Factors Affecting The Cost of Mold Removal Services

Mold can be a nightmare for any property owner. Not only does inhaling mold spores pose a serious health hazard, but the presence of mold is also often an indicator of a moisture problem. If left untreated, this can lead to structural damage too.



Removing mold is not as straightforward as cleaning it until it’s no longer visible. In fact, if not cleaned correctly, this can release the spores into the air, allowing them to settle and cause new growth elsewhere.

What’s more, different types of mold require specific methods of removal and prevention to stop it from returning.

That’s why it’s essential to consult a professional mold remediation service company. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to locate, identify and remove all mold and to ensure the affected area is adequately treated and restored. But how much does it cost?

Here are the main factors that affect outlay.

1) Where the mold is located

One of the largest determiners of the cost of removing mold is its location within a property. Some pose bigger challenges than others with regard to access and the likely source of the moisture - both of which will influence the amount of labor required.

Here are some of the typical costs, divided by location.

• Drywall: $1,000 to $20,000
• Bathroom: $500 to $1,000
• Basement: $500 to $3,000+
• Attic: $1,000 to $4,000
• Crawl space: $500 to $20,000
• HVAC systems: $3,000 to $10,000
• Air ducts: $600 to $2,000+
• An entire property: $10,000 to $30,000

2) The scale of the mold problem

If the mold problem has spread beyond 10 square feet (the size deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency for DIY mold removal), in general, the job can cost between $10 and $25 per square foot.

If left untreated for some time, molds can eat down through the surface and into the core of drywall, wood and concrete. This can be much more costly to remove (more on that later). Likewise, mold which flourishes underneath carpeting and behind walls costs more to remove too.

3) The type of mold

In order to assess the extent of a mold problem, the mold must first be tested. A mold remediation company can do this for between $10 and $25 per square foot. 

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. 

In general, non-toxic molds such as Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus tend to be less expensive to remove than toxic molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold), which requires more specialized removal techniques and equipment to ensure safe and effective remediation.

4) Damage repair

Property owners should be aware that damage restoration following mold remediation can, in fact, cost more than the remediation itself.

For extensive mold growth, remediation involves more than just eliminating the mold. If the mold has penetrated deep into porous materials such as drywall, tiling and carpeting, these must all be removed and replaced. 

That said, it’s important not to ignore the cause of the mold in the first place. Mold shows up where there is moisture, and if this is a result of damaged or leaking pipes, the leaks and any subsequent water damage to structures must also be repaired.

Of course, the more extensive the damage, the greater the cost. That’s why early action is always advisable when mold is discovered.

5) Mold prevention

To prevent mold from returning, homeowners must address any water damage and maintain appropriate humidity levels.

Fixing small leaks around the home usually costs approximately $150. Sealing or waterproofing crawl spaces and basements is another effective preventive measure, which typically costs around $7,000.

6) Labor and materials

Professional mold removal companies employ expert technicians and use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that accurate and effective removal methods are utilized, as well as to verify the status of mold growth after removal is completed.

The cost of labor includes the time spent on the job, as well as the expense of high-efficiency vacuum equipment and protective gear. This gear can range from gloves to full-body suits and face masks equipped with respirators as required.

Labor accounts for approximately 60% of the mold removal cost, with materials comprising the remaining 40%.

Professional mold removal in Ogden UT

Mold removal is always best left to the professionals. If left untreated, the safety of a building’s occupants can be put at serious risk - and the building itself could become structurally compromised.

While professional mold removal may seem costly, it will save you headaches and money in the long run.

The qualified and experienced technicians at Swift Restoration and Remodeling can deal with the mold removal process from start to finish, from detection and testing, to removal and restoration.

Get in touch now by calling (385) 412-8633 for a consultation.