Have you just discovered mold growing out of control in your home – What should you do? The ONLY thing to do is to get rid of it and fast. You can do it yourself or call the mold specialists, but the big question is – How much does it cost to remove mold?
Mold is an unexpected issue and, most frequently, an unanticipated hit on your finances. If there is mold growing in your home, there is a problem of some kind that needs remediation. Whether that problem is a water leak, improper ventilation, or any other issue that can allow mold to develop, it needs to be dealt with quickly and correctly to prevent the problem from continuing to get worse.
The bad news is that certain types of remediation can be expensive, depending on what needs to be done. However, getting the mold taken care of properly should mean that you can live in your home without the fear of it returning and causing more problems.
What is The Average Cost of Mold Removal?
The cost of mold removal can vary widely based on several factors including the size of the affected area, the location of the mold (whether it’s in an easily accessible area or hidden behind walls or in the HVAC system), the extent of the damage, the type of mold, and the region or country where the removal is taking place.
The average cost of mold removal is anywhere from $50 to $5,000.
The cost for mold removal you might be facing depends on the underlying problems in your home. It is possible that you could spend less than $50 and have the mold problem fixed.
- Small, isolated areas: For small mold patches (about 10 square feet or less), DIY mold removal might be possible using over-the-counter products, costing between $10 to $50. However, it’s important to ensure the mold doesn’t return or wasn’t indicative of a bigger, hidden issue.
- Professional Mold Inspection: Before removal, you might consider a mold inspection and testing, which can range from $200 to $600. This inspection will give you a clearer idea of the extent of the issue.
- Average Professional Mold Removal: For professional mold remediation of areas between 10 to 100 square feet, costs can range from $500 to $4,000. Larger areas, especially if structural repairs are necessary, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
- Whole House Remediation: In extreme cases where mold infests an entire house, costs can soar to $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
It’s crucial to get multiple quotes from professional mold remediation companies and ensure they provide a detailed breakdown of what their services cover. In addition, it’s wise to check for insurance coverage, as some homeowner’s insurance policies might cover mold remediation, especially if it was caused by a “covered peril.”
It is also possible that it could take several thousands of dollars and many man-hours before the issue is resolved. Household mold treatment is a serious job that needs to be completed correctly to protect both the health of those living in the home and the home’s value going forward.
If you are unable to properly remedy the mold issues in your home, you will be stuck with a house that might not be safe to live in and will likely have a significantly damaged resale value.
Costs Involved in Mold Removal
Remember that mold removal cost varies across contractors, and while this process can be expensive, it’s best to handle it sooner rather than later. Here’s a look at the various factors that determine the cost of fixing mold problems.
Labor Costs
Labor is usually the most expensive part of this kind of job, so having the ability and knowledge to handle some of it yourself will go a long way. However, that doesn’t mean you should try to do something that you aren’t comfortable with or don’t really know how to do.
It is better to spend the extra money to get the job done correctly (and safely) than to risk taking it on yourself and doing it wrong. It is always nice to save money on mold removal, but it won’t really be saving if you have to come back and deal with more mold later because you didn’t get the job done right the first time.
It’s important to note that labor costs can constitute a huge part of the total cost of remediation. This is because skilled removal companies use expensive equipment and skilled labor. For instance, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum is an expensive piece of machinery that uses powerful suction and special filters to eliminate mold from materials.
You’ll also discover that workers operating this machine must wear face masks, mold-proof suits and possess special training.
Materials Cost
These costs differ widely from one project to the next. Mold may have destroyed lumber, floorboards, and sheetrock in some instances.
In other instances, you may find it only in small areas of ceilings, walls, or on the carpet. Therefore, costs may range between a few hundred dollars to thousands, for instance, if you’re dealing with a flooded basement.
Other Factors that Determine Mold Removal Costs:
Size of Infestation
This factor will determine the house mold treatment cost you should expect. Small and localized infestations typically need fewer resources and less time, resulting in lower costs. However, you must exercise caution if you choose this route.
Although you might only notice a small infestation, it could signify the existence of spores in different parts of the building. If the building is over 10 years old, you should consider mold testing.
Location
A good specialist will possess techniques to detect mold and discover where it’s concentrated the most. If removal is to take place in less accessible spots, for instance, in HVAC systems, crawl spaces, and air ducts, then the mold remediation cost is likely to be high.
Ensure you hold an honest conversation with the specialist concerning the tricky areas. This will allow you to identify the type of work needed to reach them. Moreover, you’ll also know how they’ll influence your bottom line.
Experience Level
You might come across a good deal while performing research on removal specialists. Consequently, the less expensive route might offer lower costs than more established companies might.
While it’s tempting to choose this route, bear in mind that quality work is more cost-effective in the long term.
If the problem source remains untreated and undiscovered because of poor methodology or inexperience, you’ll have to deal with repeat visits, higher costs, and mounting frustrations.
Importance of Mold Remediation
Getting rid of the black mold is a necessary step to protect the value of your home and keep it a safe and comfortable place for you and your family to live. There are reasons to remove it without any delay.
Health Risks
Mold can affect people in different ways. For instance, you might exhibit allergy-like symptoms such as coughing at night and skin irritation due to exposure. In other instances, the symptoms can be more severe, resulting in symptoms such as neurotoxicity.
Structural Components and Building Materials
The fungus may cause structural damage to your home since it breaks down and feeds on organic matter. Therefore, if you discover infestation on a paper backing, walls, or carpeting, you must remove the materials.
Personal Property
Besides structural damage, the fungus may cause property destruction in your home. When mold affects personal property, it may be impossible or difficult to clean. Often, you’ll have to destroy the item because you can’t remove the spores fully.
Final Thought
If you’re experiencing mold issues in your home, don’t put it off because you’re concerned about the associated costs. Bear in mind that most strains develop and spread fast, and delay is likely to worsen the issue. Additionally, you’ll probably spend more in the end, so act fast.
For those who are experienced with DIY projects and are handy around the house, it might be possible to take mold removal steps on your own. However, for most homeowners, this process will involve hiring professionals who specialize in just this kind of work. They will have the tools and experience to identify what work needs to be done to solve the mold issue properly the first time.
You don’t want to spend time and money doing work on it to learn that it hasn’t been effective. Hiring an experienced company that deals with residential mold issues are likely your best bet for a positive outcome at the end of the project.
