Mold remediation costs must be considered when your health and the health of your family are at stake. Prices will vary depending on the extent of damage done to your home and the location of the mold. The question that every homeowner wants to ask is “How much will it cost to remove mold from my home?”
This question can be answered best by looking at the process of mold remediation.
Inspection & Testing
Inspection and testing are the first steps in mold remediation. Pricing will depend on the amount of mold found and its location. Mold inspectors will inspect your home and pinpoint the areas where mold is present. The inspector may conduct a variety different tests at different locations, depending on his or her expertise. These tests include air and surface sampling tests.
Remediation
Mold removal costs are determined by the extent of the work required. The cost of materials to be disposed of, the labor hours required and the cost of removal. The LEVEL of contamination is the most important factor in determining the cost.
There are four levels to mold remediation. These are the four levels of mold remediation.
Level 1 Rehabilitation
Level 1 mold remediation is usually limited to 10 square feet. Technicians should use minimal containment to remove the mold. The technicians then clean the mold and apply a mold-resistant product. A Level 1 mold remediation usually does not require professional testing.
- Estimated cost: $500 to $1,000
- Quarantine can be very localized, or it can be completely absent.
- The area affected is less than 10 square feet.
An insurance claim is not possible because the mold remediation costs are so low and the area that has been damaged is very small.
Level 2 Rehabilitation
The removal process is slightly more difficult if you are doing a level 2 cleanup. HEPA filtration and HEPA vacuums are essential for the removal of mold. Because mold can affect a variety of structural components, the required containment is usually more complex and larger. It is possible to have walls removed completely, carpet removed and additional cleaning done.
- Estimated cost: $1,000 to $5,000
- Quarantine is Required
- The affected area is greater than 10 square feet. It may also include more than one room, or an area that could be subject to HVAC system remediation.
Technicians must wear protective clothing for Level 2 remediation. Residents are asked to stay clear of restricted areas until clearance testing proves that contamination levels have not reached acceptable levels.
Level 3 and 4 Remediation
These are the most challenging remediations. They require more complex containment arrangements, structural removal, and cleaning. Clearance testing should be performed before finalization.
- Estimated cost: $5,000 to $30,000
- Quarantine: Possible whole structure evacuation and relocation of residents, until remediation is complete.
- Dimensions of the Affected Area: The entire structure, including HVAC system remediation.
Third-party industrial hygienenists are recommended for level 3 and 4. They oversee and create a protocol to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Comparison of Long-Term and Present Costs
Mold remediation can be costly, especially if there is a lot of mold in your home. The present cost of mold remediation is negligible compared to the potential long-term health consequences if mold exposure continues to affect your family.
