How Much Does Mold Removal & Remediation Cost?

Mold Removal Cost

The average cost of mold remediation is $2,325, with most homeowners spending between $1,500–$3,150 or $15 to $30 per square foot. A small mold removal job costs an average price of $500–$1,500 while a larger job costs around $3,000–$6,000. If the moldy area is 10 square feet or less, you can handle the job yourself for about $50.

In some cases, mold remediation costs can escalate to tens of thousands of dollars if the mold has spread and the problem is severe. Mold mitigation costs vary depending on how much and where mold exists. Broken down, mold removal professionals charge $75–$108 per hour.

Factors affecting the cost of mold abatement include how early the mold is detected and treated. If untreated for too long, additional costs mount because repairs of damaged drywall, lumber, subflooring, siding, and other potential areas might be warranted. The damage that needs to be addressed alongside the mold can increase costs by $5,000 and beyond.

Table Of Contents

1. Mold Removal Cost
2. Average Mold Remediation Cost Per Square Foot
• Attic Mold Removal
• Basement Mold Removal
• Bathroom Mold Removal
• Mold In Crawl Space Removal
• Removal Mold In Drywall
• HVAC or Air Duct Mold
• Whole Home Mold Removal
3. Black Mold Removal Cost
4. Mold Remediation Cost Factors
5. Mold Inspection Cost
6. Mold Testing Cost
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. DIY vs. Hiring Mold Mitigation Service
9. Finding A Mold Abatement Professional
10. Mold Remediation Near Me

Average Mold Remediation Cost Per Square Foot

Professional mold removal costs between $15 and $30 per square foot. The average cost for mold mitigation in a 100 square foot room will run $1,500–$3,150. When mold growth becomes an issue in your home, you will need to consider three main categories of related expenses when looking at the final cost:

• The cost of testing for and identifying the location and type of mold.
• The cost of cleaning, remediation, and removing the mold, and of addressing the cause.
• The cost of restoring affected materials if they were damaged or removed.

Overall, the final mold cleaning cost will depend on where the mold is in the home and how extensive the damage is. Most companies prefer to charge per hour, in line with prevailing rates in their area. The average cost to hire a mold abatement professional is $75–$120/hour.

Mold Abatement Costs

• Containment - The affected area must usually be contained with polythene sheeting, the area cleaned, the mold removed, and all containment materials disposed of $0.33/cubic foot.
• Removal
  • Antimicrobial cleaning – Sprayed or cleaned with a sponge. $1–$9/CSF
  • Abrading – Remove mold spores by sanding, brushing, or scraping. $0.90–$1.20/sq. ft.
  • Dry ice blasting plus removal with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum (removes 99% of mold spores very quickly) - $0.72–$0.90/sq. ft.
• Encapsulation – Seal mold residue and hinder future growth. $5–$79/CSF

Attic Mold Removal Cost

Mold usually grows in your attic because of a moisture problem from a leaky roof, leaking AC unit, or condensation from poor attic insulation. Attic mold treatment costs $1,500 to $3,500 on average and can go as high as $6,000 to $10,000 if the leak is large or has gone undetected for a long time.

• Hire Carpenter to Replace joists and attic beams: $75/hour
• Replace attic insulation $45–$1.50/sqft
• Fix leaky roof $225+
• Fix leaking AC unit Plumber $85/hour

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Basement Mold Removal Cost

Mold most frequently grows in basements because of the indoor high humidity, flooding from leaking pipes, and underground dampness. Mold also tends to grow in basement drywall, wood, and insulation. Treatment by a licensed professional includes vapor barriers on basement walls and floors to keep the high humidity from seeping through. Basement mold removal costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on the extent of the damage.

• Replacing drywall costs $2 to $6 per square foot
• Replace wall insulation $0.45–$1.50/sqft
• Fix leaks: Hire Plumber at $85/hour
• Replace wall joists: Hire Carpenter at $75/hour
• Replace concrete or flooring $1.65–$8/sqft
• Installing a dehumidifier costs $1,100 to $3,500
• Foundation sealing $2,000 to $6,000

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Bathroom Mold Removal Cost

Bathrooms are usually not well ventilated, and moisture and mold can collect in the shower and bathtub, sink, and drains. Typically, bathroom mold removal costs $500 to $1,500.

“Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold. If there's some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.” — Environmental Protection Agency

• Hire a Carpenter to replace trim and wall joists: $75/hour
• Replace drywall $2.12+/sqft
• Replace wall insulation $0.45–$1.50/sqft
• Hire a Plumber to fix leaks $85/hour
• Replace concrete or flooring $1.65–$8/sqft
• Install dehumidifier $40–$350 (dehumidifier only)
• Paint $1.50/sqft
• Replace cabinets $75–$150/linear foot

Mold In Crawl Space Removal Cost

The average cost to remediate mold growth in a crawl space is around $500 to $1,500 depending on how big the crawlspace is and how much mold is present. The average crawl space will take five to eight days to remediate from start to finish.

• Replace joists Carpenter $75/hour
• Fix leaks Plumber $85/hour
• Replace flooring $1.65–$8/sqft
• Crawl space encapsulation costs $3,000 to $8,000

The steps to clean up mold in a crawl space are:

1. Sealing the area to prevent airborne mold from spreading
2. Pumping dry heat into the crawl space to attract moisture so it can be vented out of the small area
3. Removing the mold and debris using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum
4. Sealing the wood framing to prevent further mold growth
5. Installing a vapor barrier to seal out ground moisture, and wrapping pilon supports

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Cost To Removal Mold In Drywall

Removing mold growth on drywall or concrete walls will cost between $15 and $30 per square foot. In many cases, the drywall or concrete may need to be replaced. In that case, the cost of drywall installation is around $2.12+ per square foot.

• Replace wall insulation $0.45–$1.50/sqft
• Hire Carpenter to replace trim at $75/hour
• Replace concrete $5/sqft

Mold In Fabric Treatment Cost

Throw out any clothing with mold on it. Mold can sometimes be removed from curtains if you ask a dry-cleaning establishment to try. Drop off curtains in a sealed bag to prevent any contamination of other clothing there. Expect to pay an additional $1 or 10% more than regular dry-cleaning fees for the service with the knowledge that they might not be able to take out some mold stains.

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HVAC or Air Duct Mold Treatment Cost

The average cost for HVAC mold treatment is between $450 and $6,000 because ventilation systems require special cleaning. Mold grows from moisture in the air ducts from hot and cold air condensing in the vents. Because mold spores become airborne, you’ll need to turn off your HVAC system once mold is discovered, so you don’t spread it through the home.

You may need to replace all the hard surface air ducts and any infected insulation. Replacing air ducts and vents cost $270 to $500 per duct or $25 to $55 per linear foot to install. Add an additional $1 to $8 per square foot of surface for insulation.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require special cleaning, which can potentially increase costs. Be aware that no chemical biocides are currently registered by EPA for use in internally-insulated air duct systems, should your contractor recommend using them in the proposal.

There is also a possibility you will also need to replace your furnace:

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Whole Home Mold Removal Cost

If the entire house flooded and mold is everywhere, it could cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more to remove the mold and repair all the water damage. If you want to ensure mold is prevented in future, you might need to replace your windows for $300+, improve the drainage system in your basement for $200–$1,000, to prevent any standing water, and regrade the land around the foundation for $300–$1,000.

Black Mold Removal Cost

Black mold is the most dangerous type of growth that leads to serious health risks. A regular black mold testing kit will find black mold just as quickly as the other varieties of mold. A black mold test will cost you about $195 for a visual inspection, $350 for visual and indoor/outdoor sampling, and $8–$45 for a home mold testing kit.

“If you find toxic black mold in your home don't disturb it. If toxic black mold is harmed or disturbed, it can release millions of mycotoxins into the air, contaminating your home. ... Every day you spend in an environment with toxic black mold could be potentially causing you long-term chronic health problems and permanent damage. ... Experts recommend that if you have toxic black mold in your home, then it's best to move to temporary accommodation until it has been removed, especially if you are suffering toxic symptoms.” — moldpedia.com^[2]

You’ll need to hire a licensed mold remediation company to remove all your black mold because cleanup includes full containment of the affected area, protective gear for the remediation team, and safe disposal methods. Containment alone is $0.33/cubic foot.

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Mold Remediation Cost Factors

A licensed mold assessment consultant prepares a protocol. The report will list recommendations for the remediation method, the materials to be remediated, the personal protective equipment, containment required, and the criteria for clearance. A small mold remediation job costs an average price of $1,500 while larger areas cost about $3,000–$6,000. Keep in mind that these prices do not include repair work.

Here's the average mold treatment cost breakdown for a 10’ x 10’ (100 square feet) bedroom with mold on one wall:

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Mold Inspection Cost

On average a visual mold inspection costs around $195, while a visual and sampling testing costs $350. Many mold removal professionals offer free testing which includes an examination of past and current signs within walls, floors, and ceilings, sources of moisture, and indoor air quality.

Not every mold issue requires sampling and testing. If you can already see the mold, there’s no need for testing in that area—a test will merely confirm the presence of that mold. However, a thorough inspection will find all the areas where mold is growing in your house.

"Work done by a certified mold remediation professional or an industrial hygienist. Includes an inspection for microbial activity, water stains, moisture intrusion, and musty odors. May include testing with a moisture meter or thermal imaging. If the full extent of mold infestation cannot be identified by inspection, a battery of samples will be collected from the air and surfaces (by swab or tape). The lab report will identify the types of mold, levels of mold and probable exposure symptoms."—2018 National Estimator

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Mold Testing Cost

Detecting and testing for mold with a DIY home mold test kit costs $8 to $45.

Mold can grow in your home in three common types:^[1]

• aspergillus, commonly found on food and in air systems
• cladosporium, a black or green form that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass
• stachybotrys atra, also known as black mold

While black mold is more toxic and worse for health issues, all mold is dangerous for your health and needs to be removed.

Signs Of Mold Exposure

• Condensation – look for rusting indoor pipes. Mold could well be nearby.
• Mold odor – a moldy, musty smell which can even attract termites
• Visible mold growth – mold patches can look like white or black soot or dirt, threaded piles, small black spots, or colored spots—gray-brown, gray-green, white, orange, pink, or purple (behind wallpaper).
• Water leaks or past flooding – water stains; discoloration on walls, floor, or ceilings; peeling, bubbling, or cracking wallpaper or paint; damp walls

Mold Exposure Symptoms

• Allergic signs and symptoms – itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion
• Toxic symptoms – headaches, memory loss, dizziness, lack of focus, breathing issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows in threads of many types and colors. It causes natural materials to biodegrade, cause certain diseases through allergic sensitivity and can grow pathogenically in the body. Some types of mold can even infect and grow in the lungs or cause hearing loss, and some are carcinogenic. When it’s found in a home, it should be remediated, as it grows and spreads very quickly via airborne spores—sometimes starting a colony within two days. One spot of mold can grow out by 30 feet.

How to Stop Mold From Growing?

While mold can’t be eradicated, it can be contained and prevented from spreading. You can stop future mold growth by installing proper ventilation and controlling the humidity levels in every room of your home and fixing any pipe, roof, or window leaks immediately. If any flooding has occurred, clean and dry the area thoroughly.^[3]

What's The Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Mildew and mold are both fungi, and because they grow and spread by sending their spores through the air, they can both affect the health of everyone in the home. Mildew is easier to remove with some hard scrubbing and the right cleaner, whereas mold invades carpets, floor, and walls and might need to be contained as it’s cleaned and removed.

How much does mold testing cost?

Mold testing will cost about $195 for a visual inspection, $350 for visual and indoor/outdoor sampling, and a home mold testing kit costs $8–$45. Some mold professionals offer free testing.

How much does it cost to remove mold?

On average, professional mold remediation costs $500 to $6,000 with most homeowners spending between $1,500–$3,150 or $15 to $30 per square foot. However, the price can escalate to tens of thousands if the mold problem is severe and left untreated for a long time.

How much does mold remediation cost per square foot?

On average, mold remediation costs $15 to $30 per square foot depending on how much and where mold exists. Broken down, a mold remediation specialist charges $1,500–$3,000 per 100 sq. ft. or $75–$108 per hour.

How Do You Get Rid Of Mold In A Basement?

The way to ensure the removal of all the mold is to hire a licensed mold removal company to do it for you. The affected area must usually be contained with polythene sheeting, the area cleaned, the mold removed, and all containment materials disposed of. Removal will be done in one of three ways: Antimicrobial cleaning—mold is sprayed or cleaned with a sponge; abrading—mold spores are removed by sanding, brushing, or scraping; or dry ice blasting—mold is cleared with dry ice plus removal with a HEPA filter vacuum (removes 99% of mold spores very quickly). Materials cleaned are then encapsulated—mold residue is sealed to hinder future growth. Any affected portions of drywall, flooring, etc. are also replaced.

How Do You Get Rid Of A Mold Smell?

Some people compare the smell of mold to the smell of wet socks, or rotten wood or paper. If you smell it, you’ll need to remove it rather than try to mask the smell, because mold can multiply quickly and destroy everything it grows on, and also make people in the homesick. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem to prevent its recurrence. See their recommendations here.

Does Insurance Cover Mold Removal?

Most homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage for mold. If a pipe bursts and you call a plumber immediately, an insurance company will likely cover your claim. However, if there was a small leak and you decided to put it off for a while which led to the growth of the mold, the insurance company might deny your claim based on negligence. Many insurance providers also offer flood insurance which means you're covered if groundwater rises and floods your home.

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DIY vs. Hiring Mold Mitigation Service

While it’s possible to remove the mold in your home by doing a lot of online research and following all the instructions to the letter, mold remediation services are trained in finding mold everywhere in your home and removing it according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. They can identify moisture sources, evaluate the level and quantity of mold growth, contain mold damage to the smallest area possible, and physically remove contamination safely and efficiently.^[4]

“Who should do the cleanup depends on many factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the Mold Cleanup Tips and Techniques.” – Environmental Protection Agency

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Find an EPA-licensed Mold Abatement Professional

“If you choose to hire a contractor to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.” — epa.gov^[5]

Get bids from 3–5 -licensed contractors for the work to be done. Once you have quotes detailing prices and the extent of the work they can cover, you can eliminate the companies you don’t want to work with. In making your final selection, look for companies who show as many as possible of the following criteria:

• In business for many years
• A+ rated on Better Business Bureau
• Licensed, insured, and bonded
• Great reviews on HomeGuide and Google
• EPA approved and certified

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