How much does mold remediation cost?
Columbus, OH

How much does mold remediation cost?

Columbus, OH

How much does mold remediation cost?

$15 – $30average cost per square foot
$1,500 – $6,000average total cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$15 – $30 average cost per square foot

$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer

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.

Average cost of mold remediation
Area size Square feet Average cost Example areas
Small 10 – 100 $500 – $1,500
  • Small section of drywall
  • Isolated spot on a floor or ceiling
  • Corner of a room
Medium 100 – 300 $1,500 – $6,000
  • Large section of a wall, ceiling, or floor
  • Multiple small areas
  • Partial attic or basement
Large 300 – 1,000 $6,000 – $15,000
  • Entire room
  • Entire attic or basement
Very large or whole home > 1,000 $15,000 – $30,000
  • Widespread contamination in multiple rooms
  • Whole house

Black mold spreading above range hood and kitchen cabinets
Black mold spreading above range hood and kitchen cabinets
Get free estimates from mold remediation companies near you.

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.

Mold removal cost by location
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:

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 $200 to $1,000, 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.

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.

Black mold growing in home window sill
Black mold growing in home window sill

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 removal cost by type
Mold type Average removal cost Details
Black mold (Stachybotrys chartaram) $2,000 – $10,000
  • Slimy black or greenish-black appearance
  • Causes severe & life-threatening health problems
  • Difficult to remove
Green mold (Penicillium digitatum) $1,500 – $6,000
  • Blue or blue-green mold
  • Causes respiratory issues & allergic reactions
  • Found on water-damaged carpets, insulation, fabrics, & mattresses
  • Spreads rapidly
Alternaria $1,500 – $6,000
  • Dark green-gray mold
  • Grows primarily outdoors but can spread to carpets, fabrics, and walls
  • Causes allergic reactions & hay fever
Aspergillus $500 – $4,000
  • White, green, or red mold
  • Common mold found in many homes
  • Causes respiratory issues, allergic reactions, & skin irritation
  • Easier to remove than black or green mold
Aureobasidium $1,500 – $6,000
  • Black yeast-like mold
  • Found in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, tile grout, or on shower curtains
  • Causes allergic reactions & humidifier fever
Chaetomium $1,800 – $7,000
  • Blue-green mold
  • Found in water-damaged areas
  • Causes respiratory issues & skin infections
Cladosporium $1,500 – $6,000
  • White mold
  • Found on wood, fabrics, & carpets
  • Causes respiratory issues, skin irritation, & may aggravate asthma
Fusarium $1,500 – $6,000
  • White, yellow, brown, or pink mold
  • Commonly found outdoors
Serpula lacrymans $1,500 – $7,000
  • Red, rust-colored, or yellow mold
  • Found on wood surfaces, including walls, furniture, & floorboards
  • Destructive to homes as it causes dry rot in wood

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.

A technician removing and remediating mold while wearing protective gear
A technician removing and remediating mold while wearing protective gear

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:

Get free estimates from mold remediation companies near you.

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

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?


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