How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

Not only is mold an absolute nuisance, but it can be harmful to your health and your home if left untreated. While the average cost of mold remediation services averages around $20 per sq. ft or around $2,000, there are many different types of mold and other factors to consider that could influence the cost. Let’s jump in and learn how much mold remediation might cost for your home.

Mold remediation vs mold removal

Although mold remediation and removal go hand in hand, there is a difference between the two that could change the outcome and the cost. 

Mold remediation 

Image source: KPM Restoration

Mold remediation is more involved than just removal. The remediation process typically entails inspection, mold testing, containment, air filtration, removal, and sanitization. While completely eliminating mold indoors is impossible, remediation helps to slow mold growth and return affected areas back to normal.  

Mold removal 

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A simple removal usually focuses on removing all present mold spores by sanitizing and cleaning the affected areas but not removing materials. Depending on how severe the mold is, you should be able to remove it yourself, saving money on mold removal costs with household cleaning products like chlorine bleach, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Just remember to wear protective clothing like gloves and a mask. But if the mold is more than 10 square feet, it’s best to consider mold removal services.

Mold remediation cost factors

Mold inspection 

Mold inspection costs are usually an average of $350. Regardless of how severe the mold is, we recommend hiring a mold inspector first. These inspectors will take samples, determine the cause of the problem, and recommend reputable mold remediation companies.

Location 

Depending on where the mold is located in your home, it can be more expensive to remove if it’s in a difficult area to reach. Vents and air ducts are the cheapest to remove mold, averaging about $250 for the whole vent. Drywall and attic spaces are the most expensive to clean, averaging about $4,000 for mold removal.

Labor 

While it is possible to remove mold yourself, it’s best to opt for a professional mold remediation specialist. Depending on the severity of your mold problem, hiring a professional can help you avoid any serious health risks and ensure the mold is completely removed. The EPA recommends that you hire a professional if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet. Labor costs vary depending on the extent of the mold problem and if there’s any structural damage, but the cost of mold removal is usually an average of $25 per square foot or 60% of the total cost. 

Repairs

If the mold causes any significant damage to the home’s foundation or if materials need to be removed, repairs may be necessary. These repair costs can vary anywhere from $1,000-$20,000 or more depending on the extent of the damage. 

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Materials 

If any repairs are necessary, you’ll need to factor in the costs of all the materials like tape, drywall, and other supplies. If damages are severe, you may also need to replace carpeting, rugs, or furniture items as well.  

Types of mold

There are thousands of types of mold. The price range for types like serpula and black mold removal costs more because they can be more difficult to remove than others and some can be more harmful to you or your home. So it’s important to identify the most common and most dangerous ones to look for.

Alternaria mold 

Image source: The Mold Guy 

Average removal cost: $3,000 

Alternaria mold causes damage to plants and trees, but can become airborne and grow inside on wood and drywall. In addition to affecting basements, bathrooms, and attics, it can also cause asthma and skin reactions.  

Aspergillus mold 

Image source: Mold Answers

Average removal cost: $3,000

This type of visible mold typically changes shades of color to yellow, brown, black, or green and grows in low-humidity climates. Exposure to this mold can develop a respiratory illness known as aspergillosis. 

Black mold 

Image source: Molekule

Average removal cost: $4,000

Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is very common and can be removed yourself with the right protective gear. Growing quickly in wet or damp areas of your home, it’ll need to be removed as soon as possible. While toxic black mold is still seen as a significant health risk, there’s no scientific evidence to show exposure to black mold is more dangerous than other types of mold. Some people may be more sensitive and still develop symptoms faster.  

Chaetomium mold 

Image source: St. Louis Cleaning and Restoration

Average removal cost: $1,500

This type of mold has a blue-greenish color and can grow virtually anywhere – especially where there's water damage. It’s best to also remove chaetomium mold sooner than later because it can cause health problems like skin and nail infections, and rarely brain infections. 

Cladosporium mold 

Image source: MedicalNewsToday

Average removal cost: $2,500

Found both indoors and outdoors, Cladosporium typically features a dark green or brown color and can grow in warm and cool climates. Cladosporium does not really pose any significant health issues but can still lead to damage and allergic reactions. 

Fusarium mold  

Image source: SBG Environmental 

Average removal cost: $4,000

Like Cladosporium, fusarium mold grows very quickly in carpeting, fabrics, and on many other surfaces in cool temperatures. Fusarium usually features a reddish, pink color and can cause a range of health issues from a runny nose to bone infections after prolonged exposure.  

Serpula mold 

Image source: Mold Answers 

Average removal cost: $4,000 

Caused by water leaks, serpula mold is known as “building cancer” by contractors and homeowners, because it feeds on wood. It doesn’t pose a risk to humans but can cause significant damage to the whole house, deteriorating the wood over time. 

Ulocladium mold 

Image source: Mold Answers

Average removal cost: $2,500 

Ulocladium grows very fast indoors and typically in water-damaged areas. It typically has a dark green, brown, or grey appearance and can cause health issues. Prolonged exposure to ulocladium can cause hay fever and respiratory issues.   

DIY vs contractor

DIY 

If you have a small amount of mold growth in your home, it’s perfectly fine to tackle the job yourself. With any DIY home improvement project, you’ll mostly be paying for materials alone, but remember to wear protective clothing before tackling the job. You should be able to use household items like bleach and water or undiluted white vinegar.

Contractor 

If you suspect there’s a presence of mold in your home but are not sure, you can have your home inspected for an average cost of $200. It depends on the amount of damage and mold growth, but you can expect to pay an average of $21 per square foot for professional mold removal. Some homeowners insurance policies will cover mold but it depends on how the mold grew. If budget is an issue, refer to your insurance company regarding mold remediation projects.

How to prevent mold growth

Image source: Silver Environmental

Preventing mold issues can be difficult, but there are several ways to help ensure it doesn’t get out of control. 

Fix moisture problems

It’s important to decrease the humidity levels in your home to prevent mildew and dampness. Use dehumidifiers to dry out potentially moldy areas and improve the air quality in your home. Make sure to replace any wet or damaged roof insulation, fix any roof leaks, and keep all hard surfaces as dry as possible to prevent mold damage.  

Ventilation 

Roof ventilation is a key factor for many reasons, but making sure you have proper ventilation in your home helps bring in the fresh air and lets out warm stagnant air which can cause mold growth. Investing in other gadgets such as HEPA vacuums greatly improves air quality by filtering out dust and other harmful allergens. 

Find the source 

Search for areas in your home for potential signs of mold. Basements, air conditioners, HVAC systems, attics, crawl spaces, or other high-humidity areas are prone to mold infestations. Move any boxes or storage in basement areas, remove any rugs or any potentially damp items, and be prepared to scrub down any affected walls or surfaces.