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Mold doesn’t just smell bad. Living in a moldy environment can be dangerous. It can lead to several health problems and, in serious cases, land you in the hospital.
But how do you get rid of it? And how much does mold removal cost?
We’ve put together this guide to help you find the answers to those questions, so make sure you keep reading below!
In This Post:
Breaking Down Mold Removal Cost
The average homeowner spends about $2,000 on the entire mold removal process. However, the exact cost will vary depending on a number of different factors.
First of all, mold removal companies charge different rates (and use different payment methods). Some companies charge per square foot—usually $15 to $30—while others bill you by the hour—which often falls within the $75 to $100 range.
There are also three separate steps during a mold removal service, and the specifics of these jobs can make the price go up or down. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from each one.
Inspecting/Testing
Before you can remove any mold, you have to find out where it is and how bad it is. To do this, a mold removal professional will have to make an inspection of your home. If the mold isn’t visible (and sometimes even if it is), they’ll also perform a mold test.
This step will cost a few hundred dollars on its own. The cost varies, but it’s usually below $400.
During this inspection, the mold removal professional will be able to find the source of the problem and figure out the best way to get rid of it.
Mold Removal
To start the cleaning process, the professional will remove any contaminated items that can’t be saved from the home, such as furniture, drywall, flooring, etc. They’ll then clean away any mold and bacteria that are in the home.
As part of this step, the mold removal professional will also repair the source of the mold. This will prevent it from causing any other problems in the future.
The cost of this step depends on the specifics of the job, but the professional will charge you using one of the methods listed above.
Restoring Damaged Items
After the mold is gone, you’ll have to replace any items that were damaged or destroyed. This might mean you have to buy new furniture, replace a section of the wall, install new flooring, etc.
Depending on what needs to be done, you may have to finish this step on your own. Either way, it will add an extra expense on top of what you’re already paying the mold removal company.
Factors That’ll Impact the Overall Cost of Mold Removal
No matter what company you work with, there are a few things that can make the price of the mold removal job go up. We’ve put together a quick list of the most common culprits below.
Size of the Problem
The more mold you have, the longer it will take to clean. This means the mold removal professional will spend more time in your house, which will make the total cost of the job more expensive.
Accessibility
Where is the mold growing?
If you have mold growing on the outside of your bathroom walls, a professional will be able to remove it fairly quickly and easily. However, for every spot of mold you can see, there is at least one other spot of mold you can’t see.
There may be mold hidden inside your walls, up in your attic, or under your home in a crawl space. The harder it is for a professional to reach and clean this mold, the more expensive the job will be.
Type of Mold
Not all mold is the same.
While all mold can be dangerous, nothing compares to black mold. This type of mold can cause some serious health issues, meaning it’s more dangerous for mold removal professionals to clean.
They may need special equipment to work with black mold, and the job may take longer. Because of this, you can expect to pay more money to remove black mold from your home.
The Extent of the Problem
If you catch mold early, you can get rid of it without much trouble. However, the longer you ignore a mold problem, the worse it will get. The mold can spread through different rooms in your home or even turn into black mold over time.
Leaving mold alone for too long will also make other related damages worse.
Instead of being able to clean your walls, you may have to cut out the drywall and install new pieces. You may have to replace the subflooring before you can install new flooring. You may even have to repair the interior studs and other structural components of your walls.
The sooner you find and fix a mold problem, the less expensive it will be.
What to Do If You Think You Need Mold Removal Services
If you find any type of mold in your home, you should talk to a mold removal professional right away. They’ll be able to find the source of the problem, fix it, and remove any dangerous mold from your home.
But be sure to talk to them about the price first. Knowing the mold removal cost will help you create an accurate budget for the job.
Want to learn some other helpful tips for homeowners? Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blog today!