To ensure we provide the most precise and current cost estimates to you, we compile costs from industry data, licensed contractors, our users completed projects, and home improvement industry experts. We may earn commission from our partners when you utilize the services through our website. Our editorial integrity and quality remains our top priority, and recommendations do not affect our opinion or evaluations. Learn more about us and our editorial process, and read our advertiser disclosures.

Cost for Mold Removal or Mold Remediation

$875 – $7,950

The average cost to remove black mold is $3,350 for a 450 square foot area when a professional is hired. Also called mold remediation, the cost range for most homeowners is $875-$6,300 based on the factors discussed below. These costs do not include rebuilding areas taken away on large infestations.
Average DIY
$4.45 / Sqft
Average Pro
$9.75 / Sqft
Typical Range
$2,250 – $6,300 (450 sqft)
Low End
$3 / Sqft
High End
$15.00 / Sqft
Updated: November 17, 2023

How Much does it Cost to Have Black Mold Removed?

Low
$875 – $4,200
Average Cost Estimate
$2,400 – $6,350
High
$4,800 – $9,300
Size of Area Less than 300 sq ft 300-600 sq ft More than 600 sq ft
Accessibility Easy to Moderate Easy to Difficult Moderate to Difficult
Material Removed Yes or No Yes or No Yes
Ductwork Involved No Yes or No Yes or No
Sampling? No Yes or No Yes or No
Cleaning Agents Standard Standard or Green Standard or Green

Sections: Overview | Product Costs | Installation Cost | DIY or Pro

black mold cleanup from above a window

 

Overview of Black Mold Removal

Mold removal is essential when the infestation is widespread or has penetrated beneath the surface of drywall and into the home’s wood framing. That is the topic covered in this cost estimate – the remediation of a significant amount of black mold in an attic, basement or crawlspace, wall cavities or the home’s HVAC ductwork.

Major mold growth can present great health concerns and should be treated quickly. It’s typically caused by an obvious event such as a roof or foundation leak, plumbing or sewer leak or flooded home. The long-term lack of proper ventilation combined with high humidity in an attic or basement will also promote mold growth. Believe me, nothing can slow a kitchen or bathroom remodel than finding mold behind the drywall as you tear things out.

Of course, such causes must be repaired before mold removal takes place. Those repair costs are not covered in this mold remediation estimate.

Cost factors are included below to give you an idea of where on the mold removal cost spectrum your price will fall. We surveyed other cost estimating sites and include those prices too. Finally, professional and reader-submitted mold removal prices complete the information.

Mold Removal Cost Details

Remediation Price Factors

How much does toxic black mold removal cost? These factors determine price.

  • Extent of the Infestation – Obviously, the larger the area affected, the higher the cost estimates will be.
  • Location/Accessibility – Working in a full basement is easier than working in a crawlspace, attic, chimney or other confined space. Cost rises with difficulty.
  • Is the Ductwork Involved – When ductwork has been flooded and gets moldy, it must be taken apart for proper mold remediation. This can be very costly – much higher than simple duct cleaning cost.
  • How Much Material is Removed/Disposed of – If cleaning the area, such as cleaning a crawlspace, is all that’s needed, cost is on the low end. When drywall, insulation, roof or wall sheathing, flooring and other materials must be removed, cost for the labor and disposal is much higher than when a hard surface like concrete is cleaned.
  • Whether Inspection & Sampling [Testing] is Done – Mold removal information from the Environmental Protection Agency says, “Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.” If the infestation is obvious, skip the inspection, testing and its cost, which is $300-$1,000.
  • Type of Cleaning Agents – Bleach is cheap, but isn’t effective on porous materials. Anti-microbial cleaners start at about $20 per gallon. Environmentally safe but effective agents cost as much as $50 per gallon.
  • Who Does the Work – If you DIY, mold removal cost includes just the cleaning agents and supplies needed for the work. However, consider the risks discussed in the DIY or Not section below.

Mold Removal Cost by Area of Your Home

Here are mold removal price ranges for each area it is commonly located. The low cost is cleaning only. The average cost involves removing a small amount of material such as sections of drywall. The high cost involves removing drywall and deep cleaning the wall cavity and involved ductwork.

Mold cleaning cost in a crawlspace or basement: 

Low cost: $3.00 – $5.50/square foot

Average cost: $5.75 – $8.00/square foot

High cost: $8.25 – $10.50/square foot

Total average cost: $3,150

Mold cleaning cost in a bathroom: 

Low cost: $4.25 – $7.00/square foot

Average cost: $7.25 – $11.50/square

High cost: $11.75 – $15.00/square foot

Total average cost: $5,600

Mold cleaning cost in an attic: 

Low cost: $4.00 – $6.50/square foot

Average cost: $6.75 – $10.50/square foot

High cost: $10.75 – $12.95/square foot

Total average cost: $6,385

Mold cleaning cost in most other rooms:

Low cost: $3.35 – $6.15/square foot

Average cost: $6.35 – $11.00/square foot

High cost: $11.25 – $14.00/square foot

Total average cost: $3,100 – $6,800

Mold Prevention

There are several steps to prevent future mold growth.

Install a whole house ventilation fan or attic ventilator fans.

Consider a whole house dehumidifier if you live in a region with consistently high humidity.

Replace or install a bathroom vent fan if one isn’t in place already.

Have your dryer vent cleaned every few years because moist lint is an environment for mold.

Will Insurance Cover Mold Removal?

If the mold is caused by a covered event, such as a storm or flood, then mold remediation will be paid for by your insurer. If the cause isn’t covered, such as long-term ventilation problems, then your insurance company probably won’t pay for it.

Insurance policies vary in what is covered. We recommend talking with several mold remediation professionals before asking your insurance agent if removal is covered. A professional might find a cause that isn’t obvious, which might lead your insurer to consider it a covered event.

Permits, Inspection, and Unit Installation Costs

Permit

  • $0 |Mold removal does not require a permit.

Mold Remediation Labor Cost

Most mold removal is estimated by the job. It is labor-intensive work often performed by low-skill workers.

The cost of most mold removal works out to $30-$45 per hour.

Mold Removal Time

Time varies widely.

  • 10-30 square feet per person per hour | Mold removal based on where the mold is located and whether building materials must be removed and put in a dumpster as the work progresses.

DIY or Hire a Pro

The mold remediation discussed here is more than scrubbing mold off bathroom tiles or a painted ceiling or removing minor, occasional mold growth on a basement wall not caused by a leak.

Even removing and replacing moldy drywall is a common do-it-yourself project when the cause of the mold comes from inside, such as humidity in a bathroom that lacks an exhaust vent.

Years ago, we bought an older home with no bathroom exhaust vents. It soon became apparent that the seller had painted over ceiling mold as a quick fix before selling, as the mold soon showed through. The mold had penetrated the drywall, so we removed the drywall, added exhaust fans and installed green board drywall, which is drywall treated with anti-microbial and water-resistant agents. It took moderate DIY skills.

However, when the mold is found deep in building materials such as the home’s framing, beneath flooring or in wall cavities, professional mold remediation is preferred. First, a pro will best be able to locate the cause of the mold and suggest the appropriate fix. Pros are also equipped with the right tools and cleaning agents and know the proper techniques for getting rid of mold, not just masking its presence or removing surface mold, only for it to return.

Finally, mold removal exposes those doing the work to airborne mold. Pros are willing to take the risk and know how to protect themselves from the dangers.

Still unsure? The EPA Guide Mold, Moisture and Your Home is a useful resource. It includes a section called Who should do the cleanup? The guide offers suggestions for when DIY mold removal is a safe bet and when hiring a pro is advisable.