How Much Does Mold Inspection Cost in Chicago

Written by

Dumitru Nicolaescu

Updated:

December 19, 2024

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The cost of a mold inspection in Chicago can vary significantly depending on several factors. While some companies offer basic visual inspections for as low as $300, more comprehensive assessments can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.

Introduction

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When to Inspect for Mold

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What (Exactly) is a Mold Inspection?

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What Does a Mold Inspection Consist of?

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Visual Assessment: Inspectors conduct a thorough visual examination of the entire property, including often-overlooked areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and HVAC systems. They look for visible mold growth, water stains, peeling paint, and other signs of moisture problems.
Moisture Detection: Using advanced tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras, inspectors identify areas of elevated moisture content in building materials. This step is crucial as mold requires moisture to grow.
Air Quality Sampling: Inspectors may collect air samples using specialized equipment like spore traps or cassette samplers. These samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the concentration and types of mold spores present in the air.
Surface Sampling: When visible mold is present, inspectors may take surface samples using swabs, tape lifts, or bulk material collection. This helps identify the specific mold species present.
HVAC System Inspection: Given Chicago's reliance on heating and cooling systems, a thorough inspection of HVAC components is essential. Inspectors check for mold growth within ducts, on coils, and around vents.
Exterior Assessment: The building's exterior is examined for potential water entry points, such as damaged roofing, faulty gutters, or improper grading, which are common issues in Chicago's older housing stock.
Data Analysis: All collected information is analyzed to create a comprehensive report detailing the extent of mold growth, potential causes, and recommended remediation strategies.
Humidity and Temperature Monitoring: In some cases, inspectors may use data loggers to track humidity and temperature levels over time, helping to identify conditions conducive to mold growth.

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Mold Testing vs Inspection

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How Long Does a Mold Inspection Take?

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What Happens if Mold is Found During a Home Inspection?

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How Much Does a Mold Inspection Cost

Service	Cost
Mold Inspection	$ 300 to 1,000
Mold Testing	$ 200 to 550
Mold Remediation	$ 1,150 to 3,500

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Property Size and Type

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Mold Type

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Test Type

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Visual Inspection:
- Least expensive option
- Involves thorough examination of visible areas
- May not detect hidden mold growth
- Suitable for initial assessments
Air Sampling:
- Crucial in Chicago due to seasonal air quality changes
- Captures mold spores present in the air
- Helps identify hidden mold problems
- Typically involves indoor and outdoor air comparisons
Surface Sampling:
- Often necessary in older Chicago buildings with a water damage history
- Methods include swab tests, tape lifts, or bulk material collection
- Identifies specific mold species present on surfaces
- Useful for visible mold or suspected problem areas
Wall Cavity Sampling:
- More invasive and costly
- Essential for buildings near Lake Michigan with high humidity concerns
- Detects hidden mold growth within walls
- May involve small holes in walls for sample collection
Infrared Camera Inspection
- A non-invasive method to detect moisture issues
- Particularly useful in Chicago's older buildings
- Helps identify potential mold growth areas before visible signs appear
- Can add to overall inspection costs but provides valuable insights