A musty basement, a stain under the sink, or a seller’s note about a past leak can leave you wondering what is in the air. A home inspection shows you the visible moisture conditions. Mold testing adds laboratory information about spores in the air and on surfaces, so you can decide what to do next based on results.
The test, step by step
Four samples, read by an accredited lab.
- PlanIf you already suspect a problem, we talk through your concerns before the visit. When you request testing with your home inspection, we plan the sampling as we inspect and note areas of interest.
- Outdoor referenceWe collect two outdoor air samples following the IAC2 Standards of Practice, when weather conditions permit. There is no official acceptable level for indoor mold, so the outdoor air on the day of the test is the comparison that gives the indoor results meaning.
- Indoor samplesWe collect two samples inside: air drawn through a sealed sampling cassette, or a tape lift or swab from a surface, depending on what the area calls for.
- Lab analysisThe samples ship overnight to Sporecyte, an accredited laboratory that analyzes every sample in full rather than a portion of it.
- ResultsYou receive the lab report and our explanation of the air comparison or surface findings. See a sample lab report (PDF).
When mold testing may be useful
You might consider testing when the seller disclosed past water damage or mold, after a known leak or flood, when there is a persistent musty odor, or when the home shows high humidity or condensation. Testing can also help you plan if someone in the household has allergies, asthma, or another sensitivity. We are happy to talk through the concern before the appointment and choose a sampling plan that fits the property.
Certified for mold and indoor air sampling
We are specifically trained and certified for this work: InterNACHI certified as a Mold Inspector and as an Indoor Air Quality Inspector, and certified as a Mold Inspector by the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). Our IAC2 certification number is IAC2-95642, which you can check on IAC2’s verification page. Our sampling follows the IAC2 protocol, including two outdoor reference samples when weather conditions permit. If weather prevents outdoor sampling, we explain the limitation and agree on the next step with you.
Understanding your results and next steps
The lab report identifies what was found in the samples and includes images from the analysis. Indoor air samples are compared with the outdoor reference. Surface samples help identify growth at the sampled spot; they are not an indoor air measurement. We walk you through what the results mean for the places we sampled.
This service tests selected air or surface samples for mold. It is not a comprehensive test for every indoor air pollutant. Testing does not diagnose a medical condition or locate every concealed moisture source. If the results or the visual inspection point to a broader concern, we recommend the appropriate qualified professional for further evaluation.
Pricing and scheduling
Mold testing is $299 as an add-on to your home inspection and includes four samples: two outdoor references and two indoor. Each additional sample is $65, and we get your approval before collecting any additional samples. Sampling adds about an hour to the appointment, and we usually collect it during the inspection, so there is no second visit to arrange.
The add-on is available with inspections across Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Daleville, the New River Valley, Lynchburg, and surrounding communities.
About the lab
Sporecyte analyzes our mold samples. Its laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited (PJLA accreditation no. 128180) and participates in the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing program (participant no. 300603). The lab director is a Certified Industrial Hygienist.
Sporecyte’s standard return shipping and lab processing run on weekdays. We coordinate collection with the overnight pickup schedule; a Friday visit, missed pickup, or holiday can move results into the next business week.
See Sporecyte’s sample lab report (PDF). This is the lab’s example report, not a Level customer report.
Choose an inspection day and select mold testing or call (540) 293-3383 to talk through the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can already see mold. Do I need testing?
Often not. When growth is visible, the useful next step is usually finding and fixing the moisture source and planning cleanup. Testing is most helpful when you suspect a problem you cannot see, or when you want the indoor air compared with the outdoor air.
Will testing tell me whether the home is safe?
No single test can answer that. There are no official limits for mold in homes. Air samples are compared with the outdoor reference, while surface samples identify what is at the sampled spot. The results help you, and a qualified professional if needed, decide on next steps.
How soon will I have results?
Plan on about 2-3 business days after sampling for the lab report and our explanation. Shipping cutoffs, weekends, holidays, or delivery delays can add time. We confirm the expected timing when we schedule your test.
Can I order mold testing without a home inspection?
Mold testing is offered as an add-on to a Level home inspection, so we can read the results alongside the moisture conditions we document during the visit.