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How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $1,500 – $9,000
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Advertiser Disclosure
While most homeowners are concerned about black mold removal, all types of mold can lower air quality, create unpleasant smells, and cause health problems. Mold is generally a surface issue but can indicate the presence of decay fungi, which causes structural damage to homes.
Professional mold remediation typically costs $1,500–$9,000 with an average cost of $3,500. While you can clean small, visible mold problems yourself, it’s safer to call in professionals for large or complex infestations.
Signs That You Need Mold Remediation?
Visible black, green, or white mold on your home’s surfaces is an obvious sign that you need mold removal services. Here are some other indicators.
- Musty smell
- Recent water damage
- Spots, speckles, or fuzzy “island” growths on surfaces
- Unexpected or unseasonal allergy symptoms or other health issues
- Warping, peeling, or discolored paint or wallpaper
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What Is the Average Cost of Mold Remediation?
A small mold infestation can cost as little as $500–$1,000 to remove, but professional mediation for large problems can cost up to $30,000. Here are the primary factors that determine where your project will fall within that range.
- Mold location: The more difficult it is to get to and remove the mold, the more the project will cost.
- Size of affected area: The greater the size of the affected area, the higher the price.
- Mold type: Certain mold and fungus types are more dangerous and difficult to remove, thus increasing prices.
- Labor: About 60% of the price of professional remediation efforts goes toward labor.
Cost by Mold Location
The location of the mold within your house has a large impact on cost, especially as it applies to how hidden or widespread the problem is.
Location | Average Mold Removal Cost |
---|---|
Attic |
$1,000–$9,000 |
Basement |
$500–$4,000 |
Bathroom |
$500–$1,500 |
Crawl space |
$500–$2,000 |
Drywall |
$1,000–$12,000 |
HVAC system |
$3,000–$10,000 |
Whole house |
$10,000–$30,000 |
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Cost by Size of Affected Area
Professional mold remediation generally costs $10–$30 per square foot.
Size of Affected Area (in Square Feet) | Cost Range |
---|---|
50 |
$500–$1,500 |
100 |
$1,000–$3,000 |
150 |
$1,500–$4,500 |
200 |
$2,000–$6,000 |
500 |
$5,000–$15,000 |
1,000 |
$10,000–$30,000 |
Cost by Type of Mold
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t distinguish between mold species in its recommendations for mold cleanup. However, some types are more difficult to remove than others, so the cost of mold removal is determined by species to some extent.
Type | Removal Cost |
---|---|
Alternaria |
$700–$6,000 |
Aspergillus penicillium |
$700–$6,000 |
Aureobasidium |
$1,500–$5,000 |
Chaetomium |
$600–$5,000 |
Cladosporium |
$700–$6,000 |
Fusarium |
$800–$8,000 |
Penicillium |
$1,500–$5,000 |
Serpula lacrymans |
$800–$7,000 |
Stachybotrys chartarum (black) |
$800–$7,000 |
Trichoderma (green) |
$700–$6,000 |
Ulocladium |
$1,500–$5,000 |
The mold of the genus Alternaria can trigger hay fever or allergy symptoms. Alternaria mold secretes toxins, but the effects of those toxins on humans and domestic animals isn’t well known. It falls within the average range to mediate at about $700–$6,000.
Aspergillus mold species can directly infect human skin, contaminate food, and cause respiratory infections. The most common is A. fumigatus, which can potentially cause pneumonia or a group of diseases called aspergillosis. This is most common in immunocompromised people. Aspergiullus removal costs about $700–$6,000.
Aureobasidium mold such as A. pullulans and A. melanogenum, thrive in freshwater and can irritate the respiratory system, even leading to a condition known as “humidifier lung.” These molds are described as black and yeast-like. They tend to grow slowly, so they’ll cost about $1,500–$5,000 to remove.
There are many species of Chaetomium mold and most can cause infections or allergic reactions. C. atrobrunneum is a fungus that’s especially dangerous to people with compromised immune systems, as it attacks the central nervous system. This species is dark gray to black and has a fuzzy appearance. It costs $600 to $5,000 to remove.
Although Cladosporium molds are some of the most common, they rarely cause health problems in humans and can be removed for $700–$6,000. They don’t produce toxins but do produce volatile organic compounds that create a musty odor and irritate allergy symptoms.
Fusarium is a large family of molds and fungi. Most are harmless, but some can cause infections in the nails and eyes. A few species may cause severe body-wide infections in immunocompromised people. This type is more expensive to remove—between $800 and $8,000—because it spreads so quickly.
Some types of Penicillium mold create the important antibiotic compound penicillin, and others are used in cheesemaking. When Penicillium infests your home, though, it can spread rapidly through the air, even in low-humidity environments. It costs between $1,500 and $5,000 to remediate,
S. lacrymans is a type of fungus that causes dry rot in timber, where it reproduces rapidly and breaks down wood fibers. It damages structures more than it does people, but that’s all the more reason to remove it from your home quickly. Removal costs are slightly higher than average at $800–$7,000 because of how thoroughly the mold can spread through wooden structures.
Many mold species are black, but when most people think of “black mold,” they think of S. chartarum. It can grow easily in drywall and wallpaper, making it one of the most common mold species in water-damaged buildings. It doesn’t release spores unless the mold is disturbed, so tenting the area and wearing respiratory protection is important. This is why S. chartarum costs a little more to remove, at $800–$7,000.
Trichoderma fungi are fast-growing and may produce a sweet odor. The most common household species is T. longibrachiatum, a mold that starts out white and turns green-gray over time. It typically only causes health problems in people with allergies or lowered immune responses. It can be removed for $700–$6,000,
Most Ulocladium species infect plants or cause food to spoil. However, some can trigger hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Ulocladium typically costs an average of $1,500–$5,000 to remove.
Labor Cost
The above prices apply to hiring professional mold removal companies. Labor accounts for about 60% of the total cost, with materials and the cost of specialized air-handlers accounting for the other 40%. True mold remediation services involve much more than simple cleaning and removal—the area must also be sealed off to prevent mold spores from spreading.
What Are Additional Cost Considerations for Mold Remediation?
The following factors also contribute to mold remediation costs.
Repairing Damage
The mold remediation process typically doesn’t end when the mold is removed. Homeowners must then repair the damage and replace any removed materials, which factors into the total project cost. Here are some typical costs for repairs after a mold infestation.
- Cabinets: $120–$1,425 per linear foot
- Carpeting: $3.25–$10.25 per square foot
- Drywall: $50–$80 per square foot
- Hardwood flooring: $6–$18 per square foot
Preventive Measures
Once the mold issue has been resolved, it’s wise to take steps to prevent it from returning. If you haven’t fixed the source of the moisture, the mold will come back. Here are some preventive measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Reduce humidity in your home: Try to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% by using your air conditioner or dehumidifier in summer and thoroughly ventilating kitchens and bathrooms.
- Fix leaks immediately: Check pipes, roofs, and windows for leaks and fix them promptly.
- Remove carpet from humid areas: Carpeting in the bathroom or basement can hold onto moisture, causing unseen damage beneath.
- Dry and fix water damage: If your home experiences water damage from a flood or severe storm, dry and clean it as soon as possible. Ensure everything is dry before painting or caulking.
- Schedule a mold inspection: If you’re worried the problem has come back, or how to identify mold inspection, a professional mold inspector can point out trouble spots and recommend solutions. Inspections can cost $450–$800.
Mold Testing
- Most of the time, there’s no need to test or sample to see which species of mold you have. All types of mold are potentially harmful, and although some produce toxins, the CDC says all mold should be removed with equal care. If you want the mold tested because you’re experiencing specific health problems, it can cost $50–$700, depending on the test’s extensiveness.
Get a quote: Get your quote for mold remediation today
Should You DIY vs. Professional Mold Remediation?
If the surface area is less than 10 square feet and you don’t have asthma or other sensitivities, the EPA says that it’s fine to remove mold yourself. Here’s what you can expect from both DIY and professional mold removal.
Professional Mold Remediation
If you’re hiring a professional, particularly if the problem is severe, look for a mold remediation specialist. They’ll typically take the following steps to minimize health risks to you and your family.
- Mold remediators seal off the area with plastic sheeting and zippered doors, using filtration devices and negative air pressure to prevent the spread of spores during work.
- Air scrubbers fitted with HEPA filters clean the air as mold-damaged materials are destroyed and removed.
- If any of the remaining cleaned surfaces are still actively wet, they’ll dry them with dehumidifiers and fans. Any leaks will need to be fixed for this to be effective.
- Contractors clean all hard surfaces with antifungal and antimicrobial cleaners. Soft surfaces and porous materials must usually be thrown away.
- If the musty smell persists, remediators will use a dry fogger to remove it.
The benefit of hiring a mold remediation company is that you know the job will be done thoroughly, quickly, and safely. True remediation involves more than just removing visible mold, and pros know where to look to see if the problem has spread to hidden areas. The downside is price, as professional mold removal usually costs thousands of dollars.
DIY Mold Remediation
Here’s what the EPA and CDC recommend if you want to remove mold yourself.
- Fix leaks or other sources of water damage first.
- Remove standing water with a shop vac and open all doors and windows.
- Protect your mouth and nose with a high-filtration mask, such as an N95. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your eyes and skin.
- Scrub hard surfaces with a cleanser. You can use bleach diluted at a ratio of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water but never mix bleach and ammonia.
- Dispose of soft or porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, or ceiling tiles. If the mold has spread to an expensive or sentimental soft item, take it to a restoration specialist.
- Dry all surfaces quickly after cleaning.
Cleaning up mold and mildew is time-consuming and the problem may be bigger than you thought. Moldy areas bigger than about 3-feet-by-3-feet should usually be removed and cleaned by professionals. Additionally, consult a professional if you think any mold has gotten into your HVAC system before turning it on and circulating mold around. The HVAC system isn’t something you can clean by yourself.
How To Hire a Professional for Mold Remediation
You may need to ask more detailed questions than you would another type of contractor when choosing a mold remediation specialist.
How To Save Money on Mold Remediation
Here are some ways to save money on mold remediation, even if you hire a professional.
- Prevent mold growth by repairing leaks and drying water damage quickly.
- Contact your insurance company to see whether your homeowners insurance covers mold removal, particularly after a catastrophic event.
- Do as much of the cosmetic restoration work, such as painting and tiling, as you can after the removal is complete.
- Request cost estimates from at least three local specialists. Be wary of bids that charge substantially more or less than others.
Our Conclusion
You can and should clean small areas of mold yourself with some protective gear and good cleansers. However, it’s best to hire a mold remediation specialist for large mold problems, mold in the walls, or if you or someone else in your home has respiratory problems. Remediators know how to remove mold-damaged building materials without spreading spores, helping keep you and your family safe.
Get a quote: Get your quote for mold remediation today
FAQs About Mold Remediation
Is it expensive to get rid of mold?
Getting rid of mold is inexpensive if you do it yourself. You’ll simply need to buy bleach, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Professional mold remediation is more expensive, averaging $3,500. However, this is the best option for extensive mold problems.
Can I stay in my house during mold remediation?
You can typically stay in your home while mold removal specialists work. They take steps to seal off the infected areas so that mold spores don’t spread to the rest of your home.
Can I remediate mold myself?
You can get rid of small, visible mold problems yourself as long as you wear protective gear. The EPA recommends hiring professionals for areas larger than 10 square feet.
Is it possible to remove all the mold in my house?
According to the EPA, no house is ever completely free from mold or spores. The objective is to get levels similar to or lower than the ambient levels outside of the home. Mold remediation can remove enough of it that it won’t cause air quality or health problems.
How long does mold remediation last?
If mold remediation is done correctly and the source of the moisture that caused the problem is removed, the mold shouldn’t come back.
How can I tell if my house has mold?
Here are some signs you may have mold.
- Visible splotches on walls, carpets, furniture, or clothes
- Musty or rotten odor
- Allergy or asthma symptoms
- Bubbling wallpaper or paint
- Water damage
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