Mold Testing | How to Test for Mold

Learn about how the pros test for mold, the types of conditions that lead to mold growth, the equipment we use for mold testing, the symptoms mold usually causes, when mold testing is warranted, and more!
Shout out to Allan with A.S.K. Contracting & Home Remodeling based out of the Pittsburgh area! Contact him at 412.904.8005 or visit his Facebook page here:
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I’m Certified Professional Inspector Steve Hill, owner of Hill Property Inspections LLC. We’re the top-rated inspection company in the greater Johnstown, PA area and have a team of awesome, highly skilled inspectors. I’m also the president of the Southwestern PA Chapter of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a former State Farm Agent, and a veteran of the U.S. Army JAG Corps.
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[@AMAYERICAN]

great video thanks for covering this!

[@paulamoore237]

Thanks. This was very helpful. I’m a landlord and I’m used to being ripped off by contractors so I’m very nervous about hiring a mold inspector for my two properties. Can you recommend an honest mold inspector in the Maryland area? or provide questions for me to ask to ensure that I won’t get ripped off?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

You’re very welcome, and I’m glad it was helpful. I don’t personally know of any other testers in Maryland, but you’ll want to be sure to demand proof and detailed explanations of any work they claim needs done, and there should be a lab analyzed mold test as part of the process (including one at the end to verify remediation was successful).

[@NGNGmusic]

What is the standard levels of mold that is allowed and how accurate are the test kits that test for mold spores. ?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

There isn’t really a set standard for most types of mold and fungi because it varies quite dramatically depending on the region and climate, but that’s why an outdoor sample is taken as a control to measure indoor samples against. But even outdoor control samples can have elevated levels that are considered problematic. As far as accuracy goes, results from a certified lab should always be very accurate.

[@theallaroundguy2399]

So it looks like you did an average size house with three different samples. If you don’t mind me asking, what was your charge for that?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

Our base rate (which is what this one was) is $350. A lot of that is taken up by lab fees and shipping, but there’s still a decent profit margin.

[@colombianpapi91990]

Do you bill the Insurance company ? Or the home owner? What’s the best way to get paid?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

It’s almost always the client (usually the buyer) who orders the test, and they’re who we bill.

[@jpetersonafr]

How much does it cost to have a lab analysis done?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

About $60 for the lab fees and about $30 for the shipping fees, so roughly $90 total.

[@jpetersonafr]

Thanks

[@theallaroundguy2399]

Do you just have a set price for a mold inspection based on the number of samples you’re going to take. For instance, do you take one sample outside and two samples inside and that is your base mold inspection price? Do you tell the clients that more sampling will make the mold inspection more expensive?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

Yes to all. $350 for the base rate, which includes the outdoor control and two indoor air samples, and $75 for each additional air or grab sample.

[@theallaroundguy2399]

@@HillPropertyInspections That is exactly what I was thinking I’m going to do, except in my area the mold inspectors have jumped to $400. On a grab sample, do you normally do the clear tape and the Ziploc bag or something else?

[@HillPropertyInspections]

Swab or tape (whichever I have or is more suitable at the time), and I use InspectorLab based in Fort Lauderdale.

[@theallaroundguy2399]

@@HillPropertyInspections Sounds good. I am a home and termite inspector in Oklahoma. I’m in the process right now of adding mold inspections. I’m just trying to decide the best way to do the grab samples. I’m meeting with the laboratory tomorrow to buy some equipment and see what they have for sample collecting. i’m thinking I’m just going to start with one air pump and just move it three different times because I will already be there doing the property and termite inspection anyways. I have seen some mold inspectors that have multiple pumps going at the same time but they probably did that just to make the inspection quicker. How often do you get clients to ask for extra samples to be taken? Do you ever get deals where they say let’s do all 10 or 12 rooms?

[@theallaroundguy2399]

@@HillPropertyInspections We have labs right here in Oklahoma City where I will just drop off samples. I do well and septic system inspections as well, so I’m used to dropping off water samples all the time

[@juiA5]

What’s the brand on that machine

[@HillPropertyInspections]

Zefon. It’s the Zefon bio pump.

[@kennethhughley1611]

It's my belief that the outside sample is not a good way of measuring mold. For example a person can barbecue and show no response to particals. Mow the lawn and have a reaction.

[@HillPropertyInspections]

It’s really just a matter of the lab needing a control sample to set a baseline for each property’s unique area. There are all kinds of factors that could impact that (and we’ve gotten results where even the outdoor control sample is labeled problematic), so I’m not sure there’s a more accurate scientific approach. If you have and can clearly articulate one, you may want to share it with the various labs that do testing and set standards. And I mean that very honestly, not sarcastically. There could always be a better way, and that’s what the scientific method is all about.

[@RyanLeague]

@@HillPropertyInspections furthermore, the outside control will indicate if an elevation of mold spores found in a home may be coming from outside the home. Without an outside control, you cannot answer this very important question.

[@williammiller6110]

So many videos about how to test for mold... ZERO on how to interpret the lab results.

[@HillPropertyInspections]

For us it’s pretty simple… the report from the lab we use states “NORMAL” in black or “PROBLEM” in red for each sample and provides detailed information for every type of mold present. And that works well because clients need to be given the results in a very straightforward, easy-to-understand way while also being provided with detailed information.

[@williammiller6110]

@@HillPropertyInspectionsPericonia, Myxomycetes, and smuts... Elevated over 3000 ccm3... what does that tell you? Where is the mold? what needs to be done?

[@chipmhandle]

What’s with the mask?//