What is the Average Cost of Mold Removal?

Mold poses serious health risks to you, your loved ones as well as your pets. Research statistics show that mold is the single leading contributor to most allergens and is among other leading causes for respiratory-related conditions like asthma and pneumonia. It is therefore important that you take action whenever you spot or suspect mold growth in your home before it escalates to serious problems such as structural damages. When it comes to mold removal, one of the main concerns that people have is the average cost of mold removal. Since mold removal involves a series of steps, this article is going to look at the cost of each of these steps that amount to a total cost of mold removal.

  • Mold Inspection

Mold remediation or removal process begins with an inspection that entails inspecting the house for any possible signs of mold growth. Without proper professional inspection services, you will never be sure whether you and your loved ones are safe from mold. Since it is the first step in unearthing the problems of mold, it is usually charged separately from other processes. This is because you might decide to have the home inspected but fail to have it tested and remediated, depending on the severity of the infestation. There is no clear average cost of mold inspection since people usually call in a professional only when they are sure of its presence, in which case no need for charges. However, for those who decide to charge, the average cost is $195 for visual inspection.

  • Mold Testing

This is the second and very important stage in the mold remediation process. It aims to ascertain the severity of the infestation, the location of the mold and its source. It is used to set the average cost of the whole removal process and is determined by the levels and location of the mold infestation. The average cost of mold will require you to shell out $350 for visual out and indoor sampling. If you decide to use a home mold test kit, prepare to shell out an average cost of $45, excluding the charges for lab analysis. Fortunately, many professionals do not charge this stage since it is comprised in the remediation package.

  • Mold Removal 

This is the most important stage since it is where a professional applies experts’ methods to do away with the menace. Depending on the location of the mold, the state in which you live, the levels of infestation and the time spent removing the mold, different professionals will charge differently. Most professionals apply the per square foot criterion, while a few of them apply the per hour criterion. If the infestation is so severe, a professional will likely apply the per hour criterion to determine the costs. If the mold is growing in almost all corners of the house, a professional is likely to charge per square foot. On average, the mold removal cost is between $500 and $6000, with most homeowners spending between $1500 and $3150. On average, mold removal per square foot lies between $15 and $31.

  • Mold Prevention Measures

Without the necessary measures to prevent future mold infestation, the battle is far from over. Among the many preventive measures that you can apply include painting over the remediated areas, addressing the source of moisture, replacing the attic insulator, as well as installing and repairing the HEPA system and the air purifier. This is because, without enough ventilation and there is lots of warmth in the house, especially in the bathroom, kitchen and the attic, moisture will build up, taking you back to the menace. Most professionals will just recommend the necessary measures but will not implement them, while a few of them have mastered the art of repairing and installing these systems to prevent moisture buildup. There is no clear way of calculating these costs so the amount a professional charges depends on mutual agreement between you two.

Different states and cities have different average costs for mold removal. The average cost of removing mold is also different from different mold services companies. To enjoy lower charges for mold remediation, ensure that you call in a professional the first time you spot or suspect mold presence. This is because if you postpone the issue of mold, it will have accelerated to extreme levels, forcing the professional to charge you more money. Vet the available professionals by checking their customer reviews and ratings to land the best in town.