How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost? – Bob Vila

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Mold is one of a homeowners worst nightmares: The hidden nature of the problem, the potential danger of inhaling mold spores, and the unknown factors and expense of removal combine to make mold a problem to be feared. There are many elements that affect the overall cost of removal, including the location and type of the mold, the size of the problem, and the kind of remediation that is necessary. Treating mold can be as simple as a bleach wash or as complex as removing panels of drywall and tile to deep clean beneath the surface, but regardless of how large a mold problem is, theres a way to correct it. So how much does mold remediation cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, mold remediation will typically cost homeowners between $1,108 and $3,408, or an average of $2,242.

All houses have some mold in them: Its important to understand that complete removal of every spore is impossible, so the term mold removal refers to the excision of a particular growth, not the prospect of rendering the home completely mold-free. The presence of mold is not an indicator of the cleanliness of the house, but rather the presence of moisture that probably needs to be corrected. Assessing the source and size of the problem helps homeowners estimate how much theyll need to spend to remove any dangerous mold from their home.

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The largest determiners of the cost to remove mold are the location, size, and type of mold, along with the cost of labor in the area. Mold that is hidden from view or difficult to access will be more challenging to abate, and therefore it will cost more to remove. Unsurprisingly, large growths will be more costly to remove, as will certain types of mold that are resistant to mold remover, are aggressive spreaders, or are particularly dangerous to breathe in.

Homeowners might assume mold can only be found in damn areas, but thats not always the case. According to David Harley, owner of AdvantaClean of Badgerland, Mold can actually be found anywhere in the home. [It] simply needs three things to grow: it needs a temperature of somewhere between 40 and 100 degrees, it needs a food source of organic materials such as wood, paper, leftover food, plant matter, etc. and it needs moisture.

Depending on the molds location, homeowners may be able to remove it with vinegar, bleach, or a mold removal spray. Getting rid of mold on a wall can be fairly simple, but concealed or difficult-to-access areas could require demolition or a contractor crawling through a basement or crawl space. The location will determine the best course of removal and whether hiring one of the best mold removal companiesis necessary.

The size of the mold problem plays a factor in the cost to remove it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold remediation projects of less than 10 square feet can typically be addressed by the homeowner, as long as the mold was not caused by sewage and the homeowner does not have respiratory sensitivities. The only costs for DIY remediation are mold cleaner and protective gear.

If the mold has spread well beyond that size, the job can cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, and if the mold is deep as well as spread across a wide surface, the price to remove it can be even higher. This is part of the reason it is so critical to get rid of mold as soon as its clear that theres a problem: Even if the initial problem seems too expensive to fix, the problem will only get larger and more expensive as time goes by.

While they may look alarming because they spread swiftly on the surface, surface molds (which remain on top of building materials) are easy to remove, usually with cleaners. These molds are less expensive to remove and may be a DIY job for a homeowner who is familiar with how to kill mold.

Molds that eat down through the surface and into the core of drywall, wood, and concrete, along with molds that flourish underneath carpeting and behind walls, are more costly to abate. This is because of the difficulty in detecting and locating the problem and the need to remove or replace walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings. In addition, if the mold is identified as black mold or another especially toxic variety, it can be more expensive to remove because of the need for specialists, protective equipment for the technicians, and whole-house ventilation afterward. According to Harley, The most dangerous mold for you is the mold that causes health issues for you. Since any mold can be potentially allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic, all mold should be treated carefully and by a professional.

Mold remediation is not a job for a regular handyman, however skilled they may be. So what is mold remediation, and why does it cost more? Mold removal companies that provide this service use skilled technicians and high-end equipment to ensure precise and appropriate removal techniques are used and to check the status of the mold growth after removal is complete. The costs for labor will include the time spent on the job, but will also incorporate the cost of high-efficiency vacuum equipment and protective gearranging from gloves to full-body suits and face masks with respiratorsas necessary for the job. Approximately 60 percent of the mold removal cost will be labor, with the other 40 percent accounting for materials.

This doesnt mean homeowners should automatically decide to remove a large mold growth themselves; there is a reason the professional companies use air scrubbers and protective equipment. Mold isnt a cosmetic problem, and particularly with aggressive or toxic molds, trying to take on a large problem without professional expertise and equipment will most likely spread the mold around the home rather than remove it. That 60 percent of the cost protects the home and its residents by bringing in the expertise of technicians who can safely restore the home to a place where residents can safely breathe. Searching for mold removal near me will give homeowners an idea of costs more specific to their region.

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Remediating a significant mold problem doesnt just involve removing the mold; for a large-scale growth, the remediation process may involve removing significant chunks of drywall, tiling, and carpeting. In the process of calculating the cost of mold remediation, these additional costs can mount up sharply. Some remediation services also provide restoration services, and while its great to consolidate the different parts of the job into one hire, its a good idea to ask for several estimates for the restoration work. If restoration is necessary, its likely the restoration will cost more than the remediation itself, so the savvy homeowner wont be locked into having the remediation service provide restoration until the extent of the necessary work is evident.

Sometimes the damage from mold remediation is as simple as scraped or dissolved paint in the area where the mold was cleaned off, and the cost to restore the surface is as inexpensive as a can of paint. On the other end of the spectrum, mold removal behind a shower wall can mean that new drywall, tile, and grout must be installeda much larger and more labor-intensive project. That degree of moisture can also mean theres rot in the wood studs supporting the wall, which should be inspected and repaired as well.

In addition to the surface repair, a mold inspector or remediator should be able to help homeowners identify the source of the mold growth, and its possible that the mold is the result of damaged or leaking pipes. If thats the case, homeowners will need to include the cost to hire a plumber to repair the leaks prior to closing up the wall. Significant damage resulting from either the water that encouraged the mold growth or from the process of remediation can run between $2,000 and $20,000.

Materials needed to repair damage generally make up about 40 percent of the total cost of mold remediation. Drywall (along with the cost of tape, mud, and finishing supplies; roofing materials; and foundation sealing material) may be necessary to repair the damage caused by the mold and to prevent future moisture issues. In addition, it may be necessary to replace carpeting, flooring, and soft furnishings if the type of mold in the home spreads to textiles.

There are more than 100 types of mold that commonly grow in homes. Some are mild and easy to clean, while others are aggressive, tenacious, and can be deadly. Aggressive types of mold can be more expensive to remove, as they cover a wider area and may not respond as readily to traditional mold killers. So what kills mold in the home? Toxic molds require heavy chemicals, expert application, and protective gear for the workers performing the removal, so those removal costs will be higher. The costs of labor and testing in the homeowners area will also affect the overall expense based on the type of mold: Black mold treatment may require a technician who specializes in black mold removal to ensure that the mold is removed completely and isnt spread throughout the rest of the home.

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Alternaria is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. When it becomes airborne or travels inside on the sole of a shoe, it spreads explosively, and in homes with high humidity, it can grow underneath carpets and wallpaper. The price range of removal can be anywhere from $700 to $6,000 depending on how widespread it is.

One of the most common indoor molds, aspergillus is the mold upon which penicillin is based, and its made up of more than 250 identified species. It is easily spotted, as it starts out as a furry white fungus and then changes color as it grows. While it does grow well in low humidity and can spread to fabrics and textiles, it is usually easier to clean because its visible presence is immediately noticeable. Removal costs range from $700 to $6,000.

Black mold is considered the most toxic household mold. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult molds to remove. The mold, which usually looks black or dark green and slightly slimy, stains surfaces as it grows, and it is resistant to removal. In addition, it grows in fiberboard, paper, and gypsum board, where it may be difficult to detect. The importance of complete removal and the toxicity of the spores combine to make removal more expensive: $800 to $7,000 is the average cost.

Victor Coppola, senior building biologist and founder of GreenWorks Environmental, LLC, advises, If it is properly remediated and the source(s) of moisture intrusion are corrected, then you can be pretty confident that black mold wont regrow. But as we are dealing with opportunistic organisms, you always need to be monitoring your environment to ensure conditions dont return that would invite regrowth of the organism.

The musty smell, blue-green color, and brown football-shaped spores are the hallmarks of chaetomium, which is a mold often left behind after severe water damage or long-term dampness in a home. It tends to grow in hard-to-see spaces, under carpets, and in air ducts and walls. Some species are carcinogenic. Its fairly easy to clean when the growth is small (costing in the region of $600), but larger problems can run up to $5,000.

Common and widespread, cladosporium can grow on almost all household surfaces. It doesnt usually cause serious reactions in most people, although some may experience some minor allergy symptoms. Removal costs between $700 and $6,000 on average.

Fusarium is another fast-spreading mold that exists on nearly every surface. It can cause infections of the nails or corneas even in healthy individuals, and it can cause systemic septic infections if spores enter the bloodstream. Fusarium is often found near water leaks, and its removal is one of the more expensive projects; expect to pay between $800 and $8,000.

Green mold is actually several different molds classed together by color. While green mold can often be seen on foods such as bread or fruit, it can also include cladosporium and aspergillus. Chronic exposure can trigger respiratory problems or asthma attacks. Remediation costs range between $700 and $6,000 on average.

A particularly tenacious type of mold, Serpula lacrymans draws water from sources other than where it lives, so it grows best on dried wood. Also referred to as dry rot, it is easily identified by its yellow color. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to remove and can cause terrible and widespread damage as it continues to grow. It is not harmful to humans, but it can be extremely harmful to the wood and construction materials in homes. Remediation costs typically range between $800 and $7,000 but can push much higher, depending on the degree of structural damage.

Most commonly a symptom of severe water damage, Ulocladium needs a lot of moisture to grow. Ulocladium spreads very quickly and can usually be found among several other mold varieties. It can be identified by its brown or gray color and suede-like texture. Homeowners will likely pay between $600 and $6,000 for Ulocladium remediation.

Also a group of different molds gathered by coloration, white molds are dangerous because of their ability to blend in with their host materials, thus spreading farther before being discovered. Because they can be harder to locate early on, the problem is usually wider-spread than with most molds by the time they are discovered, and costs tend to skew toward the higher end of the $700 to $6,000 average range.

Mold is sneaky. While ideally, it would present itself as an obvious fuzzy growth every time, thats not how it works; mold prefers dark, damp places to grow that make it difficult to spot early on. When is mold remediation required? There are some warning signs to consider. Once its clear that theres a problem, its time to decide between hiring professional help or tackling the job independently. Unlike many decisions about whether to hire help or not, mold remediation has some clear-cut guidelines on when to do so.

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Indicators that mold is growing in a home can be subtle or obvious. Being aware of the subtle signs will make it harder to accidentally dismiss them and allow a homeowner to get to the root of the problem faster.

For homeowners who already know they are allergic or sensitive to mold, any hint of musty smell or physical symptoms should set off an alarm bell. The allergens produced by mold can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe when theyre touched or inhaled, and symptoms may be delayed. Mold can also be a trigger for people with asthma. If its difficult to pinpoint another source of the smell or symptoms, its time for a mold assessment. Those who know theyre sensitive shouldnt attempt even a small removal on their own in case it spreads the spores during the removal process. Some more toxic molds can negatively affect residents health even if they are not allergic. Coppola explains some of the symptoms of mold exposure: More heightened allergenic-type responses like itchy eyes, runny nose, [and a] dry cough can be very common. But memory [problems], central nervous system disorders, rapid weight gain or weight loss, or hair loss are the issues, then the more toxic organisms are usually at work.

While most homeowners run across a small patch of mold from time to time and handle it with mold killer or bleach, the EPA suggests that anything larger than about 10 square feet should be professionally evaluated.

HVAC systems are particularly prone to mold growth. By their nature, they move air and moisture from place to place in the home through dark, twisty ductwork with lots of crevices. Its almost impossible for a homeowner to clean the breadth of their homes ductwork on their own. Keeping the system clean through regular maintenance and cleanings will help prevent mold growth, but once the mold is present there, its important to remove it as quickly and thoroughly as possible before the system spreads it to other areas of the home.

When mold has spread broadly enough to damage building materials or to require removal of carpeting or flooring, professional remediation is recommended. Pulling up a carpet with mold growth in it is likely to spread the spores everywhere and create starting points for new colonies. Mold that has grown deep into walls may require additional treatment of the studs and framing behind the walls; this helps ensure that the problem is remediated before the homeowner replaces materials and can help prevent immediate regrowth.

For homes with less than 10 square feet of mold, the EPA advises that this is a small enough area for a homeowner to tackle. A notable caveat, however, is if the mold was caused by contaminated water or the homeowner has allergies. In that case, a homeowner will want to contact a professional mold remediation service to take care of the problem.

In the case of a mold infestation covering more than 10 square feet, or if the homeowner can smell mold but cant see it, a professional can address the mold problem promptly and thoroughly. Theres a strong chance that the problem runs deeper than expected, and the chances of the homeowner creating a bigger problem by hunting for and disturbing unseen mold colonies is even greater. Professionals are trained to follow subtle clues to locate mold and will find it in places most homeowners wouldnt even think to look. For example, mold growth in an HVAC system could be spreading allergens throughout the home completely unseen. A professional is also more likely to be able to find the source of the moisture, and they will have protective equipment for themselves and scrubbers for the homes air that are more efficient and effective than any available at a home improvement store. Because there are so many varieties of mold that have such a wide range of physical effects on both people and building materials, this is a situation where its really worth the cost of hiring qualified technicians to fully remove the mold and repair any resulting damage.

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The most critical factor in saving money on mold remediation is to act immediately. Homeowners who put off mold remediation will likely end up paying more once they finally get a professional in since the chances are good that the mold has spread. The problem with mold is that even if it isnt a big deal right now, it will be, and sometimes within only days if immediate action isnt taken. A small growth is manageable; a large growth can be devastating, both financially and healthwise. If any signs of mold are present, homeowners will want to act immediately. There are several other ways to save money on mold remediation cost.

Its important to get answers to several questions before hiring a professional remediation company. First, its a good idea to choose a company that specializes in mold remediation. The initial costs may appear higher than those of professionals who do other construction or home improvement work, but a company that specializes in mold remediation is also more likely to have the expertise to protect its workers more effectively, and it may have a more realistic initial estimate because it knows what to anticipate during the job. Have these questions at hand before searching mold remediation near me:

Discovering mold can be shocking, especially if the extent of the problem isnt evident. Having concerns and questions regarding health effects, the options and choices that need to be made about how to deal with the problem, and the financial impact of the work that needs to be done are understandable. These are some of the first questions that many people have when they discover mold in their home, along with the answers to allay some initial fears.

No. Mold is everywherein the air, on surfaces, and in fabric. Its critical to the environment because it digests and removes decaying material. We coexist with all kinds of mold every day, most of which is relatively harmless. This is why the tests available at the hardware store arent the most useful; they will always show that mold is present rather than helping determine if too much mold or a specific, dangerous mold is present. The concern and need for remediation occurs when a larger growth of mold has taken hold in a particular area, creating a concentration of spores and developing into a colony that produces more spores, which will eventually affect the building structures and residents health.

Most of the time, yes, but it depends on the scope of the remediation. A professional mold remediation company will seal off the area to prevent spores from drifting to other areas of the home, and the technicians should run air cleaners and scrubbers before unsealing the area and safely disposing of materials. If the growth is in more than one area or its in a main area of the home, it may be more convenient to stay somewhere else during the process. Noise can be a factor in this decision, as can the time of year; if its winter and the constant ventilation will make the home cold, it may be worth it to stay elsewhere for a few days.

If the mold growth is less than 10 square feet, is visible, has a clear source of moisture that is easy to correct, and is accessible, most homeowners can use a commercial mold removal spray to kill and remove the mold, according to EPA guidelines. Proper protective gear including a respirator, goggles, and gloves are recommended, both for protection from the mold and also from the harsh chemicals in the remover product.

The short answer is yes. While not all molds are harmful, the spores produced by some varieties can be toxic to humans. This can include respiratory symptoms like coughing or trouble breathing, or it can also present as skin rashes and hay fever. These symptoms tend to be worse in people with compromised immune systems, allergies, or asthma.

Sometimes mold is obviousvisible growth on walls or ceilings or a distinct musty smell can give it away. But other times mold is more elusive. Its most common to find mold in houses where there has been water damage or extreme humidity. Even if mold is not visible, if the home has water damage or residents are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure, its worth the cost of mold inspection to determine whether there is mold growth anywhere in the home.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr

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How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost? - Bob Vila