How Much Does Mold Removal Really Cost?

Nothing is more terrifying to homeowners and business owners alike than spotting the first signs of mold. Mold spreads and grows so quickly that action must be taken immediately.

Of course, the first thing that pops into your head in these situations is, “How much does it cost to remove mold?”

The cost of mold removal is based on a handful of factors, so homeowners, renters, and businesses have to figure out how far the problem has spread in order to determine what the costs are going to be. It is important to know what to expect with mold removal and how to save money.

In this blog, you will learn:

• How much mold removal costs
• What affects the cost
• How to save money on mold removal costs
• Other mold removal FAQ
• Why choosing a professional makes more sense

Let’s get started!

How Much Does Mold Removal Cost in the US on Average?

The cost for mold removal is contingent upon how much mold is present, what area it covers, and any additional services that need to be taken into consideration (such as removing carpet, disposing of materials, etc…) in order to properly remediate the problem. As a result of the wide variation of these factors, mold remediation costs can be anywhere from $500 to $5,000+.

In some cases, mold remediation services charge on a per square foot basis. This can help to reduce costs when it comes to large problems that can breach multiple layers of a home.

How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost Per Square Foot Cost?

Experts will charge between $10 and $25 per square foot. Having mold removed from a 100 square foot area would bring the budget between $1,000 and $2,500.

Of course the, location of the mold growth also impacts your cost as certain rooms in your house might be easier to access than others.

Mold Remediation Costs For Common Areas + Types of Mold

There are a number of common household places where mold tends to show up. There are also a few types of mold that predominantly grow in homes and businesses. As a result, many pricing structures include detailed pricing information for each of these treatments. Let’s explore some of the costs for common mold treatments.

1. Black Mold Removal

The black mold removal cost ranges between $1,000 and $4,500. This type of mold is the most dangerous, and can cause serious health risks. Toxic black mold is something that needs to be methodically removed by a professional to reduce the risks of further contamination.

If you don't have toxic black mold and you are only dealing with white mold, it could cost between $500 and $3,000. It is much easier to remove growth that is in the earlier stages of development and hasn't spread so the sooner you catch the issue, the better not just for your health but for your wallet.

2. Attic Removal

Removing mold spores from your attic will cost, on average, between $1,000 and $4,000. Attics are a common areas mold likes to grow because of the risk of roof leaks. If your attic is easy to access and provides ample space for moving around, your quote will likely be lower.

If there has been a leak in your attic for sometime, undetected, you might have to pay upwards of $7,000 for remediation. Additionally you should budget for roof repair costs to tackle the underlying cause which can range between $400 and $1,300.

3. HVAC Mold Removal

If you are having mold removed from your HVAC system, it requires a special type of treatment and the cost. The mold removal cost is often between $3,000 and $10,000 based on the type of system you are using. Radiant heat, for example, costs up to $5,000 while air conditioner units can cost up to $10,000.

4. Whole House Removal

If you have toxic spores throughout your entire house you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for remediation, repairs to water damage, and preventative measures. When your whole house has been impacted by mold, you have to replace the drywall, carpets, and any other fabrics. You may also have to get rid of any fabrics and materials throughout your house that could still contain mold spores.

5. Basement Removal

Most professionals will charge between $500 and $3,000 to remove mold from your basement. Basement mold removal costs increase if the existing mold is behind wood paneling or behind a finished wall, because of the additional labor required. If you want to prevent mold in the future you should consider sealing your foundation which can cost between $2,200 and $6,500.

What is the Minimum I Can Expect to Pay for Mold Removal?

The minimum mold remediation costs based on room are as follows:

Cost of Mold Remediation for Businesses vs. Homes

Commercial mold remediation follows the same steps as residential remediation. The area has to be contained and the mold removed.  After this, you will have to account for any repairs that need to be done as a result of the mold damage and removal.

Businesses

Removing mold from businesses is not only time sensitive because of the risk for compounding issues but businesses are required to maintain healthy environments that are safe for employees which includes mold remediation. This costs money not just to remove, but can carry with it additional costs like:

• Lost wages

• Overhead costs

• Opportunity cost (time/productivity loss)

• Legal action

• Health liability  

• Health violations

• Regulatory fines

• And more…

Homes

The cost of removing mold in homes is usually much cheaper than businesses because they are smaller, and have less liability. On top of that, when your mold problem is in the early stages, you can easily apply some DIY mold removal methods in order to prevent growth.

On top of that, a lot of mold remediation services offer free consultations, which help you to find mold in your house, and get valuable information on whether or not you need professional help.

With businesses, this may not always be the case, though most services still offer free consultations and testing on occasion.

What Factors Affect Mold Removal Prices?

The type of mold you have, the extent of the damage, the size of the impacted area, the types of materials infected, and more will impact your cost.

1. Type of Mold

Toxic Black mold requires more expensive equipment and precautions compared to white or pink mold. That said, the type of equipment needed & precautions taken by the company will impact cost. Companies might need to wear breathing equipment, disposable shoe covers, hair covers, gloves, etc…

2. Extent of Damage

The extent of the damage influences the amount of work required. If the damage is small, it will be easier to clean. If the mold is on glass or tile surfaces, they are easier to clean. If the mold has infected materials that have to be removed and disposed of like carpet, wood, concrete, or drywall then the process requires more effort and more manpower. If your issue is caused by flooding from contaminated water, if the water came from a sewage system for example, then companies will need heavy-duty equipment to contain the area and this will increase the price.

3. Company You Choose

Companies control the rates they charge. There are certain companies that excel not just in remediation and removal, but in repairs for things like roof leaks or wall damage. If you want a company to test for mold, remove the mold, and make the repairs those collective services could warrant a different price package compared to a company that only offers one or the other.

4. Location

Not only is the location of the mold in your home or business relevant to mold removal costs, but so is the geographic location in which you live. Depending on where you are located, costs can vary across the country.

For instance, mold removal in the Greater Boston Area may be different than it would be in California.

5. Removal vs. Remediation

There are different processes used by companies in order to remove mold. Some of these include anti-microbial washes, chemical washes and physical removal. If you need removal, then it might include service like inspection, containment, cleanup, and drying.

Remediation is defined as the cleaning, removal, and prevention of mold which could include the aforementioned services and preventative measures. Depending on whether you need remediation or removal, the costs will vary.

6. Repairs + Materials Costs

Some of the repairs associated with mold remediation and removal have already been mentioned like sealing the foundation or repairing the roof. In certain situations, you might have to account for the cost of repairs and materials from damages to drywall, concrete, etc...

How to Save Money on Mold Removal Costs in 2019

As a homeowner, there are ways that you can save money on your mold removal costs for 2019. One thing you can do is perform small remediation projects at home if the affected area covers 10 square feet or less. But before you do this you should hire a professional mold inspector first. A professional can test the mold to determine if the area affected is manageable for home remediation as advised by the EPA or if you need to hire professionals.

It is in your best interest to try non-chemical removal methods first if you do decide to tackle a project yourself.  Use a mixture of detergent and water to scrub away the visible mold spores from any surfaces. Remove any carpet or porous material that show signs of damage, fix any sources of moisture immediately, and dry everything in sight. Always wear goggles and gloves as you do this even if you are using a non chemical removal method.

Practice Mold Prevention in Your Home

Understand that moisture is the key to any mold growth. For this reason, it is very important that you regularly practice mold prevention at home in order to thwart any future mold problems. This includes taking actions such as leaving on the bathroom fan until the moisture has dissipated after a shower, turning on AC fan when you cook, opening windows periodically to allow fresh air to filter in and moisture to filter out.

It also includes mopping up any water from hard surfaces and especially from fabrics or carpets. If you spill water on the carpet, dry it up immediately. The longer it is allowed to sit there, the higher the chances that mold can grow. This is something to consider during the winter months especially when the colder temperatures might not dry out carpet as effectively as a hot summer day.

If you notice any leaks or sources of moisture in your home, fix them immediately and dry everything in the affected area. If any type of porous material has been damaged irreparably, throw it away immediately.

3 Mold Removal Cost FAQ’s

At Silver Environmental, we have been removing mold for over 20 years. Throughout this time, we have worked with a lot of satisfied clients. A lot of times, they have some similar questions that we should address to help you find out the cost of mold removal.

1. Is mold removal covered by homeowners insurance?

Typically, homeowner’s insurance policies will only cover mold damage if it was caused by an issue that is covered by the contract. These are referred to as “covered perils”. This might include mold caused by a storm, if storm damage is covered under the policy. In most cases, however, mold is caused by a preventable leak, flood, or humidity which is typically not covered.

2. Should I consider DIY mold removal instead?

DIY mold removal can be completed, as mentioned, if the affected area is 10 square feet or smaller. If you see mold growing in your bathroom, you can attempt to clean the mold and sanitize the area without issue. If you try to remove the mold yourself instead of hiring professionals, you could simply tackle the symptoms and miss the underlying issue. Having a professional complete a comprehensive inspection and remediation will guarantee that all of the growth is removed not just the visible spores.

3. How can I test for mold in my house?

The best way to test for mold in your house is to hire a professional to conduct a preliminary test. If you have a small area that is dark in color and could potentially be dirt or mold, you can dip something like a Q-tip in bleach and then touch the affected area with the Q-tip. If the area gets lighter after one or two minutes, it is likely mold. If the area remains dark, it is dirt.

There are plenty of mold kits sold online for homeowners to use themselves but these are unreliable and have been documented to provide both false positives and false negatives. Hiring a professional to conduct a preliminary test is inexpensive, fast, and the most comprehensive way to test for mold in your home.

Getting A Mold Removal Estimate in the Greater Boston Area

Looking for a quote on some mold removal services in the Boston Area? At Silver Environmental, we have over 20 years of service, removing and remediating mold. We have a near perfect

, and the experience needed to get rid of your home problem.

Give us a call today, or fill out our contact form, in order to speak with an expert. We offer free inspections in order to help you identify the mold problem in your business, and take the right approach to eliminate it.