Several factors impact the cost of mold removal. The amount of growth and level of corrosion may require the replacement of structural materials, which brings in a whole host of extra fees. Many remediation projects also require specialized protective and disposal equipment.Â
Mold and fungi in the home can cause extensive property damage over time while posing a wide range of potential health risks. Remediation can be expensive but handle it as soon as you discover a moisture and mold problem since it'll only worsen.Â
The average cost of mold remediation is between $10 and $25 per square foot, with the average repair costing $2,230. Factors such as the extent of the damage, how badly the structural portions of your home have deteriorated, and whether you'll need to temporarily relocate during the remediation process will ultimately impact the project costs.Â
The type of mold found in your house will determine the price as well. For example, white mold is generally safer to control by a pro using commonly available household ingredients and costs between $500 and $3,000 for remediation. Other colors of mold, from pink to green, cost about the same to remove and often don't require specialized equipment or safety measures.
However, while homeowners can generally tackle the remediation of less hazardous, less invasive mold types on their own, pros must handle black mold.
Cost of Removing Black Mold
Rates for black mold remediation range between $1,000 and $4,500. This is a rare yet dangerous type of growth that can lead to serious health risks. It's challenging to clean toxic black mold and often requires isolation and methodical removal to reduce the risk of returning.
Additional Mold Removal Costs
Addressing mold-related problems isn’t always expensive, but varying factors can quickly add to the overall cost of remediation.
Repairs
Depending on the damage, you may pay between $2,000 and $20,000 for repairs, which might include:
These cost ranges include the cost for materials and labor.
Testing and Inspection Costs
Most experts charge between $10 and $25 per square foot for mold mitigation. For a 100-square-foot area, this would put your budget at between $1,000 and $2,500. The location of the mold growth and its accessibility will impact the total cost.
DIY Removal vs. Hiring Professional Mold Abatement Service
Homeowners can perform small remediation projects for a minimal cost. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you may be able to handle the problem if the infestation covers 10 square feet or less.
After getting an inspection from a local mold inspection expert, ask the pro whether you can DIY remediate the problem. But mold can be hard to find and toxic, so handle even the most minor projects with care.
Professional mold remediators should perform jobs involving the whole home. Additionally, if mold growth exists in more than one area of your home, it’s best to leave the work to a remediation crew.
DIY Mold Removal Cost
Taking on a remediation project yourself will range between $50 and $300. This includes renting a wet vacuum to pull moisture from the carpet and wood for around $30 per day. You can also purchase a wet vac for around $80 to $200.
For minor mold removal projects, you’ll only need water and detergent. Home improvement stores also sell preformulated mold remediation solutions costing between $10 and $75. You'll also need safety equipment to protect your lungs, for around $20 to $150.
Labor Costs
Labor costs make up a large part of the total cost of mold remediation. Qualified removal companies will bring in expensive equipment requiring skill and licensing to operate. For example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum is a $10,000 piece of machinery that uses special filters and powerful suction to remove spores from materials. Workers operating HEPA vacuums must wear mold-proof suits and face masks and be trained in this specialty.
When to Hire a Pro
Price alone shouldn’t be your only consideration in mold remediation. DIY mold removal may not take care of the underlying problem and only focus on the spots you already know about. You might also clean mold growth in a way that still leaves toxic traces behind.
Hiring an expert costs more but comes with a wide range of benefits, such as the following:
A comprehensive inspection that detects traces of growth throughout the home
A long-term solution that fixes not just the symptoms but the underlying issue
Expertise and advice in how to avoid future problems
To ensure these benefits, find the right pro. Contact a mold removal pro to schedule an inspection and plan for the remediation.
How to Remove Mold YourselfÂ
Controlling moisture is the key to eliminating spore growth. Fix any plumbing leaks or other sources of moisture as early in the process as possible. Let everything dry completely before doing repairs.
Use a solution of detergent and water (or a premixed mold remediation product) to scrub away spores on hard surfaces.
Drywall, carpet, and other porous materials are often irreparably damaged once they’re moldy. Throw away and replace these materials when mold is present.
Wear gloves and goggles and use a respirator to avoid breathing airborne toxins. An N95 respirator, available at most hardware stores between $12 and $25, can keep you safe during removal.
Remediation is done when you obliterate the growth. There should be no visible spores or odor. After cleanup, the site shouldn't show signs of moisture accumulation or spores.
FAQs
If you or the mold removal pro near you have repaired the underlying moisture issue, mold remediation should last a lifetime. The root cause of mold is moisture, so mold can't survive if that's eliminated.Â
This will vary depending on the situation. But if you have major repairs and demolition to do for the remediation, you'll likely benefit from relocating while construction takes place in your home.Â
If you haven’t properly repaired the underlying moisture issue that caused the mold in the first place, mold may come back.Â
How much does Servpro mold mitigation cost?
Servpro is one of the largest mitigation companies in the country and offers inspections, remediation, and restoration for anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000.