Tampa Mold Inspector: Residential Mold Inspections

Basic Mold Inspection - Includes Three Sample and Interior/Exterior Inspection
A typical mold inspection of a 2000 square foot or less property starts at $395.00 and consists of a complete, in-depth, visual inspection of accessible areas by an experienced inspector. It also includes three samples for mold spore analysis. Fee includes all lab fees, lab report, and mold inspection report. Remediation recommendations may require additional sampling. If deemed advisable and with your permission, additional mold and spore samples may be taken for analysis at an additional cost of $95.00 each. Most properties, unless they are extremely clean, new, and relatively free of mold growth, water damage, and complaints of odors and illness, will usually be satisfied with this inspection, however, some homes may require customization of the above plan in the form of one or more additional samples. Such samples are, as previously stated, $95.00 each.

Full Mold Inspection – Includes up to eight Samples
If you know there is at least one or two areas of visible mold growth, moldy odors, or water damage, you can opt for the above visual inspection of accessible areas by our experienced inspector. It also includes up to eight samples. The total fee is $795.00, which includes all lab fees, lab report, mold inspection report, and remediation recommendations. Additional samples are $95.00 each.

Extensive Mold Inspection - Includes up to 30 Samples
If you need the complete physical inspection, which includes testing of several moldy areas at your property, the fee is $1,200.00 to $3,000.00 and up. This is recommended for homes that have a more severe mold problem, especially if mold is discovered in the air conditioning system, as well as most commercial or multi unit properties up to 10,000 square feet. This is also recommended for residences where the occupants are experiencing illness from hidden molds or where there are legal issues involved requiring documentation from multiple samples. This fee includes all lab fees, lab report, mold inspection report, and remediation recommendations.

Mold FAQ's

Mold Inspections - what can I expect to see during a mold inspection (Survey) ?
Initially, a walk through evaluation of the property is done to identify potential sources of mold / fungal amplification. This includes an indoor and outdoor inspection of the house, investigation of the crawlspace, attic, garage and home. A thorough inspection of the HVAC system and filters. Areas of concern are photographed and documented.

Then, if needed, the inspector will take a series samples from areas of concern, this includes air samples, culture swabs or tape lifts. Outside samples are always taken for comparative testing. The samples are then sent to a licensed micro-biological laboratory to be examined with a microscope to determine if the mold has extended beyond areas that are visible and if invasive testing of any area is required.

What are the mold inspectors looking for?
Mold needs a source of moisture or humidity, a source of food or nutrients, and proper temperature to grow. Because mold grows well at room temperature, control is achieved through adequate control of moisture or humidity in the house. Our inspections find areas which have poor humidity control, excess condensation or water intrusion. We are also identifying areas with visible fungal growth, high mold spore counts, water damage, excess organic matter such as dust or dander, poor ventilation, and inadequate air filtration.

How long does a mold inspection take?
Depending on the size of the house and how visible and accessible the areas of mold contamination are, the inspection could take1 to 2 hours on an average 2000 sq. ft or less home. If mold is suspected to be behind a wall, for example, then some invasive testing would be recommended.

What happens after the mold inspection, does the inspector clean the mold?
No, the inspector will not clean the mold at the time of the inspection. The inspector will answer all of your questions about the mold contamination that was found, show you the area or areas that are the most likely source of the amplification, areas that have high mold spore counts and areas that require repair or maintenance.

The mold inspector will identify for you any areas that have had water intrusion or high relative humidity or heavy condensation, as these will need to be addressed as part of the remediation process. The inspector will then provide you with suggestions regarding remediation of the mold.

What do I do with the mold inspection report?
The report can be used to get other remediation companies to quote on the mold remediation job. Using a mold report that also contains the scope of work for your job, you can make sure that all of the remediation companies are quoting on doing the same job. It will allow you to make a more confident decision.

What if I am in the process of purchasing a property that has mold?
If you are in the process of buying or selling the property the mold inspection report can be used in the negotiations to establish an equitable value to repair the property. A mold remediation company can provide you with a full quotation for the remediation of the property with the inspection report, you can immediately ascertain the total cost of repair required to get the house back to a standard that is acceptable for both the buyer and the seller. As most mold problems can now be remediated without major reconstruction of the house, it is more feasible to purchase a mold contaminated house and to have it fully cleaned, remediated and guaranteed.

I have seen it mentioned on some web sites that you should not have the same company do the inspection and the remediation of a mold contaminated home - how does your company handle this?
I couldn't’t agree more. I will provide you with the test results, both before and after the remediation is complete, however, I will not do any remediation. This poses a severe conflict of interest. I will provide at the clients request a list of at least three remediation companies so you can do your due diligence in researching the best solution to your needs.

How much will a mold inspection and written report cost ?
A full mold inspection on an average size residential house ( approx 1500 - 2000 sq feet) will take about 1 to 2 hours of on site inspection and testing, and written report. The average cost is about $395.00. If 3rd party lab reports are required, or there are additional requirements, the cost of these can be determined at the time of making an appointment.

Once we have found the source of the mold, can we clean the mold ourselves?
You should not! I recommend individuals untrained in bio-containment abatement procedures do not attempt to perform remediation on molds with an aggregate area of contamination of 10 square feet or more. (regardless of the type), or on those molds, (regardless of area), which are considered to be toxic or pathogenic.

If the mold problem is more than 10 square feet or if you've tried cleaning it yourself and the odor persists or if it comes back in a few days, you need professional consultation.

Some molds are capable of producing carcinogens (e.g., aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus). The spores may be toxic by inhalation (e.g., satratoxin H in the case of Stachybotrys atra). The antigenic material produced by a mold of a particular genus will vary according to species or a strain within the species and can vary with the source of nutrition available for the organism.

Please call 727.424.9078 for complete details or schedule your inspection online.

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