Professional Mold Testing You Can Do Yourself
Get laboratory-quality results with expert analysis—no expensive on-site inspection needed.
We ship you professional sampling equipment, you collect samples following our detailed instructions, and receive a comprehensive expert report within days.
Or call: (612) 444-3275
The Problem with Current Testing Options
You suspect mold in your home. Maybe you see discoloration. Maybe you smell something musty. Maybe you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms but can’t find the source.
You have three bad options:
- Option 1: Do Nothing — Hope it’s not serious. Risk your family’s health. Let the problem get worse.
- Option 2: Hire an On-Site Inspector ($500 to $1500) — Expensive. Scheduling hassles. Strangers in your home. And you’re paying for someone to do what you could do yourself with proper equipment and guidance.
- Option 3: Buy a DIY Kit from Home Depot ($40-60) — Cheap, but scientifically unreliable. You get confusing lab results with no interpretation. Settle plates and passive collection methods aren’t what professionals use. No expert guidance on what the results actually mean.
There’s a Better Way
Professional testing equipment + Independent analysis + Professional review and report = Answers you can trust
We provide the same laboratory-quality testing that professional on-site inspectors use – but you collect the samples yourself, saving hundreds of dollars. Then you get a comprehensive expert report from a licensed professional with 40 years of experience, not just raw lab data.
The result: Laboratory accuracy. Professional interpretation. DIY pricing.
Choose Your Testing Package
Surface Testing Package
Perfect for: Visible discoloration, suspected surface mold, post-remediation verification
What you get:
- Professional sampling supplies for 3 locations
- Detailed photo and video instructions
- Independent laboratory analysis
- Expert summary report explaining results in plain English
- Genus-level identification and health risk assessment
- All shipping included (both directions)
Air Quality Standard
Perfect for: Musty smell but no visible mold, hidden mold suspected, air quality concerns
What you get:
- Professional air sampling pump (included rental)
- 2 air sample cassettes (1 indoor location, 1 outdoor baseline)
- Video instructions and phone support during sampling
- Independent laboratory analysis
- Expert report comparing indoor vs outdoor spore counts
- Genus-level identification and health implications
- Source investigation guidance
- All shipping included (both directions)
Equipment Deposit: $300 refundable hold*
Air Quality Premium
Perfect for: Multiple areas of concern, whole-house assessment, comprehensive air quality evaluation
What you get:
- Professional air sampling pump (included rental)
- 3 air sample cassettes (2 indoor locations, 1 outdoor baseline)
- Video instructions and phone support during sampling
- Independent laboratory analysis
- Comprehensive expert report with multi-room analysis
- Genus-level identification and health implications
- Source investigation guidance
- All shipping included (both directions)
Equipment Deposit: $300 refundable hold*
Complete Assessment
Most comprehensive option
Perfect for: Comprehensive property assessment, pre-purchase inspections, serious air quality + visible mold concerns
What you get:
- Professional air sampling pump (included rental)
- 3 air sample cassettes (2 indoor locations, 1 outdoor baseline)
- 3 surface sample tape lifts
- Video instructions and phone support during sampling
- Independent laboratory analysis (all samples)
- Comprehensive expert report (8-10 pages)
- Air quality analysis AND surface contamination assessment
- Genus-level identification and health implications
- Red flags to watch for when hiring contractors
- All shipping included (both directions)
Equipment Deposit: $300 refundable hold*
Need to Test More Locations?
Additional samples can be added to your order at the time of purchase only.
Additional Air Sample
$60 each
- Additional indoor or outdoor locations
- Same laboratory analysis
- Included in comprehensive report
Additional Surface Sample
$50 each
- Additional locations or materials
- Same laboratory analysis
- Included in comprehensive report
Note: Additional samples must be ordered with your original testing package and cannot be added after shipment.
* Understanding the Equipment Deposit
Why Is There a Deposit for Air Sampling?
Professional air quality testing requires a calibrated air sampling pump – the same equipment professional inspectors use. Pumps are calibrated regularly to ensure accurate results.
We include this professional equipment in your air sampling package so you can collect laboratory-quality samples. The $300 deposit protects this equipment while it’s in your possession.
It’s a Hold, Not a Charge
When you order an air sampling package, we place a temporary $300 authorization hold on your credit card—exactly like a hotel does when you check in. This isn’t a charge. The money doesn’t leave your account.
Automatic Release
When you return the pump in good condition, we release the hold within 48 hours. It disappears from your credit card statement as if it never happened.
You Only Pay If:
- Equipment isn’t returned within 30 days
- Equipment is damaged beyond normal wear and tear
- Equipment is returned non-functional due to misuse
Normal wear and tear is expected and covered. We only charge the deposit for lost equipment or significant damage.
Think of it Like Renting a Car
- Service fee ($449-599) = the rental cost
- Deposit ($300) = protection for the equipment
- Return it safely = deposit released
- What you actually pay = just the service fee
Quick Summary: What You Actually Pay
Air Quality Standard:
Total authorization: $749 ($449 service + $300 hold)
What you actually pay: $449 (deposit refunded)
Air Quality Premium:
Total authorization: $799 ($499 service + $300 hold)
What you actually pay: $499 (deposit refunded)
Complete Assessment:
Total authorization: $899 ($599 service + $300 hold)
What you actually pay: $599 (deposit refunded)
What Makes Our Testing Different?
You’re Not Just Getting Lab Results—You’re Getting Expert Interpretation
Most DIY mold tests give you confusing laboratory data with no context. You’re left wondering: “What do these numbers mean? Is this dangerous? What should I do?”
Our service includes comprehensive analysis from a licensed professional with 40 years of experience in environmental consulting and mold assessment.
| Feature | Home Depot DIY Kit ($40-60) | On-Site Inspector ($500 to $1500) | Our Mail-In Testing ($297 to $599) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional sampling methods | ✗ Settle plates (unreliable) | ✓ Professional | ✓ Same equipment |
| Independent laboratory analysis | Basic lab only | ✓ Professional lab | ✓ Professional lab |
| Expert interpretation and report | ✗ Raw data only | ✓ Professional report | ✓ Comprehensive report |
| Remediation recommendations | ✗ None | ✓ Included | ✓ With cost estimates |
| Cost | $40-60 | $500-1500 | $297-599 |
| Convenience | ✓ At home | Scheduling required | ✓ No scheduling |
| Privacy | ✓ Private | Strangers in home | ✓ Complete privacy |
What You Get in Your Expert Report
Professional Analysis, Not Just Numbers
Unlike DIY kits that give you raw laboratory data, you receive a comprehensive written report that explains exactly what the results mean for your specific situation.
Executive Summary
Clear overview of findings and main recommendations in plain English
Laboratory Results Explained
- Spore counts and concentrations
- Genus-level identification
- Organism profiles explaining ecology, moisture needs, and common sources
- Comparison to outdoor baseline (for air samples)
- What the numbers actually mean
Health Risk Assessment
- Health implications of identified species
- Risk levels for typical occupants
- Special considerations (children, elderly, immunocompromised)
- When to consult healthcare providers
Source Investigation Guidance
- Where contamination likely originated
- Moisture sources to investigate
- Hidden growth locations to check
- HVAC and ventilation considerations
Remediation Recommendations
- Is professional remediation needed, or is this DIY-cleanable?
- What work actually needs to be done
- What’s overkill and unnecessary
- Timeline and urgency level
Contractor Selection Guidance
- What certifications contractors should have
- Questions to ask when getting bids
- Warning signs of unqualified or dishonest contractors
- Contract terms you should require
Next Steps
- Specific actions you should take
- Timeline for remediation or monitoring
- When to retest
- How to prevent recurrence
Cost Analysis (Optional Add-On – Additional Fee)
- We’ll need quantities and existing conditions provided by you
- What you should expect to pay in your region
- Red flags in contractor estimates
- DIY vs professional cost comparison
- Pricing for this add-on service provided with your initial report
Why Trust Us?
40+ Years of Experience
Unlike lab-only services that just return test results, your results are reviewed and interpreted by a licensed professional who has spent four decades in environmental and facility management.
Credentials that matter:
- Licensed Asbestos Supervisor/Inspector/Project Designer in numerous states
- Director, University of North Dakota Environmental Training Institute
- 40 years in environmental and facility management since 1984
- I literally train the contractors and inspectors in this industry
What This Means for You:
I know what proper remediation looks like. I know what corners get cut. I know when a $30,000 remediation bid should really be $8,000. I know which mold species are genuinely concerning and which are harmless. And I have no financial stake in selling you remediation services – my only goal is giving you accurate information.
Completely Independent Analysis:
I don’t perform remediation work. I don’t have contractor relationships. I’m not trying to upsell you on services. I provide objective analysis so you can make informed decisions about your property and your family’s health.
Active in the Community
As a consultant and as a moderator of Reddit’s r/mold and r/asbestoshelp communities, I’ve helped thousands of homeowners understand their contamination issues. My Reddit comment history demonstrates my commitment to education and my depth of knowledge across countless real-world scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
The laboratory analysis is identical – we use the same professional lab (Hayes Microbial Consulting) that on-site inspectors use. The sampling methods are the same. The only difference is that you collect the samples instead of paying someone $500 – $1500 to collect them for you. With our detailed instructions and phone support, you’ll collect samples correctly.
Our video instructions show you exactly how to collect samples properly. We also provide phone support during sampling if you have questions. The process is straightforward – if you can follow a recipe, you can collect mold samples. In the unlikely event samples are compromised, we’ll note that in the report and work with you on re-sampling if needed.
Home Depot kits use settle plates (passive collection), which are scientifically unreliable and often give false positives or false negatives. We use the same active air sampling and tape lift methods that professional inspectors use. More importantly, you get expert interpretation – not just confusing lab numbers.
Outdoor air contains baseline mold spore levels. We compare your indoor levels to outdoor levels to determine if you have an actual indoor mold problem. Elevated indoor counts or species distribution compared to outdoor = potential issue. Indoor counts similar to outdoor = likely no indoor source. Without an outdoor baseline, indoor numbers are meaningless.
The laboratory analysis is professional-grade and comes with chain of custody documentation. The report clearly states that samples were collected by the property owner following provided professional instructions. While we cannot guarantee admissibility in all legal contexts (you didn’t hire a licensed inspector to visit your property), many clients have successfully used our reports for insurance claims and negotiations.
Contact us before day 30. We can extend the return deadline for legitimate reasons (travel, illness, scheduling conflicts). The 30-day window ensures equipment availability for other customers. Communication solves most issues -just let us know.
Contact us immediately. We’ll troubleshoot by phone, and if the equipment has malfunctioned during normal use, we’ll send a replacement at no charge. The deposit only applies if equipment is damaged beyond normal wear and tear or not returned. Normal malfunctions are our problem, not yours.
Surface sampling takes about 15-20 minutes for 3 locations. Air sampling takes about 30-40 minutes for 2 samples, or 45-60 minutes for 3 samples. The pump runs for 5-10 minutes per sample while you can attend to other tasks.
We provide specific guidance in your kit based on your situation. Generally: test areas where you see visible growth, where you smell musty odors, where moisture problems exist, or where occupants experience symptoms. For air sampling, test the rooms where people spend the most time. We’ll help you determine the best locations when you order.
No special skills required. If you can follow detailed instructions and operate simple equipment (like pressing a button on a pump), you can collect quality samples. Our tutorials show you exactly what to do, and phone support is available if you have questions during the process.
We Serve Homeowners Throughout the United States
Our mail-in testing services are available to property owners nationwide. Professional sampling equipment and supplies ship to your location anywhere in the United States, with prepaid return shipping included.
Mail-in testing services: Available in all 50 states
On-site inspections and project management: Midwest (Nationwide on demand)
Ready to Get Answers?
Stop wondering. Start testing.
Choose the testing package that’s right for your situation and get professional answers within days—not guesswork, not fear-mongering, just honest expert analysis.
Or call: (612) 444-3275
Need Help With Other Mold or Asbestos Issues?
Already Have an Inspection Report or Contractor Bid?
If you’ve already hired an inspector or received contractor proposals, we also offer expert review and analysis services.
Services include:
- Inspection report analysis and interpretation
- Contractor bid evaluation and cost verification
- Pre-purchase property assessment
- Litigation support and expert witness services
Need Real-Time Expert Guidance?
Sometimes you need immediate answers or want to walk through your situation live with an expert. We offer video consultation sessions where you can show us your property, ask questions, and get professional guidance in real-time.
Video consultations include:
- Live screen sharing to review inspection reports or test results
- Virtual property walkthrough via your phone camera
- Immediate answers to your questions
- Professional recommendations you can act on right away
- Recording provided for your reference
Perfect for: Urgent situations, complex scenarios needing immediate discussion, or homeowners who prefer face-to-face consultation.
Looking to Hire a Qualified Contractor?
Through the University of North Dakota Environmental Training Institute, we train contractors and remediation professionals to industry-leading standards. Through our consulting services, we also review hundreds of contractor bids and proposals each year – giving us unique insight into which contractors deliver quality work and which ones cut corners or overcharge.
No one is better positioned to help you identify reliable, qualified contractors. When hiring, ask if contractors have completed certified training programs and get multiple detailed bids you can have independently reviewed.