What Factors Influence The Cost of Mold Remediation?

Location is Everything

How do you know that you’re dealing with a mold problem? The signs could be as small as a leak or window condensation. “Everyone has some mold in their house,” as renovation expert Bob Vila points out, and “it’s important to understand that complete removal of every spore is impossible.”

Once you’ve noticed the signs (musty odors, black spots and discoloration on your walls or ceiling, health issues like wheezing, coughing, and itchiness) in your home, it’s time to get a thorough inspection. 

A diligent inspector will give the following areas of your home a close, detailed examination:

• Attic and ceilings
• Carpet and flooring
• Insulation
• Woodwork
• Drywall
• Basement
• Windows and doors
• Air quality and HVAC

Because moisture can get into the most hard-to-reach areas of your house, getting rid of mold can be vastly more difficult if you’re dealing with a hidden invasion. In some instances, it can be less expensive to repair the damage if it’s in a more easily accessible area.

According to Angi.com, a typical home inspection can range from $650 to $2,000. If your abode is larger than normal or has lots of nooks and crannies, expect the cost to be on the higher end of that scale. Keep in mind that this is just a sample estimate. Every remediation company will have different price points and it's important that you inquire about them.

Now What? 

Your inspection reveals you’ve got a mold issue that needs to be addressed. What is the next step you should take? The very first thing to do is eliminate the source of the moisture problem. Mold needs three things in order to thrive: water, air, and food. It loves damp, dark spaces like behind bathroom walls and under floors. 

If it’s caught early and the area is small and easy to reach, the cost of removal and repair should be relatively low. However, if you’re dealing with a large patch in an awkward spot, then that could increase the cost of remediation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains how crucial it is to act as quickly as possible after a flood or leak event, as the longer mold is able to linger, the more damage it can cause.

You should definitely consult with your home insurance agent to see if mold remediation is covered in your policy. They should send out an adjuster to offer some guidance on the problem and let you know if you should work with a specific remediation company. 

Beware of Harmful Mold

Some kinds of mold commonly found indoors can cause severe health issues. Even types that are mostly harmless are not friendly to those with allergies or weakened immune systems. 

There are three types of mold that can take up residence:

• Allergenic
• Pathogenic
• Toxic

While allergenic molds are the least threatening, they can still be quite a pain for those who have a reaction to the spores. Itchy eyes, irritated skin, and respiratory inflammation are common symptoms to look for.

Pathogenic mold is far more serious and can cause debilitating diseases. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to these kinds, but they can affect anyone. The symptoms of mold exposure can be confused with other illnesses so be sure to discuss them with a healthcare professional. 

The type to really watch out for are toxigenic molds like Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as the dreaded “black mold."  It’s actually a greenish-black color and is commonly found in flood-damaged buildings.  Black mold creates mycotoxins in the human body and can cause sepsis and organ failure. Thus, it’s absolutely crucial to make sure that it’s fully eradicated from your home, no matter the cost. 

Rescue and Repair 

The biggest part of your mold remediation bill will be the labor and materials required to resolve the issue to your satisfaction. Depending on what kind of mold is present in your house, the removal process may require specialized cleaners, clothing, and breathing masks. Direct exposure to toxigenic mold should be limited at all costs. If there are spores on your walls or ceilings, it’s best to refinish those areas and make sure they’re water-tight as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

If you suspect a mold problem in your home, get a professional inspection done as soon as you can. Contact your homeowner's insurance company, and they should be able to recommend the best mold mitigation teams in your area.

The final price of the process depends on many factors, such as where in your home the mold is located, how much there is, what type of mold it is, and what repairs need to be done once the mold is removed.  But it’s vital to take that first step: Call a reputable company to schedule an estimate to find out how much mold remediation costs, then follow through and have it removed as soon as you can.

Sources

• https://www.angi.com/articles/mold-inspection-professionals-and-costs.htm
• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/mold-remediation-cost/#:~:text=Factors%20in%20Calculating%20Mold%20Remediation%20Cost&text=The%20largest%20determiners%20of%20the,of%20labor%20in%20your%20area.
• https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home