How Much Does Mold Cleanup Cost

How Does Mold Affect The Value Of A Home

Mold can affect the appraisal value of a home. For some buyers, this is a good thing because it makes a home more affordable. But if you’re hoping to move into a home in excellent condition, don’t make an offer on a home with mold until you’ve had an independent appraisal. FHA appraisers, for example, are required not only to note if mold is growing in a home, but also the type of mold and its location. If you find that the mold growing in the home is black mold, there are a few things you should know: toxic black mold can cause permanent damage to your health and in extreme cases has even lead to death.

Large overgrowths of mold and mold in unusual locations are especially likely to lower a home’s value. If the FHA appraiser finds that the mold overgrowth is dangerous, you might be required to remove the mold before you can get an FHA loan.

Before you buy any home, you should have it inspected for mold and other problems. During this inspection, you might learn what caused the mold as well as the black mold removal cost. Sellers also have to disclose if there is an ongoing mold problem in the house or if it has previously flooded, but they don’t always do so. Never take a seller’s or real estate agent’s word about the presence of mold. Even if you’re getting a steep discount, get an inspection. The cost of removing the mold could be greater than your savings.

Getting A Mold Removal Estimate In The Greater Boston Area

Looking for a quote on some mold removal services in the Boston Area? At Silver Environmental, we have over 20 years of service, removing and remediating mold. We have a near perfect

, and the experience needed to get rid of your home problem.

Give us a call today, or fill out our contact form, in order to speak with an expert. We offer free inspections in order to help you identify the mold problem in your business, and take the right approach to eliminate it.

Benefits Of Hiring A Pro Vs Diy

Sometimes, its possible to do it yourself when it comes to mold clean-up especially if the mold is confined to a small area.

However, if the mold damage exceeds 10 feet or is a risk to your health, its best to get a professional involved. Its also important to hire a mold professional if the mold is creeping into your HVAC system, as it could spread mold throughout your home.

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Tips For Hiring A Mold Removal Specialist

• Make a list of possible contractors. Ask friends, neighbors, or your insurance agent for names. Check possible vendors reputations.

• Get a proposal. Request a detailed timeline of the proposed process, with price estimates for each step.

• Work only with qualified vendors. Ask for contractors qualifications, info on their trade or professional group memberships, and references from past clients.

• Inquire about guarantees. Find out if the contract will specify a guaranteed mold-free period.

• Interview candidates. Ask each contractor about the process, their credentials, and any conflicts of interest.

• Sign a contract. Make sure it details the scope of work, including the schedule, materials, costs, and status reports.

Cost Of Air Sample Tests

Air sampling is a vital aspect of mold testing. It determines the kind of mold spores floating around in the air. When the spores are collected, they are taken to the lab and analyzed.

Lab testing of air samples costs between $30 to $200 per sample. The exact amount you will pay will be determined by the particular lab being used for the tests.

Some mold remediation companies add the cost of air sample tests into their base price, while some dont. Make sure you ask to confirm so youll know exactly what youre paying for.

Keep in mind that not every mold issue should call for an air sample test. As long as you can see and identify the mold species you are dealing with, a sample test will not be necessary.

Most importantly, the sampling should be done after the mold removal process has been completed by the contractor. This will confirm if the clean-up was successful or not.

If at the end of the mold inspection and sampling tests it is discovered that you can eliminate the mold yourself, the inspector will simply give you tips with which you can carry on.

They will tell you what protective gear to put on and what homemade or commercial mold killers you can use.

We have to point out that sampling your mold infestation at home with a home testing kit is a waste of time. They can tell you of mold presence, but thats because mold spores are all over the air.

Home testing kits cannot do the following

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I Found A Leak And Mold What Now

If you do find leaks, the first thing to do is get them fixed as quickly as possible. Once you find it, get it fixed today. The longer it leaks, the more damage you will have.

Do you know how to shut off your water? Check out our easy to follow directions to find out! .

The water is off, and you have the pipes fixed. Good job! Now, the real work begins.

If the problem was small and you caught it quickly, you might not have much mold. If you have an area of mold that is less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean it yourself. Check out our A Simple Guide To Cleaning Mold to learn more.

If the water leak was in a difficult to see location, you may have more trouble determining if you have mold and how much it has penetrated the walls, carpet, etc. near the leak. It may also be very difficult to dry and clean the area without professional help.

To learn more about when to clean and when to call, check out our post: Cleaning Mold: DIY vs. Professional.

Ins And Outs Of Air Sampling

Analyzing air samples isnt cheap and, depending on the lab used, can cost $30 to $150 for each sample. Some inspectors roll sampling into their base price others dont. So make sure you ask.

Not every mold issue requires sampling. If you can see mold, sampling is necessary only if you must identify the actual mold species for medical or legal reasons. However, if you think mold is present but cant actually see it, samples can confirm your suspicions. Also, sampling typically is used after cleanup to verify success.

Ask inspectors to explain why theyre taking samples and what hypothesis theyre trying to confirm.

If the cleanup is simple enough to perform yourself, a mold inspector can advise you on procedures, protective equipment, and tools. The inspector should also be able to pinpoint the moisture issue that led to the mold problem so that you can correct it.

Warning: Dont even think about diagnosing your mold problems with a home testing kit. They dont work. Theyll probably reveal some mold, but only because spores are always flying through the air. These kits cant:

• Guarantee a statistically significant sample of air.
• Confirm the presence of dead mold spores .
• Determine baseline levels of mold in your home in order to compare results with other non-mold-infected areas.

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The 3 Stages Of Mold Abatement

• Containment The affected area is typically contained with polythene sheeting. Then the area with mold damage is cleaned and the black mold removed. Afterwards all containment materials need to be disposed of in the proper manner which. This costs approximately $0.33 per cubic foot.
• Removal has 3 parts- Antimicrobial cleaning which is either sprayed or cleaned with a sponge $1$9 per sq. ft. Abrading, which is the removal of mold spores by sanding, brushing, or scraping $0.90$1.20 per sq. ft. Usage of air scrubbers with high efficiency particulate air filters removes 99% of mold spores very quickly $0.72 to $0.90 per sq. ft.
• Encapsulation Seal the mold residue and prevent mold growth $5$79 per square foot

Cost Of Mold Remediation

When it comes time to pay for remediation, youll quickly learn that remediation services can cost anywhere from $500-$4,500. This cost takes into consideration the following:

• The size of the area with mold. The more mold you have in your home to take care of, the more youll be paying for the service. Small spaces will cost around $500, while large areas such as entire basements or an attic can cost closer to $5,000.
• The location of the mold is a big factor in the cost of remediation. If an HVAC system has been infested, the cost will be high .
• If fabrics such as carpets have been involved and are unable to be sufficiently cleaned, they will need replacement, as will floor sheathing and insulation that has been damaged.
• Roof leak damage. If the sheathing cant properly be cleaned, the sheathing and the section of roofing above would need to be replaced. A typical cost between on average depending on size of area.

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What To Wear When Removing Mold

When cleaning moldy surfaces in your home, the EPA recommends the following gear:

• N-95 respirator thiswill help protect you from breathing in the mold.

• Long gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm. When youre working with water and a mild detergent, its safe to wear ordinary household rubber gloves. However, if you you are cleaning with a disinfectant, biocide , or other strong cleaning solution, the EPA recommends wearing gloves made from natural rubber, nitrile, neoprene, polyurethane, or PVC.

• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from mold spores.

Primary Factors That Affect The Cost Of Mold Remediation

CauseMold is never the actual problem. Mold growth is always the result of underlying moisture or water intrusion problem. Is this from extended exposure to moisture? Was water damage not completely dried out? Was there a flood?

LocationWhere is the mold growth? Is it inside the living space or outside? Is the area accessible?

AreaHow much area is affected? What is the extent of the damage? Is it inside wall cavities? Is another room or floor affected?

MaterialWhat materials are affected? Can it be sanitized or does it need to be removed?

CompanyA handyman or general contractor might have a lower price than a professional remediation company. They also may not carry the appropriate insurance coverages or have specialized training and certifications from reputable organizations like the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, NORMI or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC.

The mold removal process usually includes utilizing containment and the use of specialty equipment like HEPA-filtered air scrubbers and vacuums. Some materials may be sanitized but damaged or wet building materials most likely will need to be removed and some materials may need to be dried to avoid future growth.

We will explore common places mold growth is found:

Average Cost for Attic Remediation $900 to $4,800

Common Causes of Mold Issues in Attics

Pro Tips for Attic Mold

Common Causes of Mold Issues in Basements and Crawl Spaces

HVAC Pro Tips

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How Much Does Remediation Cost

How Much Does a Mold Remediation Cost? 5 Factors That Might Affect the Price of Mold Cleanup

We all know that home ownership is expensive.

You fix a broken dishwasher. The next week, the water heater breaks.

You replace the gutters. Then, you realize that your shed is falling apart.

Such is life.

When you discover that you have a mold problem, you might ask two immediate questions we often hear from other customers:

Weve covered the first point in multiple areas of our website and blog. But well briefly restate that, yes, mold can definitely impact human health. The risk factors are clear, and we can discuss those with you when you call.

Or you can read our other posts about molds health effects.

Today, though, were focusing on the cost of mold cleanup. What really goes into the costs of a mold remediation?

Dave Bayne, owner and general manager of A1 Mold Testing & Remediation, says that pricing varies for good reasons. So, when people ask him how much a remediation costs, what does he tell them?

It depends. Many factors play into a mold remediation, he says. Its no different than when you go in to get your car fixed at a mechanic. Whats the problem? What do we have to do to solve that problem? Some issues are simple and are easy fixes, whereas others are much more complex and may not be that easy.

Five Major Factors the Affect the Cost of a Mold Remediation

Cleaning With Biocide And Drying The Infected Surfaces And Areas

Mold spores in the air system will quickly spread even after the process is completed. Many professionals use a HEPA vacuum to get rid of mold, dust and debris from the air, avoiding further spreading or contamination. In more severe infestations, a wet/dry vacuum or a dry ice vacuum may be required. Once drying is completed, they will thoroughly clean any remaining items with a damp cloth.

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Does Insurance Cover Mold Remediation

Having a homeowners insurance doesnt automatically mean all your mold problems will be fixed.

Your insurance usually handles the cost of fixing or replacing an item that was caused by something thats already covered by the policy.

For instance, if your mold problem was caused by a burst pipe , then the company will handle the cost of mold remediation.

On the flip side, if the mold infestation was caused by your negligence, then insurance wouldnt cover it.

Aspergillus Penicillium Remediation Cost

Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 for professional aspergillus penicillium removal. With 250 identified species of aspergillus, the aspergillus penicillium is one of the most commonly found indoor types. The appearance starts as a white fungus and quickly turns to different hues of black, brown, yellow, and green, depending on the species. Unlike most other types, aspergillus grows well in low humidity environments and makes its way to windows, walls, doors, pillows, and carpets. Exposure to this type may lead to Aspergillosis, hence its name, a form of respiratory infection.

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How Much Does Servpro Restoration Cost

Because each homes situation is different, the price of restoration services will vary by homeowner. For that reason, SERVPRO does not list any sample pricing on the website.

You can get an estimate for the services your home needs by calling the customer service line and requesting an inspection. Then, an agent will visit your home to conduct an assessment and determine the work that needs to be done. After this assessment, theyll be able to provide you with an accurate quote.

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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Most Common Areas For Mold

In this article we will discuss the most common areas mold is found and provide estimates on how much it will cost to remediate the issues.

Its important to point out that not every area of your home provides the same environment for mold to grow.

Heres why:

• Some areas provide a larger surface area for the mold to grow, leading to a more significant mold infestation.
• Some areas are more prone to moisture problems and dampness than others, making them ideal for mold growth.
• Some spaces are more difficult to clean and remedy, leading to higher labor mold remediation costs.
• Some locations are more susceptible to structural damage from mold, resulting in expensive replacements.

Repairs + Materials Costs

Some of the repairs associated with mold remediation and removal have already been mentioned like sealing the foundation or repairing the roof. In certain situations, you might have to account for the cost of repairs and materials from damages to drywall, concrete, etc

For Example: Drywall mold removal costs can be as low as $1,000 or as high as $20,000. If you have to replace the entire wall, our bill will likely be on the higher end of that estimate. If the material is no longer usable because the mold has been present for too long youre going to have to repair the drywall which adds a few hundred dollars to that budget.

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Mold Remediation Cost Estimator By Location

The entire cost of mold remediation per square foot can differ based on where the mold infestation is spreading in your home and depending on the extent of the mold. Mold growth does not develop in the same conditions in every room of the house.

Why Is This?

• Some sites have a greater surface area for mold to thrive on, resulting in a more severe mold infestation.
• Locations can be more susceptible to wetness and dampness than others, making them suitable for mold spores.
• Specific areas are more difficult to clean and restore, resulting in greater labor mold remediation expenses.
• There can be areas more prone to structural deterioration from mold, resulting in costly restorations.