How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?

March 16, 2021 by Meghan Stiltner

Female worker of cleaning service removes mold from wall using spray bottle with mold remediation chemicals and scraper tool

Mold Remediation/Removal Costs at a Glance

Average price range: $500-$4,000
Cleaning solution: $1-$9 per square foot
Mold removal: $1.25 per square foot
HEPA Vacuum: 90 cents per square foot

Just discovered mold in your home? It can be a terrible feeling to uncover mold growth in your home, and you may not know where to start. The first thing you’ll want to do is assess the damage: How deep or widespread is the problem? The good news is that small mold issues can be dealt with using home remedies or store-bought chemical solutions. If it’s more involved than that, however, you might need to look at hiring a professional.

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Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about mold remediation and removal.

What Causes Mold Growth?

Any wet or moist area in your home is susceptible to mold growth. Mold spores thrive in dark, dank areas like bathrooms, attics and crawl spaces — but mold can also grow anywhere these conditions are present. Pay extra attention to areas of your home that frequently experience leaks, condensation or poor ventilation.

Who Do I Call If I Have Mold Problems?

If you just see minor evidence of mold and mildew, you may be able to take care of the issue yourself with some deep cleaning with a store-bought solution. However, the situation can quickly get out of control, in which case you’ll need to call in a professional. Much more serious damage can be done if mold is left untreated. Do a simple search for mold removal services in your area to find a mold remediation professional.

What Does a Mold Remediation Professional Do?

When you hire a mold remediation professional, they will go through several steps to clean the mold from your home. You may also have additional options as far as the extent of the service, including preventative treatments.

First, the mold remediation expert will inspect the area to determine what is salvageable and what needs to be discarded. Drywall, insulation or even structural elements may need to be completely removed and replaced to mitigate the problem.

They will cover the whole area with a solution to kill the spores of the mold, then scrape it to remove the mold that’s there. To keep the problem from recurring, encapsulation — applying a sealant — is recommended for surfaces that can’t be removed.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Mold Removed?

Depending on the extent of your mold problem, it may not be a cheap and easy fix. If you are experiencing mold growth in your crawl space or your attic, it can take over quickly. The cost depends greatly on the route of treatment that you need.

For most mold removal jobs, you can expect to pay at least $500 and upwards of $4,000. The price is dependent on the services you need based on the size and severity of the problem.

Generally, these services are included in that price:

Mold remediation
Mold removal
Encapsulation
Air duct cleaning
Repairs (carpentry, drywall replacement, plumbing, painting, etc.)

There are times when major construction may be involved, like if the mold has penetrated wooden structural components like studs or rafters. That’s when the cost can continue to climb. It may cost $10,000 or more to fully treat a problem of this size.

Mold Remediation and Removal: Itemized Costs

According to HomeGuide, spraying the infected areas with a cleaning solution can cost $1 to $9 per cubic foot. Scraping to remove the mold from the surface costs up to $1.25 per square foot. A high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum may be needed to remove mold spores from the air. That costs about 90 cents per square foot. Encapsulation ranges from $5 to $79 per cubic foot.

Mold Removal by Room

Attics and Basements

A leaking roof can cause a mold problem in your attic. Mold growth can go unnoticed in an attic, so it may be severe by the time you discover the damage. The costs for remediation are the same as above, but you may need additional work to remove the mold and prevent future issues. Fixing or replacing the insulation starts at $45 per square foot. Depending on the extent of the roofing issues, it’ll cost at least $200 for repairs.

Basements present a similar problem to attics: They’re dark, damp and often ignored. Typically, mold growth is due to leaks or flooding, which often brings moisture in through the foundation or floor. Sealing your foundation can help. That costs between $2,000 and $6,000. If you need to replace your basement floor or the concrete underneath, expect to pay between $2 and $8 per square foot.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are another place where mold can easily take over. On average, mold removal in this area costs $500 to $1,500. To prevent mold growth, you can encapsulate your entire crawl space for $3,000 to $8,000.

HVAC Units and Air Ducts

If you have mold in your furnace, air conditioner or ducts, you’ve got a problem on your hands. Spores may be spread through these systems all throughout your house, leading to mold growth in all corners of your home. Ridding your HVAC system of mold may cost up to $8,000.

Mold Inspection

Some mold removal companies may offer a free evaluation of your home, but typically you’ll also have to pay to have your home tested for mold before any work can begin. During the testing process, the tester will identify the area or areas affected, as well as what type of mold you’re dealing with. Mold inspections cost $650 on average.

Do Insurance Policies Cover Mold Removal?

This depends on the cause of the mold and the insurance plan you have. As a general rule, you will probably have to pay for mold remediation and removal services yourself. However, insurance companies may take into consideration other factors — like your location, whether you experience a lot of rain or flooding and other issues that may have led to water damage or mold.

Check with your insurance company anyway; you never know if they may cover your particular situation. The cause of the mold may be something covered by your insurance, in which case the removal of the mold may be covered, too.

Can I Get Rid of Mold Myself?

It is not always necessary to hire a professional to remove the mold from your home. If you have a small, isolated area of mold growth, there are some DIY things that you can try. Use either natural home remedies or purchase products from the store to treat mold.

Here are a few solutions to try:

Bleach and water
Detergent
Vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Mold foggers
Concrobium

If you try these options and the problem continues, you should probably seek the help of a professional. Mold only becomes more expensive to fix the longer it’s left untreated.

Tools and Materials

Mold is toxic and may cause health issues in some cases. That is why it’s important not to breathe in any mold spores while trying to remove them. Open windows and use a fan to help circulate the air. Do not leave your air conditioner or furnace running while you clean mold as it can further spread mold spores.

Here’s list of the materials you’ll need to safely remove mold:

Rubber gloves
Trash bags
Old clothes and shoes
Safety glasses
Utility knife
Shop-Vac
Scrub brush and paint brush
Window fan
Mask or Respirator

Tips for Cleaning Moldy Areas

If the mold is in your drywall — not just on its surface — you’re going to have to completely remove the affected areas. It’s best to contact a professional in this situation. But if you choose to do it yourself, you’ll want to completely dispose of the affected drywall to prevent any remaining spores from spreading.
Completely block off the affected area with plastic sheeting while you’re working. This keeps the mold spores isolated to one area.
Wet the area that you’re treating to keep old spores from spreading around the room.
Scrub the wood with a mold cleaner and let it dry completely. You can also let your trim and baseboards dry in the sun, which can have an additional mold-killing effect. Use a product to seal the wood to prevent another mold issue down the line.
For hard surfaces like showers, sinks and tubs, you can use a scrub brush and a mold removing solution.
Even while you’re cleaning existing mold, start taking preventative measures. Run a dehumidifier when moisture is high and keep track of humidity with a digital. thermometer. Clean up wet areas promptly and routinely perform checks in areas you know are prone to mold growth.

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How Do I Prevent Mold From Growing in My House?

It’s important to take steps to ward off mold before it causes significant damage to your home. Moisture is your biggest enemy. Control the moisture in your home, including in the crawl space and the attic. If you notice something getting wet, clean it up immediately. Even small spills and leaks can lead to big problems. Repair leaks when they occur. When you store things in your attic, crawl space or cabinets, make sure they are completely dry.

If you have an area in your home that is likely to have mold growth, make sure you clean and disinfect it regularly. Try using cleaners that can prevent mold.

Change your HVAC filters regularly, and make sure the airflow in the home is good. If air can’t flow properly, moisture may accumulate. If you have a basement in your home, make sure that the ventilation system is working properly. For spaces that are continually damp, try using a dehumidifier. Houseplants can also help remove moisture from the air.

Some areas of your home are more prone to mold growth than others. Think about all the places where you see moisture or water build up. These are some places you’ll want to keep an eye on:

The bathroom: bathtub, sinks, toilets
The kitchen: sinks, ventilation systems, dishwashers, refrigerators
Washer and dryer
Window and door seals
Refrigerator seal
HVAC units
Around air vents
Attics, basements and crawl spaces
Roofing

What Kind Of Damage Can Mold Do?

The impact that mold can have on your home is enormous. Especially if your mold problem is under the surface, extensive cleaning may not be enough to solve the problem. These are some of the things that can happen if mold gets out of control:

Destruction of drywall and carpet
The wooden structural components of your home may rot
Wallpaper may be ruined
Ceiling tiles can crumple
The floor may become weak and give out

These aren’t just aesthetic issues; they’re also safety hazards. Mold can affect the structural integrity of your floors, walls and ceilings.

Health Risks Associated With Mold

Mold can also be harmful to your health. If you live in a home with mold growth, it can take a toll on your lungs and other organs. This may be dangerous if you have a mold allergy or a health condition that could be worsened by the presence of mold. For that reason, it’s best to leave large-scale mold remediation and removal projects to the professionals.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.