Even the smallest mold problem can grow into an overwhelming situation if it isn’t treated right away. But if you catch it in its earliest stages, you can save lots of time and money by removing it yourself.

But unfortunately for others, the damage has already spread too far to use home remedies. These cases will require a mold removal company to use professional products in order to remove deeply embedded, widespread mold from the affected areas.

Mold is Dangerous to Personal Health

When dealing with mold, you must be aware that it doesn’t just cause damage to your building materials; it is extremely dangerous to the health of you and your loved ones.

Health effects of mold can include the following:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Breathing problems
• Other severe allergic reactions

Overall, the sooner the fungus and mildew are removed, the sooner you can have some peace of mind. Below you can find some common costs of mold removal and how to save money, but keep in mind that they will differ for each situation and those listed below are only considered estimates.

Vinegar is one of the best home remedies to kill mold

Mold Removal Costs for Small Areas

As long as the mold is less than 10 square feet and is not hard to reach, you should be able to remove it with a few different home remedies. Keeping in mind that you will be doing the dirty work, the cost of the cleaning products – either bleach, vinegar, borax, etc. – should be less than $10.

But if the mold has contaminated the air ducts and is dispersed into breathing air, the situation can quickly become dangerous as there are spores floating throughout the home. Don’t hesitate to contact a mold remediation professional.

Mold Remediation Costs for Larger Jobs

For cases that are larger than 10 square feet, the cost can range anywhere from $500 to $4,000 for mold abatement services, depending on how far it has spread and where it is located on the property.

For mold in the attic and air ducts, the general price can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on its size. For larger areas containing significant amounts of moisture or untreated water damage, the cost can be even higher, from $10,000 to $30,000.

What is Included During Mold Remediation

• Mold testing and assessment
• Containment of the mold
• Removing water-damaged and mold infested porous materials
• Disinfecting all surfaces
• Removal of mold-damaged drywall
• HEPA Vacuuming
• Working with insurance company (if involved)

While the procedures of all mold remediation companies will differ, you can expect all of the above to be included in the services of ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors.

How to Save Money During Mold Removal

The best way to save money during mold removal is to make the job as easy for the professionals as possible, such as:

• Testing for mold
• Calling for professional remediation right away
• Preventing the mold from spreading by lowering moisture levels
• Removing the mold yourself with home remedies (for smaller areas only)
• Restoring water damage right away
• Cleaning and disinfecting the walls, personal items, and furniture to kill any spores
• Removing any mold-infested materials that are not attached to the property structure

Overall, the best way to keep costs low during mold remediation is to take action right away to remove it yourself or call a professional. If not, homeowner’s insurance policies may or may not cover the remediation costs.

Homeowner’s Insurance May or May Not Cover Mold

Depending on the cause of the mold, including water damage, your homeowner’s insurance policy may or may not cover the costs. If the mold developed as a result of an emergency pipe burst, roof leak, or other case of recent water damage, the cost will usually be covered.

But if any water damage was left untreated or a consistent source of moisture was never removed, insurance companies will not be willing to pay. Also, because flood insurance must be purchased to cover the costs of flooding, any mold that results from this type of destruction will neither be included under standard homeowner’s insurance policies.

This is why it is crucial to react to mold and water damage right away, not only for your health and safety, but for financial reasons.

Using an Affordable Mold Remediation Company

If the mold-affected area does exceed 10 square feet, choosing a professional mold remediation company that is licensed and experienced is essential for having the fungus removed effectively. They must also have a prompt response time as well as be able to thoroughly disinfect or remove each surface to prevent the problem from returning in the future. Otherwise you may be facing the same problem down the road.

Checklist for Mold Removal

To weed out the good from the not so good mold removal contractors use the handy checklist below:

1. Ask them to provide a Certificate of Mold Specific Insurance – most “general liability” policies exclude mold. Mold Specific insurance should be state admitted, Full Occurrence (not Claims Made) and carry the highest AM Best rating possible.
2. Ask them for a Mold Remediation Training Certificate – trust your project only to qualified, experienced, certified personnel.
3. Ask them for an Asbestos Abatement License – mold is very often associated with building materials containing asbestos like acoustical “popcorn” ceilings, drywall tape etc. Any unlicensed removal may result in the building owner and contractor being found guilty of criminal offenses.
4. Ask them to provide a Lead Abatement Training Certificate – unlicensed removal of lead based paints may result in prosecution and/or litigation.
5. Ask to see a Hazardous Waste Hauler Certificate – the transportation of Hazardous Materials, such as asbestos and lead based paint, requires governmental certification.
6. Ask them for a License to use Heat as a Disinfectant – recent medical literature documents that decease causing bacteria live synergistically with mold.  Heat treatment not only kills mold and the insects that spread it, but also bacteria which are inaccessible to other forms of abatement. Heat also dries the heated area, making it less vulnerable to mold, insect and bacterial growth.
7. Ask them to provide: Material Safety Data Sheets, Equipment Licenses for Jurisdiction, Certificate of Vehicle Insurance, Certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance Employee Communication Program, Employee Medical Surveillance Program Respiratory Protection Plan, Illness and Injury Protection Program.

If you live or work in the Fort Wayne or Northeastern Indiana area, check out the mold removal services of ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors. Not only are our professionals experienced and licensed, but we use professional products to penetrate deep within the surface to remove the mold at its source.

We can also restore any water damage, if present, and return your building structure to its original condition.

Don’t hesitate to call us at (260) 420-1502 for a free estimate or for more information. We will even work with your insurance provider.

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