Mould Inspection Guide: How Much Does It Cost And When To Get One
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
When buying a home, your primary concerns are generally whether it has enough space for your family and whether it’s a sound home.
One thing you may not think about is getting a mould inspection.
A mould inspection can be an essential service to rely on – even in the home in which you currently reside.
However, not everyone knows when the most appropriate time is to receive one, what’s involved, and how much they cost. We’ve covered all of this information and more below.
When Is The Best Time to Inspect For Mould?
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Mould is a fungus that thrives in moist environments. The microscopic mould spores are all around us – inside and outside – but how they affect your home is all down to the moisture content inside it.
Most homeowners won’t have any issues with mould because they keep their homes warm and dry.
With this in mind, the best time to inspect a property for mould is when you question the level of care it has received to remain dry and mould-free.
Some of these scenarios below could be the perfect opportunity for a mould inspection.
A New Home Purchase
If you are buying a new home, you have no idea how the previous occupants lived.
You don’t know if they’ve had a pipe burst in the wall, a leaky roof, a malfunctioning appliance, or a lax attitude to ventilation.
Therefore, before you sign on the dotted line, request a mould inspection from a reputable mould removal company.
They can carry out a multitude of different tests and checks to identify any presence of mould. You can then have peace of mind going forward with your property purchase.
Water Damage
After a broken pipe, a roof leak, or even a flooded basement, it’s always a good idea to bring in mould testing experts. You may have cleaned up the water to the best of your ability, but mould contamination may still be a problem.
Typically, if a wet area is not dried within 1-2 days, mould can start to grow – and potentially out of control.
You See Mould
The most obvious way to know that it’s time to request a mould inspection is, of course, the presence of mould.
If you see it, it’s there, and there may be more that you can’t see.
Mould inspection teams can get into every nook and cranny of your home with their tools of the trade to find where mould could be lurking.
They can then create a plan of attack to help your home become healthy and safe once more.
Your Home Has Sat Unoccupied
It may surprise you to learn just how much can change in a home that has been left unused.
Humidity can build up inside houses that haven’t been given a chance to ventilate, and this can cause mould growth.
This is a particularly bad problem for homes in warm parts of the United States with high humidity levels.
You’ve Had Mould Remediation Work Carried Out
Even though mould inspections and remediations can be a significant weight off your mind, it’s always worth calling the service provider back to make sure the problem has been rectified.
Otherwise, there’s always a risk that it can be growing unchecked, with you believing it was taken care of.
Your Family Is Suffering From Illnesses
You might not see mould or believe your home has it, but the illnesses your family is experiencing may paint a different picture.
For peace of mind and to rule it out as a medical option, consider mould inspections if your loved ones are ill.
This is especially important if they are frequently experiencing symptoms like:
-Watery eyes
-Asthma
-Sneezing
-Nasal congestion
-Skin rashes
-Chest tightness
Mould Testing Vs. Mould Inspections
Mould testing can be a very different service to a mould inspection, so it’s worth being aware of their differences.
Mould testing requires actual testing of mould to find out if mould is growing and what type it is.
In contrast, mould inspections involve a visual inspection and detective work to get into restricted areas with cameras and moisture meters.
They might also ask you questions such as whether there has been any moisture problems in the home, a leaking roof, or if you have seen any mould.
How Much Does A Mould Inspection Cost?
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Many things can dictate how much you will spend on a professional mould inspection service. These factors can be things like your home’s size and whether they’ve had to damage building materials to identify mould present.
Some invasive but necessary inspection methods involve digging into drywall and crawl spaces to identify it. These can all add to the expenses of the overall service.
If you are purchasing a general mould inspection for a home you are thinking about buying; it largely depends on square feet.
A mould inspection for a small to medium home up to 4,000 square feet may cost up to $400. Above that, and you may be paying approximately $900 or more.
Mould testing and inspection costs can vary from region to region and state to state.
You can get a more accurate picture of what you will need to set aside for this service by contacting a mould testing company.
Here at 911 Water Damage Experts, we offer FREE in-person mould inspection.
How To Prevent Mould
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After hiring an expert team to look for mould and potentially even having a mould remediation service, it’s important to start looking for ways to prevent mould.
Preventing it may mean your house is dry and healthy for years to come.
Always repair leaks as soon as you notice them, and clean and dry any affected areas immediately.
If you live somewhere humid, control the humidity level in your house with dehumidifiers.
Don’t forget to air out your kitchen and bathroom regularly and any other warm or wet areas.
If you are unable to take care of any leaks or moisture problems as soon as they arise, make contact with someone who can help.
The better you stay on top of these problems, the less likely mould can be to make its presence known.
If you have any questions about mould inspection feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT anytime 24/7/365 or feel free to chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.
