Of the nearly 100,000 mold species that scientists know about, approximately 500 can cause severe illness. Many of these types of mold lie in our homes, filtering through our air systems thanks to our modern, efficient air conditioning systems. Because of the growing cases of mold-induced illness, it's more important than ever to spend time dealing with mold that may be in your home.
Basic mold removal cost ranges anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. By the time you've finished reading this article, you will understand the factors that affect the cost of mold removal and mold solutions.
1. Size of Area
The bigger the area that needs mold removal services, the more the mold removal services will cost. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $25 for each square foot that needs treatment.
Typically mold does not fill an entire room. thus a remediation company will charge for each square foot of the general area where they find mold. This pricing structure works well, especially for smaller, more contained areas like a crawl space.
Larger areas that require drywall removal will cost more. If the mold affects an entire room, then the company will offer a package price for the room in question.
2. Type of Mold
Not all mold problems are the same. The type of mold will also affect the cost of mold removal. Toxic forms of mold will cost more for removal than non-toxic kinds, simply because the mold removal company will need safety equipment to do its job efficiently.
Here's a basic breakdown of types of mold and the cost involved including labor:
Chaetomium: $500 to $3,500
Ulocladium: $1,000 to $4,000
Alternaria: $1,500 to $5,000
Aspergillus: $1,500 to $5,000
White: $1,500 to $5,000
Cladosporium: $1,500 to $5,000
Greens: $1,500 to $5,000
Black: $2,000 to $6,000
Serpula Lacrymans: $2,000 to $6,000
Fusarium: $2,000 to $7,000
Each type of mold will look a little different. A mold expert will diagnose your problem and then give you an estimate based on the type of mold you have.
3. Location of Mold
The location of your mold greatly affects the cost of your mold solutions. Technically, mold can grow anywhere. However, the location can also make the mold more difficult to reach, and this affects your cost.
The location also determines the amount of mold you have. Some spaces just don't grow mold as easily. Here's a breakdown of basic mold removal costs according to location.
Vents: $100 to $500
The underside of the roof deck: $500 to $1,000
Bathroom: $500 to $1,500
Crawl space: $500 to $2,000
Attic: $500 to $,000
Drywall: $1,000 to 47,000
Basements: $1,500 to $4,000
Concrete block walls: $1,500 to $4,000
Air ducts: $2,000 to $6,000
If you need mold removed from your entire home, you should plan on spending between $10,000 to $30,000. These costs vary because some areas are more difficult to reach, and some surfaces are more stubborn. Mold will cling to some surfaces more fiercely than to other surfaces.
4. Mold Removal Company Differences
The cost of dealing with mold will also depend on the company you hire. The overall price ranges from $500 to $10,000.
You may find a better deal financially with a general contractor. Remember, though, that you need a mold remediation specialist and not just a general cleaning service. Mold remediation specialists have the tools and experience that will keep mold at bay forever.
A general cleaning service may cost you less now, but you will pay more in the end when you have mold return and need to hire another company to finish the job.
5. Inspection and Testing Costs
Before you have the mold removed, you will need to have your home inspected and the mold tested. A mold remediation expert will inspect all parts of your home to see if the mold has spread. They will then take a sample and have the mold tested to see what they're dealing with.
Plan on spending between $450 and $800 for a general mold inspection, depending on the size of your home. This cost reflects the inspection of a 2,500-square-foot home. A 1,000-square-foot home will cost around $300.
You do not always have to have the mold tested. Many specialists understand that if they see mold, they can treat it. However, if you've gotten sick because of the mold, your insurance company may require you to test the mold to prove that your illness came from it.
Mold testing will cost as little as $50 and as much as $700 depending on the type of testing done.
6. Health Costs
Mold removal costs also come in the form of your healthcare costs. Many people live around mold and never experience any sickness symptoms.
Some people, though, have mold sensitivity, and this can cause severe illness. It will irritate their nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. They may wheeze, cough, and even have asthma attacks or lung infections.
Ultimately, the cost of mold removal will pale in comparison to these healthcare costs when a person is exposed to mold.
7. Improvement Costs
When you discover mold in your home, you should plan on enhancement and improvement costs as well. Here's a basic list of the types of improvements you should plan on and the costs associated with them.
Mold damage repair: $75 to $3,000
General leak repair: $150 to $350
Roof leak repair: $400 to $1,000
Foundation sealing: $2,000 to $10,000
Air duct cleaning: $350 to $1,000
While these improvements cost more money on top of the mold removal, they will ultimately save you money. They add value to your home by making it a more livable space. They also make the home smell better, and they create a healthier environment.
Furthermore, they prevent mold from growing in the same place. When you have your air ducts cleaned regularly, for example, you prevent moisture from accumulating and mold from growing.
Mold takes time and the perfect environment to grow. When you remove that environment with these improvements, you virtually eliminate the mold's chances of returning.
Calculate Mold Removal Cost Carefully
Basic mold removal costs will cost between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. The cost varies depending on the size of your problem, the type of mold you have, and the types of improvements you need to make. You also need to factor in the cost of inspecting your home and the specific company you're using.
Have you discovered mold in your home? Do your home occupants have the symptoms of mold sickness? If so, contact us.
Our mold removal experts understand the types of mold and the mold issues found in Southern California. They can help you identify and then eradicate your mold problem, creating a healthier home for you and your family.