Mold Testing in Dickinson, TX

Signs a test may help

• A musty odor in rooms that were gutted and rebuilt after a flood.
• Paint that bubbles or baseboards that swell months after repairs.
• A smell that shows up when the AC kicks on.
• Stains near windows or ceilings after heavy rain.
• A home purchase where the seller mentions past water damage.

Dickinson conditions

Dickinson is a Galveston County city about 32 miles from Houston, roughly midway toward Galveston, with Dickinson Bayou flowing through town and a history of farming, tourism and Italian settlement. Harvey hit it hard: about 90 percent of the city flooded and about half was destroyed by floodwater. That means many homes here were gutted and rebuilt, and how well framing and slabs dried before new drywall went up varies house to house. A rebuilt wall that was closed while still damp is a classic place for hidden growth. Beyond flood history, bayou humidity, attic AC equipment and heavy rain keep moisture in play year-round.

What affects cost

Angi's Houston cost data reports inspection and testing averaging $453, typically $355 to $563. The price rises with more samples, an HVAC sample, a larger or two-story house and faster lab turnaround. Angi's national figures list combined air and surface testing at about $250 to $500. Under Texas law the company that tests cannot also perform the removal on the same project, so remediation is billed separately.

What happens when you call

You are connected with an independent local mold assessor. Explain the home's flood and repair history, where the smell is and how long it has been there. The visit starts with moisture readings and a visual inspection; samples follow where they will answer a question. You get the lab results with a written explanation. Check the assessor's license on TDLR's license search. Repairs need permits from the City of Dickinson Building Permits & Inspections Division, which posts the FEMA Elevation Certificate form for applicants, and renters can file the city's online Report a Code Violation form. The Galveston County Health District does not handle mold complaints. If results call for removal, keep the lab report, the protocol and the final clearance paperwork together, since they document the house's history for any future sale or insurance question.