The cost of mold removal can vary depending on the size of the area affected and the type of mold present.
Mold removal typically costs around $10 to $25 per square foot. For a 50-square-foot area, the average cost range is around $500 to $1,250.
The location or surface where the mold is located is also a big contributing factor, as some areas are much harder to remove mold from than other areas. Mold growth inside ceilings requires more work than mold in bedrooms or living rooms.
The terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” are often used interchangeably within the industry. This also includes “mold mitigation” and “mold abatement”. Despite this, within the procedure, you will see a significant difference.
Mold removal is simply the process of removing mold from the affected area, while mold remediation includes the removal of the mold and the contaminated materials.
Mold remediation addresses the identification of the source of mold. It also focuses on fighting and controlling the infestation to ensure that it does not return, and if it does, it will not be as harmful and damaging.
Although there is some degree of mold removal during the remediation process, mold remediation is more of a multi-step process revolving around the problematic areas of mold infestation.
Mold removal is a procedure that involves cases where the mold is only on the surface of non-porous or semi-porous material; mold remediation won’t be necessary.
What is involved with mold remediation?
- Before anything else, if you suspect mold is growing inside your place, the first thing you should do is inspect for it. Mold inspection involves mold tests that can be performed by either mold experts or yourself.
- Should mold remediation be needed after the mold inspection finds the accumulation of growth in your home or unit, that is when you are going to want to hire a professional mold remediation company.
- Mold remediation involves all the processes needed to eliminate mold growth and repair the damages it has caused. This also includes cleaning and disinfecting areas that are contaminated by mold.
- For small mold issues, this could simply be applying bleach solutions or chemicals to the infestation, but they could also involve specialized equipment and sealers for more complex mold issues.
- Mold remediation also involves identifying the source and ensuring its thorough removal to prevent its return or new growth of mold.
When is mold remediation required?
Mold is not always dangerous, but it can still affect one’s health negatively if they are always exposed to the infestation. This is exactly why mold remediation is important after finding mold in your home to avoid these effects.
Here are 4 signs you need mold remediated in your home:
Odor
Mold will start to smell over time, and it will become a powerful smell around the area of its source.
Even though different mold species give off other odors, generally, mold will smell musty and damp.
Water damage or leakage
Mold thrives in moisture. If your home or unit has recently experienced a flood or water leak that was left unchecked, then it is most likely that mold has started to accumulate.
Get your plumbing repaired right away. Preventing water leakage will prevent the growth of mold.
Physical damage
Physical and structural damages caused by mold in your unit mean you should hire a mold remediation company.
The mold that could cause this much damage is a serious problem that should be addressed immediately to ensure that this won’t happen in other areas of your home.
Have a professional inspect and remediate right away to avoid mold growth.
Health effects
Mold, specifically black mold species, is toxic and can affect a person’s health. It can cause different kinds of allergic reactions or, worse, respiratory infections.
Have your place inspected for mold and if mold growth is discovered, have it removed or remediated immediately by mold experts before it could cause any reaction from you or anyone else.
Should I hire a professional for mold remediation?
The cost of mold remediation is not the only thing you should consider. Many opt for DIY mold removal or mold remediation, but most find that this option may not be enough to completely eliminate the mold.
For one thing, it can be challenging to identify the source. Preventing the mold from growing again could also be difficult with the limited cleaning equipment you have. Despite hours of cleaning, traces of mold could still be left behind.
Reasons why you should hire an expert in mold remediation
- EPA has standards and requirements these experts have to uphold before they are able to perform mold inspection (not anyone can do it).
- Mold remediation provides long-term solutions that not only fix the symptoms but also the source.
- A professional can advise and suggest how to prevent mold problems in the future.
To ensure the utmost benefits, find the right mold expert with experience, certifications, and proper training.
Who pays for mold remediation - the tenant or the landlord?
The financial responsibility for the cost of mold removal or mold remediation usually depends on the cause of the mold and the state’s mold laws.
Some states’ mold laws dictate that regardless of the cause, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay for mold removal or remediation. Other state laws also stipulate that financial responsibility should be held by the party that caused it.
There are also cases where people include clauses in rental agreements regarding mold remediation costs. If state law says landlords are responsible for mold removal, a rental agreement that states otherwise cannot be implemented.
Landlord Responsibility
- It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep their property livable.
- This includes maintaining cleanliness, keeping the roof and ceilings in good condition, and ensuring the plumbing is safe and free from leakage.
- If the growth of mold is caused by terrible plumbing or water leaks in certain parts of the unit or apartment, then it is the landlord’s responsibility to handle the costs of mold removal or remediation.
Tenant Responsibility
- The tenant’s responsibility is the maintenance of the rental unit or apartment.
- If it is the tenant’s doing that caused mold growth (e.g. leaving windows open during a storm, failing to dry water spills, etc.), then it becomes his/her responsibility.
- Reporting water leaks caused by damaged plumbing is also the responsibility of the tenant. An issue like this should be reported right away to prevent mold growth.
- However, in most state laws, it is still the landlord’s responsibility to maintain a livable and safe home.
- It is up to them to arrange and hire a mold remediation company, and they could charge the tenant afterward.
How long does mold remediation take?
The length of the whole mold remediation process depends on several factors, which include the size of the mold-infested area, the type of mold, and the extent of damage caused by mold growth.
Other factors also include logistics and scheduling. Nevertheless, mold removal companies and mold remediation companies always provide a fixed timeline for when and how long the procedure will take.
Buildings that just have undergone mold removal or remediation can be occupied by tenants immediately after the mold professionals have completed their job, unlike pest removal, which can last up to 3 to 6 months for serious infestations.
