How Much Can Mold Removal Cost?
The mold removal cost for manual labor and professional mold remediation services can seem expensive. Yet, it’s an investment worth making to counter persistent structural damage and health hazards.
Learn the value of DIY cleanup vs. consultations with mold remediation specialists and variables that influence the overall cost.
Here’s everything you need to know:
The Premises: How Do Mold Infestations Occur?
Mold breeds in places with high humidity levels and warm temperatures. It’s a type of fungus that can survive in dark places without sunlight. Due to this, mold spores spread and grow underneath surfaces, feeding on organic structural material (like wood, fiber, clay, and other materials).
Common target sites for mold growth include:
- Drywall and paint
- Areas with low ventilation systems (i.e., basements and attics)
- Inside HVAC units and interior insulation
- Wooden furniture
- Under the sink, dishwasher, and fridge
- Beneath bathroom tiles and wooden floorboards
- Inside upholstery and carpets
The infestation often begins within 24 hours of moisture buildup caused by roof leaks, storm damage, flood damage, or sewage overflow. Alternatively, old homes with poor insulation, faulty plumbing lines, and those that experience years of neglect can also be susceptible to mold infestations.
When Should You Call Mold Removal Specialists?
Mold growth occurs within days or persists for years. Regular home maintenance and constant vigilance are two ways to reduce the risks of these infestations. You can typically spot that something has gone wrong due to the deteriorating structure of the affected site.
Common signs of infestation include:
- Peeling paint and cracked wallpaper
- Crumbling drywall and foundation
- Discolored surfaces with irregular patches of green, white, black, or yellow indicate the presence of mold clusters.
- Sagging ceiling
- Musty and foul moldy odor
Besides structural issues, you might observe a reduction in air quality. That’s because mold spores can spread through the HVAC system and make breathing difficult.
Physical symptoms of mold contamination include:
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Itchiness
- Headaches
People with asthma and allergies are more sensitive to mold growth (specifically toxic black mold infestation). Prolonged exposure to moldy environments can trigger allergies and have a long-term effect on health.
Therefore, homeowners should contact professional mold remediation specialists as soon as they notice visible signs of disintegration. Immediate mitigation limits structural damage and decreases health hazards caused by mold contamination.
Mold Removal Cost: Which Factors Influence Price for Remediation?
Our mold remediation specialists perform detailed investigations and onsite surveys to determine service costs. These assessments identify the extent of damage and individual challenges the property poses due to the type of material and area affected by the fungal infestation.
For example, removing mold from crawl spaces might cost less than mold remediation service charges for attic or basement cleanup. That’s because the bigger the affected site, the more likely it spreads. In turn, creating more difficulties for technicians.
During the inspection, we make a list of the following factors:
- Is the mold infestation recent or old?
- Which areas (i.e., attic, basement, bathroom, crawlspaces) are infested?
- How long will complete mold removal and remediation take?
- Does your property require extensive reconstruction due to mold damage?
- What kind of equipment will the technicians use for mold remediation service?
Besides this, our IICRC-trained team performs professional mold tests to determine the danger that lies within your moldy homes. Through it, you can find out how widespread the threat is and what kind of mold occupies these contaminated spaces. We also check air quality to find more precise results.
After this, our technicians create a tentative mold mitigation plan and cost-effective strategies. Feel free to discuss budget and insurance options with our customer service representatives if you have any concerns.
DIY vs. Mold Remediation Services: Why Should You Hire Professionals?
DIY mold removal might sound inexpensive and budget-friendly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can undertake cleanup projects if the mold growth is limited.
As mentioned earlier, mold can be toxic and are often more widespread than initial signs lead you to believe. That’s why Infestations over 10 square feet (i.e., 3×3 feet) require professional supervision.
Asides from this, you should consider hiring professionals for mold testing before and after remediation, even if you plan to tackle the situation by yourself. Their specialized training and industry-grade equipment enable you to evade health risks better than superficial DIY hacks.
Even though these services might be costly, they save you from irreversible structural damage and prolonged health problems. In a way, that compensates for the money you spend on professional mitigation.
So How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?
On average, the mold removal cost can range from $13 to $30 per square foot, with total costs going up to $1000 depending on the size of the infested area. Labor costs, specialized services, and extensive reconstruction all affect the final price.
Most local companies that offer mold remediation services take individual circumstances into account before giving a quote. Professional mold testing and investigation become necessary to evaluate the severity and scale of the damage.
Hiring licensed practitioners can maximize the chances of receiving coverage from your insurer. It’s only applicable for homeowners’ insurance policies that cover mold remediation. Always consult your insurance company to clarify relevant policies before filing a complaint.
In this way, you can work with mold remediation specialists to create a cost-effective plan to eliminate infestation.
Think you’re dealing with a moldy situation? Contact 911 Restoration of Everett to schedule a mold inspection test before the problem escalates.
