
Budget for the cost of an indoor air quality test based on factors such as home size, pollutant type, potential remediation needs, labor, and more.
Hire a certified mold pro for safe, thorough mold inspection, clear results, and informed next steps so you understand risks, scope, and costs before remediation


An inspection by a dedicated mold pro protects your health and home.
Mold inspections cost between $300 and $1,040 due to specialized equipment and the need for lab verification.
Inspections cost more when mold is in the HVAC system, walls, or multiple areas, so you can expect lower costs for a single contained area.
Certified mold pros identify mold types and hidden locations, delivering accurate results and peace of mind.
DIY test kits are more cost-effective but less comprehensive or reliable than a professional assessment.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you’re wondering who to call to see if your home has mold, hire a mold inspection professional with proper certifications. These pros use specialized equipment, know where mold hides beyond visible spots, and send samples to a lab for verification.
Use this hiring guide to understand your options and what to expect from a professional inspection so you can make confident decisions about next steps.
Hiring a mold professional ensures a thorough, safe inspection from the start. Mold comes in many forms, and certified mold pros identify types, dangers, and remediation methods. They test visible areas and check other locations that homeowners often overlook. Working with a certified pro gives you confidence that the right specialist is responsible for every part of the inspection.
Here are some of the top reasons to hire a mold pro:
Pinpoints mold types and related health risks with accuracy
Checks hidden areas where mold commonly develops and spreads
Uses specialized tools to confirm presence and extent
Collects samples and coordinates third‑party lab verification
Explains results clearly and outlines recommended next steps
Lowers the chance of guesswork or false negatives
Limits your exposure during inspection with safe practices
Provides reassurance through professional certifications
If you have extensive mold growth or suspect hidden mold in multiple areas, you might want to consider a mold remediation pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.
Indoor air quality testers can detect mold, but they are not the best choice for a full mold inspection. Their testing treats mold as one parameter among others, such as smoke, asbestos, or carbon monoxide, which can sideline a thorough mold assessment.
Choose a dedicated mold professional for complete, accurate results focused on mold. General contractors are not recommended for this job unless they hold mold‑specific certifications or licenses.
A mold pro follows a structured approach to find and verify mold. Here’s a look at their process:
Discuss your concerns and visible problem areas
Perform a visual assessment and check likely hidden locations beyond what is obvious
Use specialized equipment to test for mold presence
Collect samples as needed
Send samples to a lab for verification
Review findings with you and explain recommended next steps based on results
Mold inspections cost between $300 and $1,040. The price reflects specialized equipment and lab verification, which are included in this range.
You pay less when mold is contained to a single area, such as a basement corner. Costs are higher if mold affects your HVAC system, sits behind walls, or appears in multiple areas of the home. DIY test kits run $10 to $100, but do not replace a professional assessment.
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