How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?

What Is Mold Remediation?

Remediation is another word for mold removal and includes reversing and stopping the mold in your home from doing more damage. This could be as simple as applying a bleach solution or a more complex and costly process involving special equipment and sealers. 

Testing for mold starts with looking for obvious visual signs of growth. If you suspect mold is hiding behind walls or in the basement, hire an expert to take samples of the air and surfaces. You'll also want to hire a professional remediation company if they need to address the mold issue. 

Mold Remediation by Location

The size of the growth and the location of the mold will impact the total project cost. Here's what you can expect to pay by room.

Attic

Remediating mold spores in your attic typically ranges between $1,000 and $4,000. The attic is a common growth area because of the potential for roof leaks onto insulation and sheetrock that can cultivate ideal conditions for mold. If the attic is easy to access, expect a lower quote for mold remediation.

If the leak is large or has existed without detection for a long time, you may pay as much as $7,000 for professional remediation. Roof repair costs average between $380 and $1,680 and will help eliminate the underlying problem. Replacing damaged insulation or sheetrock will incur additional fees as well.

Basement

Most pros charge between $500 and $3,000 for basement mold removal. This range increases if the growth is behind finished walls or wood paneling or if you need to crawl to the area needing repair. Waterproofing a basement costs around $2,260 to $7,290 andcan prevent future issues.

Bathroom

Removing mold in the bathroom typically costs between $500 and $1,000. If you find or suspect growth behind your vanity, sink, tub, or walls, that budget can increase to more than $8,000. 

Crawl Space

Cleaning a crawl space costs between $500 and $2,000 to remove the mold. The price will fluctuate based on how accessible the area is, how extensive the damage is from the mold infestation, and if you need to take further measures to address the underlying cause of crawl space moisture intrusion. 

Encapsulating a crawl space costs between $1,500 and $15,000 on top of the above price range but can help prevent future growth by eliminating moisture from penetrating the area. Factors such as the encapsulation method, crawl space square footage, and ease of accessibility will affect the project price. 

Walls

Removing mold growth on your drywall will range between $1,000 and $20,000. This broad price range reflects the immense difference between a simple repair that only requires a quick bleach and wipe-down to a full-on gut job that mandates wall demolition, mold treatment, and reassembly of the finished walls by drywall and painting contractors.

If the mold has been on the wall for a long time, the material may no longer be usable. In this case, drywall installation prices will add another $300 to $830 to your budget. Removing growth on wooden walls ranges between $700 and $5,000. For concrete mold, the range can go up to $10,000 or more if you need a replacement.

HVAC or AC System

Removing mold and mildew growth from your air ducts costs between $3,000 and $10,000. It may require special cleaning and chemicals to avoid leaving active spores behind. Taking early action is key to preventing health problems. Air duct cleaning costs an average of $270 to $490, depending on the system size.

Whole House

If toxic mold spores affect your whole house, expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for the project. This includes both the remediation and the price to repair water damage. You'll likely need to replace fabrics, carpets, drywall, flooring, and more, in addition to having a mold abatement and follow-up testing.

Mold Remediation Cost Factors

Several factors impact the cost of mold removal. The amount of growth and level of corrosion may require the replacement of structural materials, which brings in a whole host of extra fees. Many remediation projects also require specialized protective and disposal equipment. 

Mold and fungi in the home can cause extensive property damage over time while posing a wide range of potential health risks. Remediation can be expensive but handle it as soon as you discover a moisture and mold problem since it'll only worsen. 

Mold Remediation Cost per Square Foot

The average cost of mold remediation is between $10 and $25 per square foot, with the average repair costing $2,230. Factors such as the extent of the damage, how badly the structural portions of your home have deteriorated, and whether you'll need to temporarily relocate during the remediation process will ultimately impact the project costs. 

Type of Mold

The type of mold found in your house will determine the price as well. For example, white mold is generally safer to control by a pro using commonly available household ingredients and costs between $500 and $3,000 for remediation. Other colors of mold, from pink to green, cost about the same to remove and often don't require specialized equipment or safety measures.

However, while homeowners can generally tackle the remediation of less hazardous, less invasive mold types on their own, pros must handle black mold.

Cost of Removing Black Mold

Rates for black mold remediation range between $1,000 and $4,500. This is a rare yet dangerous type of growth that can lead to serious health risks. It's challenging to clean toxic black mold and often requires isolation and methodical removal to reduce the risk of returning.

Additional Mold Removal Costs

Addressing mold-related problems isn’t always expensive, but varying factors can quickly add to the overall cost of remediation.

Repairs

Depending on the damage, you may pay between $2,000 and $20,000 for repairs, which might include:

• Drywall installation: $990–$2,910

• Roof leak repair: $380–$1,680

• Carpet installation cost: $790–$2,800

• Flooring repair price: $190–$570

These cost ranges include the cost for materials and labor.

Testing and Inspection Costs

Most experts charge between $10 and $25 per square foot for mold mitigation. For a 100-square-foot area, this would put your budget at between $1,000 and $2,500. The location of the mold growth and its accessibility will impact the total cost.

DIY Removal vs. Hiring Professional Mold Abatement Service

Homeowners can perform small remediation projects for a minimal cost. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you may be able to handle the problem if the infestation covers 10 square feet or less.

After getting an inspection from a local mold inspection expert, ask the pro whether you can DIY remediate the problem. But mold can be hard to find and toxic, so handle even the most minor projects with care.

Professional mold remediators should perform jobs involving the whole home. Additionally, if mold growth exists in more than one area of your home, it’s best to leave the work to a remediation crew.

DIY Mold Removal Cost

Taking on a remediation project yourself will range between $50 and $300. This includes renting a wet vacuum to pull moisture from the carpet and wood for around $30 per day. You can also purchase a wet vac for around $80 to $200.

For minor mold removal projects, you’ll only need water and detergent. Home improvement stores also sell preformulated mold remediation solutions costing between $10 and $75. You'll also need safety equipment to protect your lungs, for around $20 to $150.

Labor Costs

Labor costs make up a large part of the total cost of mold remediation. Qualified removal companies will bring in expensive equipment requiring skill and licensing to operate. For example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum is a $10,000 piece of machinery that uses special filters and powerful suction to remove spores from materials. Workers operating HEPA vacuums must wear mold-proof suits and face masks and be trained in this specialty.

When to Hire a Pro

Price alone shouldn’t be your only consideration in mold remediation. DIY mold removal may not take care of the underlying problem and only focus on the spots you already know about. You might also clean mold growth in a way that still leaves toxic traces behind.

Hiring an expert costs more but comes with a wide range of benefits, such as the following:

• A comprehensive inspection that detects traces of growth throughout the home

• A long-term solution that fixes not just the symptoms but the underlying issue

• Expertise and advice in how to avoid future problems

To ensure these benefits, find the right pro. Contact a mold removal pro to schedule an inspection and plan for the remediation.

How to Remove Mold Yourself 

• Controlling moisture is the key to eliminating spore growth. Fix any plumbing leaks or other sources of moisture as early in the process as possible. Let everything dry completely before doing repairs.

• Use a solution of detergent and water (or a premixed mold remediation product) to scrub away spores on hard surfaces.

• Drywall, carpet, and other porous materials are often irreparably damaged once they’re moldy. Throw away and replace these materials when mold is present.

• Wear gloves and goggles and use a respirator to avoid breathing airborne toxins. An N95 respirator, available at most hardware stores between $12 and $25, can keep you safe during removal.

• Remediation is done when you obliterate the growth. There should be no visible spores or odor. After cleanup, the site shouldn't show signs of moisture accumulation or spores.

FAQs

How long does mold remediation last?

If you or the mold removal pro near you have repaired the underlying moisture issue, mold remediation should last a lifetime. The root cause of mold is moisture, so mold can't survive if that's eliminated. 

Can I stay home during mold remediation?

This will vary depending on the situation. But if you have major repairs and demolition to do for the remediation, you'll likely benefit from relocating while construction takes place in your home. 

Will mold come back after remediation?

If you haven’t properly repaired the underlying moisture issue that caused the mold in the first place, mold may come back. 

How much does Servpro mold mitigation cost?

Servpro is one of the largest mitigation companies in the country and offers inspections, remediation, and restoration for anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000.