How much will your mold inspection and removal cost?
Columbus, OH 43215
Mold removal costs$592 - $2,378
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$592
- Most common high price:$2,378
How much does mold removal cost?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Mon, Aug 04
The national average cost of mold removal ranges from around $592-$2,378, and most people pay around $1,188, according to Thumbtack data. However, costs can range depending on the severity and scope of the problem — and where the mold is growing in your home.
Mold remediation cost
| National average cost | $1,188 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $592 |
| High-end average cost | $2,378 |
A mold removal company may want to perform a visual inspection before providing you with a quote for their services, although testing for mold is not always required. Are you wondering how much does mold removal cost? Keep reading this cost guide to learn more about the various cost factors.
Table of Contents
- Mold remediation cost
- Mold removal cost factors
- Why professional mold remediation is often worth the cost
- Find a mold remediation pro near you
- FAQs
- What is mold?
- What's the difference between mold and mildew?
- What causes mold in homes?
- Can mold be completely removed from a house?
- Can you clean up mold yourself?
- How do you prevent mold growth in your home?
- What is black mold?
- Does bleach kill black mold?
- How do you know if mold is behind drywall?
- How long does mold remediation last?
Mold removal cost factors
The size of the affected area can impact the mold or black mold removal cost. If your mold growth is confined to a space that’s less than 10 square feet, you consider cleaning it up yourself for a lower cost. In this case, you’ll want to buy household cleaners and gear (i.e. masks, gloves, goggles) to protect yourself as much as possible.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning it up yourself, you can hire a professional. And if you have a large mold infestation, it’s also recommended that you hire a professional -- which will be pricier than removing it yourself. Here are the most common factors that frequently affect how much you'll pay:
| Factors | Cost Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Size of the mold | If the moldy area is less than a 3-foot-by-3-foot patch (or 10 sq. feet), you can clean the mold yourself and only pay for cleaners and protective gear. |
| Location of the mold | Mold in crawl spaces may be less expensive to treat than attic mold, drywall mold or mold in HVAC systems. |
| What caused the mold | In cases where the mold was caused by a broken pipe, leaky roof shingles, poor insulation or faulty AC units, you might need to pay more to have those items fixed. |
| Damages and restoration | If the mold causes major structural damage to your home, furniture or fabrics, it will likely cost you extra to have those items restored. |
Search local Mold Removal Experts and check prices.
Why professional mold remediation is often worth the cost
Indoor mold -- including black mold -- can cause health problems, especially for those who have a mold allergy, a respiratory illness or a compromised immune system. Airborne mold spores are the culprit for most mold-related health issues.
Symptoms in people in good health may include coughing and wheezing, a sore throat or other upper respiratory tract systems, while the presence of mold exacerbates symptoms in people with asthma. Possible symptoms from mold exposure and/or mold allergy:
Coughing and wheezing
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Nasal or sinus congestion
Cough and postnasal drip
Itchy eyes, nose and throat
Watery eyes
Dry, scaly skin
Skin rashes or irritation
Hay fever
Find a mold remediation pro near you
If you suspect that your home may be infested with mold, it's important to your health and the investment you have in your home to take action immediately. The longer you wait, the more serious the problem will get. Take the next step, and browse the top mold removal professionals in your area who are available to help.
FAQs
Removing mold can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. These are some questions that often come up during the process.
What is mold?
Mold is a fungus that naturally grows everywhere in the world. Small amounts of mold spores are normal, and there’s actually no way to completely get rid of it. However, when mold growth occurs in large quantities indoors, it can become problematic. And toxic mold can cause health problems.
What's the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew have similarities, but also a few noticeable differences. For example, mildew is considered a "surface fungi" and is usually gray or white whereas mold is green or black. You can usually treat mildew by scrubbing it with a household cleaner, but removing mold may require a professional's help.
What causes mold in homes?
Mold is caused by moisture. It can thrive indoors if you have leaky pipes, a moisture problem in your basement or an insufficient venting system in your bathroom. A lack of insulation in your windows, walls or roof may cause condensation to build up, which can lead to mold.
Can mold be completely removed from a house?
No. Indoor environments can never become completely mold-free because mold is a naturally growing fungus that can grow on almost any surface. But, mold can (and should) be controlled. And the best way to do that is by reducing moisture and remediating mold when you notice it in your home.
Can you clean up mold yourself?
Depending on the extent of the damage and your ability to protect yourself, it’s possible to clean mold yourself. If you are doing it yourself, your work area should not exceed 10 square feet. Otherwise, it’s time to get a professional involved.
For smaller areas, you can use a bleach solution or detergent to clean the infected area, according to the CDC. This may be your last resort if you’re cleaning up mold after a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood.
When cleaning, don’t forget to wear the correct protective gear, such as a N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners as this is extremely dangerous. It’s always best to consult an expert to determine the right protective gear and the best mold mitigation measures.
How do you prevent mold growth in your home?
The best way to prevent mold from growing is to control moisture levels in your home. When mold spores land on places or surfaces with excessive moisture, mold growth can occur.
Aim to keep your home’s humidity levels at less than 50% (home improvement stores usually carry meters that let you check this number). Investing in a dehumidifier or an air conditioner may help you to keep the moisture down.
It’s also important to act quickly if you have mold damage. If you let the mold sit for days, it can grow and cause more harm to your home.
What is black mold?
Black mold (or “toxic black mold”) is an unofficial term often used to refer to molds that produce mycotoxins. There is no actual black mold species, but the term often references Stachybotrys chartarum, which has a greenish-black color.
Does bleach kill black mold?
In general, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) does not recommend using bleach to routinely clean up mold, although there are specific circumstances when a professional may choose to use it.
If you have a small amount of mold, the CDC recommends using one of the following methods to remove the mold:
Up to 1 cup of household laundry bleach diluted in a gallon of water
Household products, like bleach or detergent
Soap and water
How do you know if mold is behind drywall?
There are some telltale signs to look for on your drywall that may indicate mold growth:
Wall deterioration
Warped walls, or bubbling in the walls
Discoloration, spots or stains
Condensation build-up
Peeling wallpaper
Soft or rotted areas
Many of these signs indicate water damage, which could eventually lead to a mold issue.
How long does mold remediation last?
It is possible for mold to grow back after remediation. You can reduce these chances by keeping up with preventative measures such as controlling humidity, providing proper ventilation and using mold-resistant building materials in the event of a remodel. If you spot mold again, you should contact a professional to see about doing another treatment. Unresolved water damage is almost always the culprit in mold regrowth.
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