How much does mold remediation cost?
How much does mold remediation cost?
$15 – $30 average cost per square foot
$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost
Average mold removal cost
Mold remediation costs $15 to $30 per square foot or $1,500 to $6,000 on average. The cost of mold removal depends on the location, size of the affected area, mold type, and extent of the damage. Removing mold from an entire attic or basement can cost up to $15,000.
| Area size | Square feet | Average cost | Example areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 – 100 | $500 – $1,500 |
|
| Medium | 100 – 300 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Large | 300 – 1,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
|
| Very large or whole home | > 1,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
|
Remediation cost by location
The mold's location in your home significantly impacts the cost of remediation. Small, localized mold growths in a bathroom typically cost the least to remove. Remediating widespread growth through an HVAC system or ductwork may cost up to $10,000.
Some locations in your home—like the bathroom or basement—are more humid or damp, making them more prone to mold. Locations like ductwork are more difficult to access, making remediation more costly.
| Location | Average removal cost |
|---|---|
| Attic (partial) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Attic (full) | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Basement (partial) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Basement (full) | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Bathroom | $500 – $2,000 |
| Crawl space | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| HVAC system / ducts | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Whole house | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Attic
The cost to remove mold from an attic is $1,500 to $6,000 on average. However, costs range from $6,000 to $15,000 if there is extensive damage, the attic has limited access, or the insulation needs replacing.
Basement
Removing mold from a basement costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average or up to $15,000 if the entire basement requires mold remediation. Removing mold in only one corner costs $500 minimum. Basements are especially susceptible to mold because they are damp and humid.
Consider these steps to prevent humidity, water leaks, and mold growth in your basement:
Basement waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000 on average.
Sump pump installation costs $600 to $2,500, including the unit itself.
A basement dehumidifier costs $1,100 to $2,800 with installation.
Bathroom
Removing mold from a bathroom costs $500 to $2,000, depending on the extent of the growth. Due to their high humidity, bathrooms provide an ideal environment for mold. However, visible surface mold that commonly grows in bathrooms is the easiest type to remove.
Remediation costs increase to repair plumbing damages that led to mold growth. In these cases, a broken pipe affects the walls, floor, or subfloor, so contractors may need to remove and replace the damaged materials.
Crawl space
Removing mold in a crawl space costs $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the size and accessibility of the space.
Consider installing a dehumidifier or vapor barrier to prevent further mold infestations. A vapor barrier costs $2 to $4 per square foot installed, while complete crawl space encapsulation costs $3 to $7 per square foot.
HVAC or air ducts
The cost to remove mold from an HVAC system is $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the system type and whether the mold has spread into the ductwork. Mold remediation costs are cheapest for radiant heat systems and highest for central air conditioning systems.
HVAC air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700, while sanitizing adds $70 to $150 more. Have the ductwork professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years to prevent mold from spreading throughout the home.
Don't run the HVAC system if you suspect the system or ductwork has mold inside. The airflow will spread the toxic mold spores to other areas of your home.
Whole house
Whole-house mold remediation costs $15,000 to $30,000 and is typically only necessary if the home experiences extensive water damage from a flood, hurricane, or other catastrophic event. This project often requires replacing the carpet and drywall. Plus, in-depth furniture cleaning is essential.
Mold removal cost by type
Some varieties of mold are easy to remove while others are more aggressive and resist treatment. Remediation may cost more if the technicians must use additional chemicals, specialized equipment, or multiple treatment methods to remove the mold from your home.
The following table shows the average cost of mold removal by type:
| Mold type | Average removal cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Black mold (Stachybotrys chartaram) | $2,000 – $10,000 |
|
| Green mold (Penicillium digitatum) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Alternaria | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Aspergillus | $500 – $4,000 |
|
| Aureobasidium | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Chaetomium | $1,800 – $7,000 |
|
| Cladosporium | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Fusarium | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Serpula lacrymans | $1,500 – $7,000 |
|
Mold removal cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of mold remediation:
Growth site – Costs are lower for removing mold on visible surfaces and in easy-to-reach areas. The more difficult the mold is to access, the higher the remediation fees will be.
Size of the mold spread – Larger mold growths or whole-home infestations cost significantly more to treat than small, localized growths.
Type of mold – Some molds require more extensive treatment to remove, increasing costs.
Equipment – Air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and HEPA vacuums might be necessary for extensive mold problems. Protective gear for the workers, cleaning agents, and sealants also raise costs.
Disposal fees – Some companies charge extra hazardous waste fees for disposing of contaminated materials.
Mold inspection
A mold inspection costs $300 to $650 for an average-sized home and up to $1,000 for a large home with a widespread mold problem. If you spot signs of mold or suspect your home has a mold problem, hire a professional to inspect the house before the problem spreads.
A mold inspection takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on if the inspector must open walls or ceilings to access the infected areas.
Labor
Labor for mold remediation costs $75 to $120 per hour, depending on the job size and complexity. Beyond the cleaning, mold remediation also requires protective gear and professional equipment to ensure total containment of airborne spores.
Repairs
If mold has infested your walls, floors, or ceiling, then your home may require repairs or replacements of parts in the affected areas.
Common repairs include:
Drywall replacement costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of surface area, including labor and materials. Painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area after the new drywall is in place.
Carpet replacement costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average, including removing the old carpet and padding. Hardwood flooring replacement costs $11 to $25 per square foot.
Insulation replacement costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
Water-damaged subfloor replacement costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
The cost to fix leaking pipes is $150 to $850.
Fixing a roof leak costs $150 to $1,000 for small areas or $3,000 to $6,000 for a large leak requiring structural repairs.
Mold remediation FAQs
How long does mold removal take?
Mold removal takes 1 to 3 days on average for small to medium projects and up to 7 days to remediate large or severe mold growth. Restoration may take longer if the project requires drywall or carpet replacement.
Do you have to leave your house during mold remediation?
You may need to leave your house during mold remediation, depending on the mold's location and the amount of growth. If the growth is only in one small area, mold removal specialists can typically contain and treat the affected area while you remain in another part of the house.
For homes with large or severe mold growth, most pros recommend you leave your house during the remediation process.
Is mold remediation covered by homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover the cost of mold remediation unless a natural disaster or a plumbing accident caused water damage that led to mold. In addition, many companies only cover mold removal if you have flood insurance. Check your policy for coverage details.
What are signs of mold in my home?
Look for these signs of mold in your home:
Visible mold growth, including fuzzy or speckled patches in green, black, white, gray, or blue
Musty odors
Discoloration on walls or ceilings
Peeling, bubbling, or cracking wallpaper or paint
Recent water damage
Increased allergy symptoms or asthma attacks
Skin or eye irritation
Mold growth is most common in areas of the home with high humidity, such as the bathroom or basement.
Can mold cause health problems?
Mold can cause a variety of health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health risks include:
Respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties
Congestion or runny nose
Sore throat
Allergies
Skin rashes
Burning eyes
Headaches
Dizziness
Memory loss or lack of focus
Symptoms are often worse in people with compromised immune systems. Mold may also aggravate conditions like asthma and can lead to lung infections in people with chronic lung disease.
Can I clean the mold myself?
The EPA and CDC recommend DIY mold removal only for areas smaller than 10 square feet. Remember to wear gloves, a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area. Removing larger areas of mold and preventing regrowth typically requires a professional mold remediation company.
Getting estimates from mold remediation companies
Follow these tips when evaluating mold remediation companies near you:
Look for companies certified in mold remediation by one of the following organizations:
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI)
National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)
Professional Mold Inspection Institute (PMII)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Read reviews for mold abatement professionals on HomeGuide and Google.
Get estimates from at least 3 companies. Confirm the bids include the same testing, cleanup, and containment services.
Select a licensed and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Never pay in full before the work is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions to ensure you hire the best mold removal company for the job:
How long have you been in the mold-remediation business?
What certifications do you have in mold remediation?
Does the estimate include testing before and after remediation?
Can you explain the mold remediation process?
Does the quote include disposing of all the contaminated materials?
What other costs might come up during the remediation?
How long will the mold removal take?
Can I stay in my home during the remediation?
How do I know the mold won't return?
What protective gear does your team wear during the mediation?
How will you contain the mold and protect the rest of my home during the remediation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.