A mold inspection answers three questions: is mold growing in your home, how far has it spread, and what moisture is feeding it. It is the step that turns a musty smell or a suspicious stain into a clear plan, and it keeps a remediation quote from being larger, or smaller, than the job requires.
If you own your home and want a professional to look at it, call the number on this page. We connect you with an independent local company that can schedule an inspection.
What a mold inspection includes
- Questions first: smells, stains, past leaks or floods, and areas where mold keeps returning
- A walk-through: rooms, closets, under sinks, around tubs and windows, the water heater, the attic, crawl spaces, and the air conditioning system
- Moisture readings: a meter shows whether drywall, wood, or flooring is wet
- Thermal imaging: an infrared camera shows temperature differences that can reveal damp areas behind walls and ceilings
- Humidity readings: the EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent
- Sampling, if useful: air, surface, or material samples sent to a lab
- Findings: a verbal summary and, depending on the service, a written report with photos and recommendations
See what a mold inspection involves for the full process.
When you need a mold inspection
- You smell mold but cannot see it
- You had a flood, a roof leak, or a plumbing leak that soaked walls or floors
- Mold keeps coming back after cleaning
- You are buying or selling a home
- You are filing an insurance claim and need to document the damage
- Remediation is finished and you want to confirm the area is clean
You may not need one when the mold is small, visible, and has an obvious cause that has already been fixed. The EPA says areas smaller than about 10 square feet can often be cleaned by the homeowner. Our guide to signs of mold in your house helps you decide.
Inspection or testing?
An inspection is a search for mold and moisture. Testing is collecting samples for a lab, and it is one possible part of an inspection. The EPA says that in most cases, if mold is visible, sampling is unnecessary, and no federal limits exist for mold or mold spores. A good inspector samples only when it answers a real question, such as whether mold is hidden or whether cleanup worked. See our mold testing page.
What a mold inspection costs
| What you get | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection of an average-sized home | About $300 to $650 |
| Large home or widespread problem | Up to about $1,000 |
| National average, with typical testing | About $670 |
| Individual lab test | About $50 to $350 each |
Figures are from Angi and HomeGuide. See what a mold inspection costs for details, and free mold inspections for what a no-cost visit usually includes.
Choosing a mold inspector
- Independence. An inspector who does not also sell remediation has no stake in the size of the job.
- Licensing. Florida and Texas license mold assessors, and both separate assessment from remediation. In Texas, one company may not do both on the same project; in Florida, a licensed assessor may not remediate a home it assessed within 12 months.
- Method. Ask how they look for moisture, when they take samples, and which accredited lab they use.
- The report. Ask for a sample report and whether yours will include photos, moisture readings, and lab results.
- Price in writing. Including how many samples are covered and what each extra sample costs.
Mold inspections for home sales
A standard home inspection notes visible signs of moisture and possible mold but does not test for it. If the home has a musty smell, stains, or a history of leaks or flooding, add a mold inspection during the inspection period. See do home inspections check for mold?
How our service works
When you call the number on this page, the call is free, and you are connected to an independent local company that serves your area. The company talks with you directly, can schedule an inspection, and gives you a price. There is no obligation to hire. We are not an inspector or contractor; check any company's license and insurance before you hire. Our service is for homeowners; if you rent, the landlord usually arranges inspections.
Find a mold inspection near you
Choose your state and city below for local conditions, typical costs, and licensing rules, or call the number on this page to be connected with a local company.