Professional mold inspection and laboratory testing in Chicago starts at $375 for residential properties. At Mr Mold Inspector, that price includes a professional inspection, two laboratory samples, moisture evaluation, and a detailed report with findings and recommendations.
But what exactly does $375 cover? When would you need additional samples? And are there any other costs?
Here's a straightforward breakdown of our pricing and what you should expect before scheduling.
Mold Testing Prices in Chicago
Residential Mold Inspection & Testing: $375
Includes a professional inspection, two laboratory samples, moisture evaluation, and a detailed digital report.
Commercial Mold Inspection & Testing: Starting at $550
Pricing depends on the property size, inspection scope, and sampling requirements.
Additional Air or Surface Samples: $75 Each
Additional samples are available when multiple areas require evaluation.
Expedited Laboratory Processing: $25 Per Sample
Rush processing is available subject to laboratory availability.Our residential price includes the inspection and standard laboratory sampling. Commercial pricing depends on the size of the property, the inspection scope, and the sampling requirements.
If additional testing is recommended, we explain why before collecting extra samples.
What Does the $375 Residential Inspection Include?
Our standard residential package combines a professional inspection with laboratory testing.
Your $375 includes:
Visual evaluation of accessible areas relevant to the inspection
Moisture readings to investigate potential water intrusion
Thermal imaging when appropriate
Two included laboratory samples
Independent laboratory analysis
A digital inspection report with findings and recommendations
For the included samples, we typically collect one indoor air sample and one outdoor control sample, or two surface swab samples, depending on the conditions being evaluated.
Air samples are useful when investigating airborne mold concerns. Surface samples help evaluate suspicious staining or growth on specific materials.
We don't rely on a laboratory result by itself. Moisture conditions, visible evidence, the building's history, and the sampling results all help us evaluate the situation.
How Much Do Additional Mold Samples Cost?
Additional air or surface samples are $75 each.
Here's what that looks like for a residential inspection:
Standard Inspection (2 Included Samples): $375
With 1 Additional Sample (3 Total): $450
With 2 Additional Samples (4 Total): $525
With 3 Additional Samples (5 Total): $600
Additional samples cost $75 each and are only collected when needed and approved.
More samples do not automatically mean a better inspection. We recommend sampling based on the property conditions and the specific concerns being evaluated.
For example, a homeowner with a musty basement may only need the standard inspection and included sampling. A property with separate concerns in the basement, attic, and living areas may benefit from additional samples.
The goal is to collect samples that help answer a specific question, not to increase the bill unnecessarily.
What Factors Can Increase the Cost?
The main factors affecting your final inspection price are:
1. Number of areas requiring evaluation
A single area of concern is generally simpler to assess than several unrelated problem areas throughout a property.
2. Additional laboratory samples
If sampling is needed in multiple rooms, on different floors, or from different materials, each additional sample costs $75.
3. Property size and complexity
Large residences, multi-unit buildings, and commercial properties may require a broader inspection scope. Commercial inspections start at $550, with larger projects quoted according to their requirements.
4. Expedited laboratory results
If you're working against a real estate closing, contractor deadline, or other time-sensitive requirement, expedited laboratory processing is available for an additional $25 per sample, subject to laboratory availability.
We discuss the inspection scope and any additional charges before proceeding.
Is Mold Inspection Included in the Testing Price?
Yes. We perform the inspection and laboratory testing together.
This is an important distinction when comparing prices between companies.
A company advertising an inexpensive mold air test may be quoting only the collection and analysis of a sample.
At Mr Mold Inspector, our standard residential service includes the inspection, moisture evaluation, included sampling, laboratory analysis, and a written report.
An air sample can provide useful information about airborne spores at the time of collection, but it cannot identify every concealed moisture problem or rule out hidden mold behind walls.
That's why we evaluate the building conditions along with the laboratory findings.
For more information about different sampling methods, see our mold testing services page.
Do You Always Need Mold Testing?
Not every situation requires laboratory sampling.
If mold growth is clearly visible and the source of moisture is already known, testing may not be necessary simply to confirm that mold is present.
However, an independent inspection and laboratory testing may be helpful when:
There's a persistent musty odor but no obvious growth.
You suspect concealed mold following a leak or water damage.
Different areas of a property need to be evaluated.
You're purchasing a property and want independent documentation.
A lender or insurance representative has requested an inspection report.
You need post-remediation verification after mold cleanup.
The right scope depends on what you're trying to determine.
We want customers to understand what the inspection can establish before paying for testing they may not need.
How Much Does Commercial Mold Testing Cost?
Commercial mold inspections start at $550.
We inspect offices, retail spaces, commercial buildings, and other business properties.
Commercial pricing can vary depending on the square footage, number of areas requiring evaluation, building conditions, and laboratory sampling needs.
A small office with one area of concern may require a very different inspection from a large property with multiple rooms or ongoing water intrusion.
For commercial projects, we can discuss the building and inspection requirements before providing a quote.
How Long Does It Take to Get Mold Test Results?
Standard laboratory results and inspection reports are typically available within 3–4 business days, depending on laboratory processing and the scope of the inspection.
Expedited processing may be available when results are needed sooner.
If you have an upcoming closing, insurance deadline, or scheduled remediation project, let us know before the appointment so we can discuss the available turnaround options.
Are Mold Inspection Reports Accepted by Lenders and Insurance Companies?
Our inspection reports provide independent findings, laboratory results, and documentation of the conditions evaluated.
These reports may be useful for mortgage transactions, insurance claims, property purchases, contractor evaluations, and other documentation needs.
However, each lender or insurance company may have its own inspection and reporting requirements.
If someone has requested a mold inspection for a specific transaction or claim, we recommend confirming those requirements before scheduling.
We can discuss the requested scope so the inspection is performed for the intended purpose.
Is Professional Mold Testing Worth the Cost?
That depends on the situation.
If you're concerned about a musty odor, unexplained water damage, or suspected hidden mold, a professional inspection can help identify moisture-related conditions and determine whether additional action is warranted.
The value isn't simply knowing whether a particular mold type was detected.
It's understanding the inspection findings, how they relate to the property, and what steps may be appropriate.
At Mr Mold Inspector, we've completed over 6,000 inspections. We specialize in independent mold inspection and testing and do not perform mold remediation.
That means we provide findings and recommendations without trying to sell a mold removal project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Testing Costs
Is $375 the total cost for a residential mold inspection?
Yes. Our standard residential inspection is $375 and includes two laboratory samples. Additional samples or expedited processing are optional and charged separately when requested or agreed upon.
Does the $375 include laboratory analysis?
Yes. Laboratory analysis of the two included samples is part of the standard residential package.
What if I only want one room inspected?
We can evaluate a specific area of concern. Our standard residential inspection price remains $375, including the applicable inspection and sampling package.
How much does one extra mold air sample cost?
An additional air or surface sample costs $75.
Can I request expedited mold testing results?
Yes, subject to laboratory availability. Expedited laboratory processing is an additional $25 per sample.
Will a mold air test find mold behind my walls?
Not necessarily. An indoor air sample reflects airborne conditions when collected. Suspected hidden mold may require additional moisture investigation or targeted evaluation.
Get a Clear Price Before Scheduling
Mr Mold Inspector provides independent mold inspection and laboratory testing for residential and commercial properties throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
With offices in Worth and Northbrook, our inspectors travel directly to the property.
Residential Inspections: $375
Commercial Inspections: Starting at $550
Additional Samples: $75 Each
Call or text 773-673-4020 to discuss your concerns and schedule an inspection.
View Our Chicago Mold Inspection Services and Schedule an Appointment
Mr Mold Inspector — Independent Inspections. Laboratory Testing. No Remediation.