According to national averages, it would cost around $2,500 to clean mold off of the walls and floor of a 1,000 ft² basement. This is assuming that crews would have to clear away approximately 200-300 ft² of mold, which is admittedly quite a lot for a basement of that size.
Homeowners who just needed mold removed from a bathroom or closet might only expect to pay around $400-500 depending on where they live and how far deep into the walls the mold has gotten. Larger areas, like attics, can cost anywhere from $5,000-7,500 to clean, especially if the mold has taken over the area.
Mold remediation can be complicated by a number of factors. The presence of lead paint or asbestos in an attic will be sure to send the cost of mold removal services skyrocketing.
Doing this work yourself could potentially save a great deal of money.
DIY Mold Fogging Costs
In general, DIY mold fogging operations will cost around a quarter of professional ones, if not less. While you’ll need access to a CO2 fogger or other mold remediation machine, these can be rented so you don’t have to incur the large cost of ownership.
Larger hardware and contractor supply stores will rent these out for a daily fee. If you make sure to finish your mold remediation project within a day or two of renting it, you may not pay much at all.
Some national hardware chains will rent a mold control fogger out for $100 a week or around $20 for a 24 hour period. Homeowners usually have to put down a $50 deposit, but this will be returned as long as they don’t damage the machine.
Depending on what kind of pellets the machine uses and how they have to be stored, you’ll want to factor the cost of CO2 into the equation.
Cost Per Square Feet of House (DIY)
As long as you get a decent rental contract and don’t get charged with a late fee for keeping the fogger too long, you’re probably looking at a cost of around $5-10 per square foot. The cost may even be lower if you can figure out some other way to remove the mold.
A solution of three parts water to one part bleach can help you get mold off of walls. Just put it in a spray bottle and make sure to ventilate the area.
Other homeowners have tried standard dish detergent and found it works well. These solutions cost very little, but you’ll want to wear facial coverings and eye protection if you try them.
Professional Mold Fogging Costs
Professionals may charge more based around what type of mold you’re dealing with. On average, different species come with the following price tags depending on the size of the affected area:
- Chaetomium: $500-$3,500
- Aspergillus, Altemaria, Cladosporium, Green Mold, White Mold: $1,500-5,00
- Ulocladium: $1,000-4,000
- Serpula Lacrymans, Black Mold: $2,000-6,000
- Fusarium: $2,000-7,000
If you make sure to call a professional remover early on, then you might be able to save some money. Those who wait for long periods of time may end up with more damage as the mold starts to consume the underlying wall material.
Cost Per Square Feet of House (Professional)
Professional estimates vary based on the type of mold and the ability for removal specialists to access the affected area. According to some national averages of both material costs and labor charges, you can expect to see the following price tags:
- 50ft²: $760-1,500
- 100ft²: $1,500-3,000
- 150ft²: $2,250-4,500
- 200ft²: $3,000-6,000
- 300ft²: $4,500-9,000
Those with significant black mold growth may incur further costs.
Is Mold Removal Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowner’s insurance policies will normally pay for mold removal if it’s deemed that the mold growth was the result of a covered peril. If the mold growth is due to some kind of fault with your home, then the insurer will potentially pay for removal, repair and clean-up without charging you any more than a deductible.
On the other hand, you might get stuck paying for it if it’s deemed that there was significant mold growth as a result of you doing something wrong. For instance, if you’ve been neglecting to use a dehumidifier in a basement your insurer might use this as a reason not to pay for the clean-up.
Pre-existing mold growth in a home that you bought from a previous owner will normally not be covered. However, the terms of the real estate contract may entitle you to some money from the original property owner even if your insurance policy doesn’t cover it.
Mold Fogging Cost Calculator
When mold remediation techs do an estimate at your home, they’ll multiply the amount of square footage by a set cost. It’s hard to predict what someone might charge since you don’t have access to the little tables they use for their calculation.
Some consumer groups have provided a list of ballpark figures that can be used when you don’t have access to the calculator table that mold removers use:
- House Fan or Vent: $100-500
- Roof Deck: $500-1,000
- Bathroom: $500-1,500
- Crawl Spaces: $500-2,000
- Drywall: $1,000-7,000
- Attic: $500-7,000
- Concrete Walls, Basement Area: $1,500-4,000
- Ventilation Ducts: $2,000-6,000
- Whole Houses: $10,000-30,000
Where to Get Free Mold Fogging Estimates
Any professional mold removal firm should offer you free fogging estimates. If an organization attempts to bill you for an estimate, then you should really ask yourself how much they’re going to bill you for any service they perform!
You may want to start your search by simply looking for some mold removers in your area. Once you’ve found a few numbers, call them and explicitly ask if they could come over and provide a free estimate.
Most homeowners do prefer to get estimates before they allow anyone to start fogging, so a majority of small business owners will send a tech over to your place for free if you’re in their service area.