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping can all affect mold readings.
Clear away clutter: Remember that a home inspector will likely examine the nooks and crannies of your home, where mold tends to thrive.
Budgeting for a Mold Inspection
While an inspection costs far less than full remediation, repeat visits can add up. Try these tactics to keep your budget in check:
Book an inspection as soon as you spot a problem—the longer you wait, the pricier it gets.
Bundle a mold inspection with remediation services to lower the costs of both services.
See if your homeowners' insurance offers coverage for hiring mold testing pros and remediation services.
Save money by skipping DIY home tests and investing in comprehensive, professional testing.
Reduce the risk of mold by keeping humidity low in potential problem areas, such as basements and bathrooms.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some companies offer a no‑cost phone or video consultation that screens for red flags. If the discussion points to a real issue, the pro will recommend a paid on‑site inspection. The complimentary call clarifies whether you need full testing, but it isn’t a substitute for samples, lab work, or a written report. Always confirm what the free service covers before you schedule.
A standard inspection, which includes basic air and surface samples, takes an average of two hours. If the pro needs to probe hidden spaces, such as wall cavities or ductwork, plan on up to six hours. Extra time allows the inspector to reach tight areas, collect additional samples, and document findings. Lab analysis is a separate process and often adds several business days to the overall timeframe before you receive the full report.
Mold thrives where moisture lingers and air flow is poor. Common hotspots include bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, window sills, HVAC vents, fireplaces, crawl spaces, and enclosed attics. Check these areas regularly—especially after leaks or high‑humidity weather—to catch growth early and avoid costly repairs.
Unchecked mold can knock 20% to 37% off a home’s market value because buyers worry about hidden damage and health risks. Even after remediation, visible staining or a history of major moisture issues can still lower offers and prolong the time on the market. Addressing mold quickly protects both your property’s structural integrity and its resale appeal.
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