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In this guide
Mold Removal Cost per Square Foot
Mold Removal Cost by Type of Mold
Mold Remediation Cost by Location
Professional Mold Removal Cost
Mold Removal Price by Company
Mold Inspection and Testing Cost
Mold Health Effects
Mold Prevention
Mold Causes
Mold Facts
Mold Infestation Symptoms
Mold Removal vs Remediation
Mold Remediation Cost Factors
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Additional Considerations
FAQs
The average cost of mold remediation per square foot is $15 to $30. Mold does not commonly fill an entire space. Therefore, remediation companies charge per square foot based on the area where the mold is present. A smaller, more contained area such as a crawl space is less square footage and therefore cheaper than mold presence in a large area of drywall that has to be removed. The table below highlights different size options for removal and their respective costs.
| Area Size | Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| 50 sq.ft. | $750 - $1,500 |
| 100 sq.ft. | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| 150 sq.ft. | $2,250 - $4,500 |
| 200 sq.ft. | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| 300 sq.ft. | $4,500 - $9,000 |
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Mold Removal Cost by Type of Mold
If you are experiencing mold in and around your home, you should hire a professional for immediate removal. Mold removal cost is anywhere between $500 and $7,000. More than 100 different types of mold exist, each differing in their appearance, location, side effects, and cost for removal. Most mold removals cost a similar amount. Toxic forms are slightly higher due to the increased need for safety equipment. The chart below highlights the most common types of mold seen in homes and their respective removal costs, including labor and materials.
| Type of Mold | Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Chaetomium | $500 - $3,500 |
| Ulocladium | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Alternaria | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Aspergillus | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| White Mold | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Cladosporium | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Green Mold | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Black Mold | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Serpula Lacrymans | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Fusarium | $2,000 - $7,000 |
Chaetomium Mold Removal
Chaetomium is reported as being one of the most common types of mold found in water-damaged or damp homes and can be recognized by its musty smell and bluish-green coloration. The spores are shaped like a tiny football and are dark brown. This mold grows in places that are difficult to see, such as under carpets, air ducts, inside walls, and cellulose-rich locations such as wood, drywall, and around pipes or ceiling tiles. While it is most commonly found indoors, it can also be prevalent outdoors, growing on soil or decaying plant matter. Several species of Chaetomium mold can be carcinogens. The longer chaetomium is in your home, the more likely it is to cause health issues for residents and spread to other areas of the home. When the mold spreads, the cleanup work is much more extensive and expensive. The average cost for professional removal is between $500 and $3,500.
Ulocladium Removal
Ulocladium is a fast-growing type of mold frequently found indoors. It requires more water than other types of mold and grows best in homes that have been flooded or sustained extreme water damage. It is often found in windows, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms on wallpaper, painted walls, and other painted surfaces. Ulocladium gives off a brown, gray, or greenish-black appearance and has a suede-like texture. It is not uncommon to find this mold growing along with other types of mold, including chaetomium, fusarium, and stachybotrys. Like other types of mold, this one can cause health problems, some minor and some very serious. A homeowner can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for removal.
Alternaria Mold Removal
Alternaria mold is one of the most common types of outdoor mold found in the environment during the spring and summer months. More than 40 varieties of these fungi are responsible for plant damage and degenerative diseases on trees and bushes. This mold's greatest danger is its ability to spread quickly both inside and outside the home. When the spores become airborne, they infest several locations and materials, including your clothes, house plants, and furniture. In a home with a high amount of humidity, this type of mold starts to grow and can invade areas beneath carpets, showers, attics, basements, and the interior of walls. The most common side effects of Alternaria mold are cold-like symptoms, including watery eyes, itchy throat, runny nose, headaches, fatigue, and sneezing. In some cases, it may lead to allergies, asthma, skin rashes, or itching. The cost of removing this type of mold depends on the prevalence of the mold in the home. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 for professional removal.
Aspergillus Penicillium Remediation Cost
Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 for professional aspergillus penicillium mold removal. With 250 identified species of the aspergillus mold, it is one of the most commonly found indoor molds. The appearance starts as a white fungus and quickly turns to different hues of black, brown, yellow, and green, depending on the species. Unlike most other molds, aspergillus grows well in low humidity environments and makes its way to windows, walls, doors, pillows, and carpets. Exposure to this mold may lead to Aspergillosis, hence its name, a form of respiratory infection.
White Mold Removal Cost
White mold remediation costs range between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the extent of mold present. White mold is a term used to refer to many species of mold that grow in homes, including aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillium. Some of these molds might appear white earlier on and then change colors after producing spores. If their spores are not pigmented, they appear white regardless of age and blend in with their host materials. Since some people don't realize that white mold is present, it may put them at risk for health issues for extended periods.
Cladosporium Mold Removal
Cladosporium is a common mold found on nearly all surfaces, including damp basements, bathrooms, drywall, carpeting, paint, attics, and near HVAC systems. Those exposed to it may not experience symptoms at all. However, others may experience sneezing, dry skin, coughing, watery eyes, itching throat, and stuffy nose. The cost of mold remediation for Cladosporium ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.
Green Mold Removal
Green mold is a general term that refers to different types of fungi that grow in shades of green. It appears soft and fuzzy or powdery and can be commonly seen on fruits, bread, and many other foods. However, green mold can also grow in wet areas of a home. Although many mold species can grow green, the most common are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Continuous exposure to this type of mold can affect the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks. The cost of green mold remediation ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.
Black Mold Removal Cost
Black mold, or stachybotrys chartarum, can be difficult to remove. Therefore, you can expect to pay higher removal costs anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on the extent of the mold. If these molds are found in your home, it is important to address the issue right away to prevent serious health concerns. Black mold grows in areas that remain wet such as air conditioners or paper, gypsum board, and fiberboard areas that have experienced sustained water damage from flooding or leaks. It also thrives in areas with high condensation and requires moisture to stay alive. Black mold stains the surfaces it grows on and is difficult to remediate. The surfaces may require replacement or additional bleaching.
Serpula Lacrymans Removal
Serpula lacrymans is a mold that causes dry rot in the wood it feeds on and inhabits. Its deep yellow color makes it easy to locate. Sadly, it can cause widespread damage and be hard to control. Serpula lacrymans get its water from other locations, which is why it survives on dry wood. This mold variety even grows through dry mortar, plaster, and masonry. If left untreated, serpula lacrymans mold can eat drywall, lumber, subflooring, and siding. If so, these areas will need to be replaced. Unlike most other fungal spores, serpula lacrymans spores are not major allergens and are not pathogenic to humans. Since this type of mold causes damage, it can be costly to get rid of completely and averages between $2,000 and $6,000 for remediation.
Fusarium Removal
Fusarium is a fast-spreading mold that can be found on all surfaces, even at low temperatures. It can be extremely dangerous to even healthy individuals, causing onychomycosis, a nail infection, and keratomycosis, an infection of the cornea. Some individuals may develop a systemic infection when the spores enter the bloodstream. This type of mold is common in areas around a water leak. The cost of removal can be quite high and ranges between $2,000 and $6,000.
Mold can technically take root and begin growing anywhere, requiring immediate remediation for an average cost ranging between $100 and $30,000. The cost of mold remediation is directly influenced by the location. The chart below illustrates some of the most common locations of mold growth and respective costs for removal, followed by a description in the subsections below.
| Location | Cost of Removal (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Vent | $100 - $500 |
| Underside of the Roof Deck | $500 - $1,000 |
| Bathroom | $500 - $1,500 |
| Crawl Space | $500 - $2,000 |
| Attic | $500 - $7,000 |
| Drywall | $1,000 - $7,000 |
| Basement | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Concrete Block Walls | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Air Duct | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Whole Home | $10,000 - $30,000 |
Mold in Vents Removal Cost
The cost of removing mold from the vents averages $100 to $500 if the ducts are not impacted. It is quite possible that if the vents are impacted, your ducts may also be impacted and should be inspected for mold as they are often affected together. If that is the case, you will require air duct and vent mold removal. These extra steps will increase the price drastically.
The Underside of the Roof Deck
The underside of the roof deck is one of the spaces most commonly affected by mold. This area is treated separately from the rest of the attic. Leaks from the roof are the main cause of the mold build up. The typical process of cleaning the underside of the deck is using scrubbers to ensure the spores don't spread. The cost for mold removal is between $500 and $1,000, depending on the extent of mold present.
Bathroom Mold Removal Cost
Removing mold in your bathroom typically costs around $500 to $1,500. If your bathroom is not well ventilated or you've had a leak, there is a high chance of mold growth in the shower, bathtub, sink, drains, or even the walls above the shower. The best removal method is to use air scrubbers to remove the mold. If you find or suspect mold growth behind your tub, sink, or vanity, the cost of the project may increase dramatically.
Mold in Crawl Space Removal Cost
Mold growth in a crawl space costs between $500 and $2,000 to remove depending on the size of the crawlspace and how much mold is present. Crawl spaces grow mold for many similar reasons as basements do--their dampness and high humidity levels. Since they are much smaller and more contained spaces than basements, they typically have more ventilation and don't have a big growing area. The cost is less than for basement mold removal.
Attic Mold Removal Cost
You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $7,000 for mold removal in the attic, depending on the size of the space and the ease of access. Attics are a great spot for mold to grow due to poor ventilation, their proneness to moisture problems such as a leaking AC unit or leaky room, or condensation from poor insulation. If the most affected area is within the insulation, you may have to remove it. This labor for insulation removal will raise the cost. Proper cleaning and ventilation are the most important steps of mold remediation in the attic.
Cost to Remove Mold Drywall
Removing mold on your drywall 1 is one of the more expensive types of remediation, ranging in price between $1,000 and $7,000. Where you land in that range depends on whether it is a simple treatment or replacement of the entire wall. In some circumstances, it may require repair to the pipes causing these mold issues. Mold inside the drywall is caused by sweating or leaking pipes that allow for condensation or moisture to build up.
Basement Mold Removal Cost
The average cost of basement mold removal is between $1,500 and $4,000. Basements tend to get damp, have high humidity, and are common locations for leaking pipes, all perfect conditions for mold to take hold and grow. Mold also grows in basement wood, insulation, and drywall. The average size basement is around 1000 sq. ft., with most mold areas averaging between 100 and 300 sq. ft. Basement removal includes scrubbing down the affected areas, drying out the space using dehumidifiers, and using air scrubbers to remove spores.
Mold Removal on Concrete Block Walls
Mold on concrete block walls is commonly caused by leaking or sweating pipes allowing moisture and condensation to build up. This type of remediation includes removing any impacted drywall or insulation, cleaning the affected areas, and making repairs to the pipes that may be leaking or sweating before fixing the walls. This type of remediation can be expensive, costing $1,500 and up to $4,000 for large areas.
Air Duct Mold Removal Cost
The average air duct mold removal cost ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. Mold can be found in the air ducts of some HVAC systems. If left unattended, it can get into the air and cause air quality and health issues. Air duct mold removal requires special cleaning to remove all airborne spores reliably. This process is one of the most expensive types of mold remediation. Ducts can involve significant mold growth due to moisture build-up and condensation that occurs when filters aren't changed properly, or the HVAC system isn't properly vented and serviced. Once mold is discovered, the HVAC system needs to be turned off immediately so that the airborne spores do not spread throughout the home.
Whole House Mold Remediation Cost
If mold and toxic spores are present in your whole house, expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for remediation. This cost includes both the remediation process and the cost of water damage repair. If you want to ensure mold is prevented in the future, you may opt for replacing windows, improving your basement drainage system, and having the land regraded around the house foundation. This project requires the replacement of drywall, carpets, and other household fixtures, adding to the total cost of the project.
Professional Mold Removal Cost
Mold remediation services typically run between $500 and $7,000, with most people paying between $1,500 and $3,500. Approximately 60% of the project's cost is for labor, and the other 40% is for materials. This involves sealing and cleaning the entire area. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the amount of mold, what caused it, and the level of damage involved.
Mold remediation is a multi-step process that begins after the area has been thoroughly dried. Large fans and dehumidifiers dry the area before remediation begins. If the source of the moisture or leak has not been fixed, this should occur before any remediation. Once the area is dry, inspection and testing begin. Not all mold remediation companies test the mold. Testing is only done on request if health issues are involved. Be sure to ask about this when getting your estimates.
The area being treated is sealed, as mold spores travel easily once they are disturbed. Air filtration systems are used to seal off the area to remove and prevent the spread of airborne spores. Physical barriers, such as plastic sheeting and negative air pressure, prevent the circulation of air between the contaminated space and the surrounding areas. Next, the air is cleaned using a combination of "air scrubbers" and HEPA vacuums to remove any mold particles or spores from the air.
Antifungal and antimicrobial cleansers are used on hard surfaces to remove the mold. If possible, furniture, clothing, or toys are taken off site for cleaning to ensure all mold spores are eradicated. This process involves deep cleaning with an antifungal or antimicrobial cleanser. Fogging equipment removes odors from the area and the musty smells that mold leaves behind. The average dry fog mold removal cost is $800 to $1,100 and involves a two-step removal process to remove mold. With dry fog mold removal, a sterilizing formula is fogged into the space containing mold. Then, the oxygen creates droplets that fall onto the surfaces and weigh the mold down. This process is best for removing mold spores from the air, but the surface may still need further cleaning.
You can elect to have dry ice removal, which costs a bit more but is very effective at killing mold. This process involves using high pressure air to blast dry ice pellets at the surface containing mold. This blasts the mold right off the surface, making it quick and highly effective. The average dry ice mold removal cost is about $1,400 to $1,600.
Finally, any surfaces that cannot be cleaned should be torn out. This includes drywall, carpeting, wallpaper, and other affected surfaces. New surfaces are installed following the removal of the old. This may be as simple as putting up a single sheet of drywall, or it may involve the complete tear-out and renovation of an entire room depending on the extent of damage and mold growth. The important thing is to get rid of all damaged surfaces and materials for the safety of everyone.
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Mold Removal Price by Company
The average mold removal price by company ranges from $500 to $10,000. The rates depend on which specialty service provider is used, what type of removal is needed, and other factors. Companies that specialize in mold remediation may be a good choice for the job because they have the experience and equipment to get the job done properly. Big-name companies and franchises might have better rates and availability because of their size. In the table and subsections below, we will look at popular mold removal services, their average costs, and what each entails. Remember that there is a huge variance in the mold abatement cost range because of the variables involved in the size and complexity of removal jobs.
| Company | Cost of Mold Removal (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Servicemaster | $500 - $4,000 |
| Servpro | $1,500 - $10,000 |
Servicemaster Mold Removal Cost
Servicemaster charges from $500 to $4,000 for their mold mitigation cost, depending on the severity of the mold and its location. When mold is found in the attic and/or air ducts, it costs far more for this company to clean, as is the case with most companies. Servicemaster rates vary depending on the region where you live. Specials may be offered for combining services, such as when you have carpets cleaned or other cleaning services performed along with your mold removal and remediation.
Servpro Mold Removal Cost
Servpro mold removal ranges from $10 to $25 per sq.ft., or $1,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of the job, the location and severity of the mold, and other factors. If you select to have an inspection and testing done before removal, those costs may be incurred in addition to the removal cost. Servpro may also offer discounts for customers who use their water restoration or other services in addition to mold removal. Be sure to ask about these things when getting an estimate. The cleaning process involves removing any water, water damage, and mold and cleaning the area thoroughly.
Mold Inspection and Testing Cost
A mold inspection is essential for your family's health and well-being and ranges in cost from $450 to $800, with most people paying around $500 to inspect a 2,500 sq.ft. home, obtain two samples, and conduct laboratory testing. Typically, the price depends on the home's square footage and how many mold samples are obtained. At the low end of the spectrum, you pay $300 for a 1,000 sq.ft. area.
Mold is a fungus and requires moisture to grow and flourish. Even in small quantities, the mold spores can quickly become airborne in the home and lead to health problems (especially of the respiratory tract) for the inhabitants. The mold spreads and causes extensive structural damage. This situation requires repairs and mold remediation.
Mold testing is not always necessary. Many specialists agree that if you see mold, it's enough to treat it. Therefore, testing is not always necessary. However, if your insurance requires it or you have specific health concerns that may be mold related, you can have your home tested. Always make sure you use an independent, third party testing agency. If you hire a mold remediation company, it is important to make sure they use a third party testing agency.
Mold testing can be carried out in a few different ways. The most common is a rapid scratch test, which involves collecting a small sample of the mold and applying it to various chemicals to determine the reaction. More extensive testing may involve sending samples to a testing facility or taking samples of the air to test if there is no visible mold, but mold is suspected. Testing for mold may cost as little as $50 or as much as $700 for professional testing. Keep in mind, though, that it is often unwarranted. Most remediation services proceed the same way regardless of what type of mold is found in your home.
Mold Health Effects
According to the CDC, mold exposure can lead to many different health issues or none at all. It depends on the sensitivity of the person exposed, whether that person has any allergies to mold, the type of mold, and the level of exposure. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include nose, throat, eye, and lung irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, and skin irritations. Mold may trigger asthma attacks in people who experience asthma or serious lung infections in those people who have compromised immune systems.
Mold Prevention
The EPA recommends fixing any underlying leaks and issues to help prevent mold growth or its return. Be sure to dry all damp, wet areas thoroughly and remove and replace porous surfaces, such as ceiling tiles and drywall, as you may not be able to remove the mold completely. Do not paint or caulk the moldy areas, as this may cause the paint to peel. Clean hard surfaces with a mixture of detergent and water. They recommend protecting yourself from mold by using face masks and gloves and washing the clothes you are wearing in hot soapy water immediately after tackling the mold. If you feel that the issue is larger than you can handle, contact a professional to help.
Mold Causes
Mold is a type of fungus that presents in a thread-like structure and can be found in nearly every part of the world. Mold spores are everywhere, but a problem arises when mold begins to grow inside the home. This is usually because the mold spores have found their way to a damp area where conditions are right for them to begin to grow. Some of the common causes of mold growth in the home include pipe leaks, roof leaks, floods, and high humidity levels. Once the spores are present within the home, they can easily spread to other areas of the home.
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Mold Facts
Most people are unaware of many important mold facts. Knowing these facts can help you prevent and remove it from your home and help better protect yourself and your family. Mold is found nearly everywhere, both indoors and out. Mold spores thrive in moisture, high humidity, and other wet environments. If these environments are present in your home, mold growth can begin in as little as 48 hours. Indoor humidity levels above 45 percent could lead to conditions that allow mold colonies to establish. Because mold thrives in moisture, any sources of water, humidity, or moisture must be addressed and dried before mold remediation can begin. Otherwise, while the visible mold may be removed, spores could recolonize the area within a few days.
Mold spores are microscopic and float in the air, entering your home through HVAC systems, windows, doors, or by binding to clothing or a pet. In small numbers, these spores are relatively harmless, but mold colonies may produce allergens and irritants, which are the cause of health concerns. Mold often produces a strong odor that can be described as musty and is often the first sign of a possible mold colony.
Mold Infestation Symptoms
Often, your first sign of a mold infestation is a musty odor. Since most infestations start small, the odor is usually the determining factor that indicates mold is present. Other signs include visible growth on the walls and other surfaces and staining on the walls or ceilings. Another sign of mold infestation is if you have an increase in allergy symptoms occurring indoors. If you detect or suspect the presence of mold, a mold remediation company can be hired to complete testing, confirm its presence, and offer a solution to the issue.
Mold exists naturally in the air inside and outside of your home. Therefore, it is impossible to completely "remove" all mold from within a building. Microscopic spores still exist even after the problem has been addressed. Mold remediation is the process of cleaning and removing mold colonies and mold growth on surfaces inside your home. It helps to get mold levels back to what is considered "normal" for your area and air humidity levels. Because it is impossible to guarantee the "removal" of all the mold in a building, most companies offer what is known as remediation services, cleaning and removing the mold problem from your home.
When the time comes to deal with a mold problem in your home, you'll find that there is often a wide range of costs, from $500 to $7,000 for the average cost of mold remediation. This cost can be influenced by several different factors, including the size of the mold issue, location, whether the mold can be cleaned or removed/replaced, cause of the mold, and damage caused by the mold. The more mold present in your home, the higher its cost will be to clean and remove it.
You can expect to pay less for smaller, more contained spaces such as a crawl space and more for an entire attic. The location of the mold highly affects the overall cost of remediation. Heating, ventilation, and AC systems require special cleaning and increase the cost of removal. In some instances, the mold can be cleaned off of fabrics. However, anything the mold and moisture may have permanently damaged, such as carpeting, drywall, and insulation, may need to be removed.
The average cost of mold removal with cleanup is $2,500. You can pay more if you have to remove and replace items. The cause of mold is another factor that influences the cost. For example, if the mold is due to a flood from a septic tank failure, it will require more invasive testing and cleaning for hazardous substances, increasing the cost. In some cases, the mold may cause damage, such as wood rot or damage to other areas that must be repaired or replaced. Any damage that has to be dealt with on top of the mold increases the final cost by $5,000 or more.
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Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Mold Damage Repair Cost
The cost to repair mold damage ranges between $75 and $3,000, in addition to the mold remediation costs. In most cases, simply cleaning the mold is enough to address the problem. However, if there has been ongoing water damage or a flood, you may need to repair and replace many of the porous areas of the home. This could include the removal and replacement of drywall, carpeting, hard flooring, cabinets, furniture, and other areas. It may involve simply repairing the damaged areas, which will typically incur a cheaper mold repair cost than total replacement.
Leak Repair
If leaks are found along with the mold damage, they need to be repaired at an average cost of $150 to $350, depending on the severity and location of the leak. If you need roof leak repair, you can expect to spend $400 to $1,000. Serious plumbing issues could cost thousands of dollars, while minor leaks could be a relatively inexpensive fix. Regardless of the cost, it will be important to fix all leaks as quickly as possible so that no further water damage or mold growth occurs after the remediation has been completed.
Foundation Sealing
Foundation sealing can be done to deter moisture and water from entering your basement or crawl space at an average cost of $2,000 to $10,000 for a full basement waterproofing and foundation sealing. You may find contractors that charge less for exterior foundation sealing only, but that limits the protection offered because there is no internal barrier to add an extra layer. Sealing a foundation improves the structural integrity of the foundation and gives your home a better appearance.
Air Duct Cleaning Mold Removal Cost
If mold is found in your air ducts, you may need to call in a specialized team to dismantle and clean the ducts, which can raise the cost of mold removal to between $350 and $1,000. Mold grows well in climates that are moist and warm, making air ducts an ideal location for mold growth. A humid climate and poor insulation in the ducts cause condensation and the formation of mold. Having your air ducts cleaned is extremely important to prevent the circulation of mold throughout your home.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Testing. If mold is present in your home, it is not necessary to test for it. Testing is often done for specific health concerns.
- DIY cleaning. A few methods you can use to clean mold yourself include using a mixture of detergent and water on hard surfaces or a mixture of bleach and water. It is important to wear a mask and use plastic to seal off the contaminated room from the rest of the home to protect the health and safety of yourself and your family.
- Insurance. Some insurance companies cover mold remediation, particularly if caused by a leak or flood. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company for more information.
- Guarantees. Not all mold remediation companies can offer a guarantee, as mold spores are constantly present in the home. However, air testing can be done to ensure that spores have returned to normal levels and that all colonies have been addressed.
- Estimates. Always get at least three to five estimates before hiring anyone to do the job. All companies differ in the extent of work they offer and the cost. This will make it easier to eliminate those companies that don't meet your needs.
- Hiring an inspector. If you hire an inspector, the inspector must, at a minimum, have a degree in science or the engineering fields and have completed industry-approved coursework in mold investigation. This should be through either the American Board of Industrial Hygiene or the American Council for Accredited Certification. They should be able to show you industry credentials such as Certified Industrial Hygienist or Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant. They should also be hired as a third party inspector and work independently of any mold remediation company.
- Reports and analysis. An inspector should provide you with a report of the lab results of air and surface samples taken. If the issue can be addressed by DIY, they should tell you this or tell you whether you need a mold remediation specialist.
- EPA guidelines. According to the EPA, if the mold in your home affects an area less than 100 feet square, you should be able to clean it up yourself. However, a professional should handle anything larger or anything caused by a flood or leaking pipe.
- True removal vs cleaning. Cleaning the areas where you can see mold is often not enough to deal with the issue, due to the mold spores being microscopic. True remediation involves sealing the room, filtering the air, and removing odors, as well as cleaning and killing the mold itself. DIY methods may clean the visible mold but may miss underlying issues, such as leaks, and may not adequately contain the mold spores.
- Large infestations. Cleaning a large mold infestation yourself may lead to spore infestations in new areas of your home. This is why larger mold problems should always be handled professionally, not just to ensure their eradication but to prevent the spread as well.
FAQs
- Should I buy a house with mold?
It is generally advised to avoid buying a house that has a current or recent mold issue reported. This is because you are investing when you purchase a home. You don't want that investment to start by costing you a small fortune.
- What is involved with mold remediation?
Mold remediation can take many forms depending on the type of mold, location, and level. Usually, the task list includes cleaning the surfaces or removing surfaces that are badly affected and using air scrubbers to clean spores and dehumidifiers to dry the area.
- Can mold be completely removed from a house?
No, mold is everywhere, and most mold does not colonize. It is possible to remove colonized mold from a home, however.
- What is the best product to kill mold?
Many good products kill mold, including bleach and concromium. Removing moisture from the area will also help kill it.
- Can you live in a house during mold remediation?
In most cases, yes. The area in question will be sealed off, and air scrubbers will help remove spores.
- Can I remove black mold myself?
DIY mold removal is only recommended for areas that are less than 50 sq. ft. in size. Any larger and you should seek professional help.
- Is a mold inspection necessary before remediation?
Not always. It's mostly helpful to determine just how large the issue is.
- Is it safe to stay in a house with black mold?
Not everyone is sensitive to mold. Some black molds are not overly harmful. Speak with a mold remediation expert about what type of mold you have and the level of colonization.
- Is mold remediation really necessary?
Without remediation, mold colonies may continue to spread, damaging surfaces and potentially causing health problems.
- Is mold remediation covered by homeowners' insurance?
In many cases, yes. However, mold growth after a flood may not be covered, so always speak to your insurance carrier.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.
1 Drywall: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper
Source: https://www.fixr.com/costs/mold-remediation
