Average Mold Inspection Costs Across Canada

Considering hiring a professional to have a complete assessment of your house regarding mold? We are certain you would like to know the pricing of the whole process and to know what affects the mold inspection cost. By the end of this post, you will find out anything necessary to know before hiring a mold inspector.

Factors Affecting Mold Inspection Costs

Let’s see what the main factors are when it comes to the pricing of the mold inspection:

1. The Size of the Property

Mold inspection cost for an apartment is typically going to be lower than a house, if it’s smaller, of course, which it usually is.

Also, a house might have an attic, a basement, etc., and these added square feet definitely raise the price of the inspection since there is simply more ground to cover. Big commercial buildings and multi-level structures cost even more.

2. The Severity of the Problem

If the mold is localized and has not spread throughout the property, it will cost less; but if the infestation is widespread, the inspectors need to do more labor and spend more time and resources in order to give you a complete picture of the situation.

3. Can You See the Mold?

Where the mold has grown and the accessibility are important factors in the cost of the inspection.

For instance, if it has grown on the surface of a wall on the main floor, it is easy to check it out, but if it has grown behind a wall, or in the attic, or in the HVAC system, or in crawl spaces, it is going to need more advanced tools to examine it, along with more labor, of course.

There might even be a need for some minor demolition in order to make the mold visible and testable.

4. What Type of Tests Are Required?

We have several kinds of testing, each having a specific cost, depending on the tools needed for it and the overall work that goes into it. If you want to know about these tests, we have a post called Mold Inspection that goes into detail on all of the different types.

5. The Type of Mold

People or organizations that offer mold inspection services often cover all types of mold. That said, some molds are more toxic than others and might require special tools or methods that cost more money, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum).

6. Popularity & Experience

The more reputation and work experience an inspector has, the more likely they are going to charge you more.

7. Where You Live

If you live in an expensive city or neighborhood, you probably have to pay more for the mold services. Another factor to consider is the demand for mold inspection services in your area; it can go both ways, honestly: either the demand is high, so the price is high, or the demand is high, therefore the price is low.

If you have just bought a house or are looking to buy a new one, Move in inspection is a must-read for you.

How to Save Money on Mold Inspections?

Mold inspections can get costly. But there are ways to reduce them by a considerable amount if you know what you’re doing:

• DIY Checks: Before hiring a professional, you can just buy a really cheap mold inspection kit. Sometimes in mild cases, that’s all you’ll need.
  
  
• Call Multiple Companies: Don’t hire the first inspector you talk to; get in contact with a few certified ones and ask them to give you a detailed breakdown of their services and costs.
  
  
• Opt for Bundled Packages: If you think your house needs multiple tests, some companies offer bundles that would cost you less compared to when you decide to pay for the different tests separately. Ask the inspector everything when you call them or talk to them in person.
  
  
• Fix the Leaks: If you know you have leaks, first try to repair those and any other moisture issues you can find. That way, you won’t have to pay a lot because you have stopped the mold from growing any further.
  
  
• Ask the Mold Removal Professionals: Some mold removal companies also do the inspecting for you for less money or even for free. Ask around.
  
  
• Check the Situation Yourself: Some mold inspectors might try to convince you of tests that are unnecessary.
  
  So, become informed about the different types of mold and how to detect them, and you will have an idea about what kind of tests are required or if they are required at all. Sometimes all your house needs is a simple visual inspection.
  
  
• Call Your Insurance Company: They might cover all the fees if there are any water damages, and those damages were a result of sudden damage, such as burst pipes.
  
  
• Avoid Busy Days & Emergency Fees: Do not waste time when you suspect mold in your house, putting it on hold until you have to, for example, call the companies on holidays or ask for same-day services, which can cost significantly more.

How Much Do Mold Inspections Cost in Canada?

Let’s get down to the numbers:

If you are interested, Home Inspection Cost in Canada is also a great read.

Hidden Costs of Mold Inspections

There are some nuanced costs that people are typically unaware of and surprised when encountering them. Here are the most common ones:

1. Detailed Reports Costing Extra

Most companies give you a basic report. If you want a full formal report that details every method used and their cost, photographs, thermal images, remediation protocols, etc., they might charge you more.

2. Transportation Costs

If you live outside the company's primary service area, there is a chance they will ask you for more money since they have to drive all the way and bring the tools they need. This can get especially costly if you live in a rural or hard-to-reach location.

3. Post-Remediation Costs

You have paid the professionals, and they have inspected the house and have told you exactly what to do. Then you hire other professionals for the removal and cleaning of the mold, and they do that as well.

However, there is a third step you might need to take, and that is rehiring the mold inspectors to reinspect the property in order to see if the mold issues have been completely resolved, and that is a completely different cost added to the previous two.

Don’t want to be a pessimist, but there is a small chance that after the reinspection, they tell you that there is still mold left somewhere, and in that case, you need to redo the latter two steps all over again; sorry.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of a mold inspection in Canada?

Around $700 on average. It typically starts at $250 and can go up to around $1200, depending on the factors we explained in this article.

2. How much does a mold inspection cost in Toronto?

According to an article describing mold inspection services in Toronto, for small to medium properties, it costs around $300 and $400 to have your house inspected.

3. Do landlords have to pay for mold inspections in apartments?

Typically, yes. In general, landlords have a responsibility regarding the apartment being in good, healthy, habitable conditions, and covering mold problems does fall in those categories.

However, this is usually the case if the mold is a result of the apartment’s structural issues, but if it is a direct consequence of the tenants’ actions, then the tenants might have to take care of the mold themselves.

4. Are mold inspections worth the cost?

Well, if the mold has spread and the issue seems to be severe, then yes, a mold inspection is probably worth it. Also, if you think this is hidden mold and there is a need for special equipment, then again, hiring an inspector is worth it.

But if there is visible and little mold in your house, then removing and cleaning it on your own is probably the best and most cost-effective solution. If that is the case, //How to Get Rid of Mold// is the perfect read for you.

5. What factors influence the cost of a mold inspection?

Discussed in detail in this article, the main factors include the size of the property, how bad the mold situation is, what tests need to be undertaken, where you live, and who you are going to hire.

To Wrap It All Up

When it comes to hiring professionals to inspect your house or building for mold, it all comes down to you and your specific situation, whether it is worth doing it and accepting the mold inspection costs or not. By going through this article, you can assess the situation yourself and then make an informed decision that you will not regret later on. Just remember not to take mold lightly and deal with it as soon as possible, since it can quickly expand and lead to a much bigger problem.