Mold is probably one of every homeowner’s worst nightmares. The perceived health danger of aspirating mold spores and the expense of removing them makes the mold removal process a project quite challenging. Several elements of mold growth and removal affect the total cost of mold remediation. Remediation can be as simple and cheap as using bleach or as complex as removing tiles to clean the under-surface. On average, mold remediation costs an estimated $2,347, but most homeowners pay between $1,373 and $3,325. Below are some factors to consider when calculating the cost of mold remediation.

Cost of Mold Inspection

Mold inspection is an important part of mold remediation. Generally, professionals charge approximately $195 for mold inspection and $350 for visual and sampling testing. Most mold remediation experts offer free mold testing, including a detailed examination of previous and current signs of mold infestation on the walls, floors, and ceilings, measuring indoor air quality, and identifying moisture sources in your home.

Note that not every mold issue requires testing. If mold growth is clearly visible, there is no need to spend on testing. However, an extensive inspection is crucial for the identification of affected areas in your house. Nonetheless, a DIY mold testing kit costs between $8 and $45.

Cost of Mold Removal by Location

The total cost of mold remediation also depends on where mold grows in your home. Not every room in your home provides suitable conditions for mold growth. Some areas provide suitable conditions and a large surface area for mold growth, resulting in a significant infestation. Other rooms, such as bathrooms, have moisture and dampness issues, making them perfect for mold growth. Other rooms are difficult to clean, increasing remediation labor costs.

Below are estimated mold remediation costs per location;

• Bathroom – bathrooms with poor ventilation will support mold growth. On average, cleaning mold growth in your bathroom can cost between $500 and $1333. However, this will change depending on the exact location of mold growth, be it under the sink, bathtub, or shower.
• Crawl space – crawl spaces are limited, providing a small surface area for mold growth and limiting mold colonies from spreading. For this, homeowners can pay between $500 and $1800.
• Basement – mold remediation in the basement is an extensive project. Basements are prone to high moisture levels from floods and leaking or burst pipes. Mold can grow on basement wood, drywall, or insulation. For this, you will need air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, costing between $800 and $3,100.
• Attic – the cost of mold remediation in your attic depends on its size and ease of access. Causes of mold growth in your attic include leaking AC system, leaking roof, and poor ventilation. For this, expect to spend between $1000 and $4800.
• Drywall – mold remediation on the drywall can be a simple repair project or complete replacement. As such, mold removal in the attic can cost between $1000 and $13,500.
• Concrete walls – leaking pipes are the common cause of mold growth in concrete walls. For this, you need a professional to clean and replace damaged concrete, insulation, and drywall. This can cost between $1000 and $7000.
• HVAC system and air ducts – HVAC systems are highly susceptible to moisture and condensation, promoting mold growth. Air ducts require special removal processes to prevent the release of airborne mold spores. HVAC systems should be turned off immediately after the mold is discovered in the system to prevent the spread of mold spores. Mold remediation on these systems costs between $2,000 and $6,500.
• The whole house – the cost of mold remediation will increase dramatically if it has grown throughout your home. On average, this can cost between $11,700 and $30,000.

Apart from the location, the cost of mold remediation in the above rooms also depends on the size of mold infestation and additional repairs required. Most remediation professionals charge between $13.33 and $28.33 per square foot, depending on the severity and location of the mold.

Type of Mold

The cost of mold remediation also depends on the type of mold in your home. Currently, there are more than 100 strains of mold, including Alternaria, aspergillus, black mold, and Chaetomium. Some are easy to clean, while other types are tenacious and aggressive. Obviously, aggressive strains are expensive to remediate, as they cover a wide surface and are hard to kill. Toxic mold strains also require strong chemicals and expert application, which increase the overall cost of remediation.

Conclusion

Evidently, mold remediation can be expensive. Nonetheless, according to EPA guidelines, you shouldn’t attempt DIY mold remediation, especially if the infestation is more than 10sqft. Therefore, it is best if you conduct regular assessments and inspections to identify signs of mold growth and initiate the remediation process before it spreads further. Working with mold remediation experts assures better results.