How Much Does Mold Remediation or Removal Cost? (2024 Data)
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Mold remediation costs typically range from $1,125 to $3,439 with an average cost of $2,254, but there are many factors that can affect the total cost.
Highlights
- The typical cost range for mold remediation is $1,125 to $3,439, and the national average cost is $2,254.
- The exact cost for mold remediation services will depend on the location of the mold within the home, the type of mold present, the size of the problem, and the cost of labor.
- A homeowner will want to call a mold remediation professional if they notice signs of mold, such as a musty smell or suspicious growth on walls following water damage.
- While homeowners may be able to tackle very small areas of mold on their own, it’s generally recommended that they hire a professional for mold remediation because of the health hazards it presents.
Mold is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. The hidden nature of the problem, the potential danger of inhaling mold spores, and the unknown factors and expense of removal combine to make mold a very serious problem. There are many elements that affect the overall cost of removal, including the location and type of the mold, the size of the problem, and the kind of remediation that is necessary. Treating mold can be as simple as washing the affected area with bleach or as complex as removing panels of drywall and tile to deep clean beneath the surface. The good news is that regardless of how large a mold problem is, there is a way to correct it. So how much does mold remediation cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, mold remediation will typically cost homeowners between $1,125 and $3,439, or an average of $2,254.
Editor’s Note: If you are experiencing the symptoms of mold exposure, which includes coughing, sneezing, congestion, and shortness of breath per the CDC, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
Factors in Calculating Mold Remediation Cost
The largest determiners of the cost to remove mold are the location, size, and type of mold, along with the cost of labor in the geographic area. Mold that is hidden from view or difficult to access will be more challenging to abate, so remediation will be more expensive. Unsurprisingly, large growths will be more costly to remove, as will certain types of mold that are resistant to mold remover, are aggressive spreaders, or are particularly dangerous to inhale.
Mold Location
Homeowners might assume mold can be found only in damp areas, but that’s not always the case. According to David Harley, owner of AdvantaClean of Badgerland, “Mold can actually be found anywhere in the home. [It] simply needs three things to grow: It needs a temperature of somewhere between 40 and 100 degrees, it needs a food source of organic materials such as wood, paper, leftover food, plant matter, etc., and it needs moisture.”
Depending on the mold’s location, homeowners may be able to remove it with vinegar, bleach, or a mold removal spray. Getting rid of mold on a wall can be fairly simple, but concealed or difficult-to-access areas could require demolition or a contractor to crawl through a basement or crawl space. The location will determine the best course of removal and identify the potential need to hire one of the best mold removal companies.
| Mold Location | Average Cost |
| Air ducts | $600 to $2,000 |
| Attic | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Basement | $500 to $3,000 |
| Bathroom | $500 to $1,000 |
| Crawl space | $500 to $2,000 |
| Drywall | $1,000 to $20,000 |
| HVAC | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Whole house | $10,000 to $30,000 |
- Air ducts. Air ducts can harbor a surprising amount of mold growth and are of particular concern because they spray the spores all around the home, encouraging growth in other areas. It’s difficult to clean ducts well enough to remove all spores, so professional assistance is important. This can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000. Once the mold has been removed, it’s more economical to schedule regular air duct cleaning once or twice a year to prevent new spores from settling in. Air duct cleaning costs between $268 and $490 on average.
- Attic. According to Harley, mold “might be in your attic; as warm moist air flows up from the living space in winter and condenses on the wood in the attic, it can potentially feed mold.” Attic mold removal has a wide cost range for several reasons. On the one hand, attics are usually open spaces with easy access, which can keep costs below the average range of $1,000 to $4,000. However, attics are also often dark, poorly ventilated, and exposed to dampness from vents and roof leaks. If the mold problem in the attic has been ongoing, removal costs could reach as high as $7,000, in addition to the potential cost of roof repairs to correct the source of the problem.
- Basement. “Basements tend to be cooler and humidity tends to settle in the basement in the summertime, causing condensation on the wood in the basement [and] leading to the potential growth of mold,” explains Harley. For mold growing in a damp basement, it’s a great idea to hire a professional to assess and remove the problem if necessary. This is partly because it can be difficult to find the source of the mold in a basement unless there’s an obvious leak and also because it can be hidden behind paneling or finished walls; a professional will do a better job of determining the larger scope of the growth. In general, professional abatement of basement mold will cost between $500 and $3,000, in addition to the cost of work to waterproof or seal the foundation walls.
- Bathroom. While bathrooms provide the perfect environment for mold growth, the mold that is most likely to grow from day-to-day steam and condensation is usually surface mold that is clearly visible. Because it’s easy to access, it costs less to remove, at an average of $500 to $1,000. Mold that develops behind a vanity or sink or behind or underneath a bathtub (usually as the result of an ongoing leak) can cost as much as $8,000 due to the demolition and reconstruction that will be necessary to reach and remove the mold and to correct the root cause of the moisture.
- Crawl space. Crawl spaces are generally limited in size, which means the overall area to be cleaned is smaller. However, the confined nature of the space can also mean that the remediation takes longer and costs more in labor. The average price to remove mold from a crawl space is between $500 and $2,000.
- Drywall. Abatement of a simple surface-level mold growth on drywall averages around $1,000, but drywall is porous. If the mold growth has been there for a long time, or if the mold grew through the drywall from the back, it’s possible that remediation will require removal of all the drywall and everything behind it; this can run the cost up to $20,000 or more.
- HVAC. The expenses incurred to remove mold from an HVAC system will depend largely upon the kind of system in the home. Mold removal from radiant heating systems, which are mostly enclosed, will range from $1,500 to $5,000. Furnaces and air handlers, with more ductwork, connections, and vents, will average between $3,000 and $5,000. Air-conditioning system, which are constantly extracting moisture from the air and draining it away from the house, will average between $3,000 and $10,000, simply because of the amount of moisture already in the system itself and because of the number of vents, tubes, and ducts involved in the remediation.
- Whole house. If there is a significant whole-house mold problem, usually as a result of a flood or catastrophic water damage, the removal cost is significant. This kind of abatement involves removing and replacing carpet, drywall, fabrics, and furniture and also paying to correct any sources of water damage that are still in existence. The average cost is between $10,000 and $30,000 in addition to costs to replace the removed materials.
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Problem Size
The size of the mold problem plays a factor in the cost to remove it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold remediation projects of less than 10 square feet can typically be addressed by the homeowner, as long as the mold was not caused by sewage and the homeowner does not have respiratory sensitivities. The only costs for DIY remediation are mold and mildew remover and protective gear.
If the mold has spread well beyond that size, however, the job can cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, and if the mold is deep as well as spread across a wide surface, the price to remove it can be even higher. This is part of the reason it is so critical to get rid of mold as soon as it’s clear that there’s a problem: Even if the initial problem seems too expensive to fix, it will only get larger and more expensive as time goes by.
Mold Type
While they may look alarming because they spread swiftly on the surface, surface molds (which remain on top of building materials) are easy to remove, usually with cleaners. These molds are less expensive to eliminate and may be a DIY job for a homeowner who is familiar with how to kill mold.
Molds that eat down through the surface and into the core of drywall, wood, and concrete, along with molds that flourish underneath carpeting and behind walls, are more costly to abate. This is because of the difficulty in detecting and locating the problem and the need to remove or replace walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings. In addition, if the mold is identified as black mold or another especially toxic variety, it can be more expensive to remove because of the need for specialists, protective equipment for the technicians, and whole-house ventilation afterward. According to Harley, “The most dangerous mold for you is the mold that causes health issues. Since any mold can be potentially allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic, all mold should be treated carefully and by a professional.”
Testing and Inspection
In order to assess the extent of a mold problem, a professional will need to inspect the home for mold and possibly run tests to determine what type of mold is present. Many homeowners are not sure who to call for a mold inspection. This service can often be done by a mold remediation company, and the service typically costs between $10 and $25 per square foot.
Some homeowners choose to test their homes themselves using one of the best mold test kits; however, they may still want to confirm their findings through an in-person consultation with a mold specialist. While there is not currently an EPA-approved certification process for mold remediators, it’s a good idea for a homeowner to check a company’s qualifications against state requirements before hiring them. Customers can review their state’s requirements by searching “mold remediation requirements” online, followed by their state name.
Labor
Mold remediation is not a job for a regular handyman, regardless of their skill level. So what is mold remediation, and why does it cost more than standard handyman tasks? Mold removal companies that provide this service use skilled technicians and high-end equipment to ensure that precise and appropriate removal techniques are used and to check the status of the mold growth after removal is complete. The costs for labor will include the time spent on the job but will also incorporate the cost of high-efficiency vacuum equipment and protective gear—ranging from gloves to full-body suits and face masks with respirators—as necessary. Approximately 60 percent of the mold removal cost will be labor, with the other 40 percent accounting for materials.
The high labor cost of mold removal doesn’t mean homeowners should automatically jump into removing mold themselves; there is a reason the professional companies use air scrubbers and protective equipment. Mold isn’t a cosmetic problem, and trying to take on a large problem without professional expertise and equipment will most likely spread the mold around the home rather than remove it. That 60 percent of the cost protects the home and its residents by bringing in the expertise of technicians who can safely restore the home to a place where residents can safely breathe. Searching for “mold removal near me” will give homeowners an idea of costs more specific to their region.
Mold Remediation Company
While the average cost of mold remediation is $2,254, the cost can vary greatly depending on which mold remediation company performs the service. Companies may charge anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000 for mold removal depending on the extent of the problem and the removal methods used. For example, ServiceMaster typically charges between $1,200 and $4,500 for mold removal services, while ServPro charges $1,500 to $10,000. Some companies exclusively handle mold remediation, while others include this as an addition to water damage or restoration services. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to check a company’s credentials and reviews before hiring to be sure they are qualified to handle the problem efficiently.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In the process of calculating the cost of mold remediation, homeowners are advised to keep in mind that there are additional costs that can mount up sharply. This includes if there’s a need for damage repair or water damage restoration, as well as additional preventive measures to keep mold at bay.
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Damage Repair
Sometimes the damage from mold remediation is as simple as scraped or dissolved paint in the area where the mold was cleaned off, and the cost to restore the surface is as inexpensive as a can of paint (but homeowners will want to keep in mind that simply painting over the mold is not an acceptable solution). On the other end of the spectrum, mold removal behind a shower wall can mean that new drywall, tile, and grout must be installed—a much larger and more labor-intensive project. That degree of moisture can also mean there’s rot in the wood studs supporting the wall. It’s important to remove mold from wood as soon as possible to avoid structural damage.
In addition to tackling the surface repair, a mold inspector or remediator will be able to help homeowners identify the source of the mold growth. It’s possible that the mold is the result of damaged or leaking pipes, and if that’s the case, homeowners will need to include in their budget the cost to hire a plumber to repair the leaks prior to closing up the wall. Significant damage resulting from either the water that encouraged the mold growth or from the process of remediation can run between $2,000 and $20,000.
Water Damage Restoration
Whenever mold is found in a home, it’s important for a homeowner to look for leaks, burst pipes, and sources of excess humidity that may be the cause. If there is a larger water damage issue, there is likely also a variety of repairs that will need to be made in addition to mold remediation. This can include fixing plumbing or structural issues to eliminate leaks, or repairing ceilings or drywall that has been exposed to water. On average, water damage repairs cost between $1,200 and $5,000.
Materials and Supplies
Materials needed to repair mold damage generally make up about 40 percent of the total cost of remediation. Drywall (along with tape, mud, and finishing supplies; roofing materials; and foundation sealing material) may be necessary to repair the damage caused by the mold and to prevent future moisture issues. In addition, it may be necessary to replace carpeting, flooring, and soft furnishings if the type of mold in the home spreads to textiles. All of these will increase the total project cost.
Mold Prevention
The key to preventing mold and mildew is for a homeowner to address water damage and humidity levels. Even with professional remediation, mold is practically guaranteed to come back if the conditions that created it are not dealt with properly. The location of mold can provide homeowners with some clues for solving the issue; for instance, mold on a windowsill is an indication that the windows may need to be resealed. Repairing small leaks around the home typically costs about $150; having crawl spaces and basements sealed or waterproofed is another effective preventative measure and costs around $7,000.
Mold Remediation Cost by Type of Mold
There are more than 100 types of mold that commonly grow in homes. Some are mild and easy to clean, while others are aggressive, tenacious, and potentially deadly. Aggressive types of mold can be more expensive to remove, as they cover a wider area and may not respond as readily to traditional mold killers. So what kills mold in the home? Toxic molds require heavy chemicals, expert application, and protective gear for the workers performing the removal, so those removal costs will be higher. The costs of labor and testing in the homeowner’s area will also affect the overall expense based on the type of mold.
| Type of Mold | Average Remediation Cost |
| Chaetomium | $600 to $5,000 |
| Ulocladium | $600 to $6,000 |
| Alternaria | $700 to $6,000 |
| Aspergillus | $700 to $6,000 |
| White | $700 to $6,000 |
| Cladosporium | $700 to $6,000 |
| Green | $700 to $6,000 |
| Black | $800 to $7,000 |
| Serpula Lacrymans | $800 to $7,000 |
| Fusarium | $800 to $8,000 |
Alternaria
Alternaria is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. When it becomes airborne or travels inside a home on the sole of a shoe, it spreads explosively, and in homes with high humidity, it can grow underneath carpets and wallpaper. The price range of removal can be anywhere from $700 to $6,000, depending on the extent of the problem.
Aspergillus
One of the most common indoor molds, aspergillus is the mold upon which penicillin is based, and it’s made up of more than 250 identified species. It is easily spotted, as it starts out as a furry white fungus and then changes color as it grows. While it does grow well in low humidity and can spread to fabrics and textiles, it is usually easier to clean because its visible presence is immediately noticeable. Removal costs range from $700 to $6,000.
Black Mold
Black mold is considered the most toxic household mold. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult molds to remove. It usually looks black or dark green and slightly slimy; it stains surfaces as it grows and is resistant to removal. In addition, it grows in fiberboard, paper, and gypsum board, where it may be difficult to detect. It’s vital to completely remove black mold, but the toxicity of the spores makes removal more expensive: $800 to $7,000 is the average cost.
Victor Coppola, senior building biologist and founder of GreenWorks Environmental, LLC, ad