Cleaning Guides

How Much Should You Budget for Mould Removal? A Complete Breakdown

Image source: amedeoemaja / Shutterstock.com

Mould removal can be a real headache. You never know how long it will take or how much it will cost. Still, when you know how the pros do it, it can make a lot more sense.

In this post, you’ll learn what mould removal specialists actually do, why their process works, and what to expect in general.

How serious is having mould in the house?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid areas. Once it gets a foothold, it can spread quickly. You’ve probably heard of black mould (Stachybotrys). However, there are other types, too, like white mould and green mould. Some kinds are harmless. Others, especially black mould, are quite dangerous.

So, how dangerous is mould as a whole? Well, if you breathe in its spores, you can get allergic reactions. Sneezing, itchy skin, or watery eyes, things of that nature. It can also lead to wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, especially if you’ve got asthma.

And now comes the other question “How do I know if there’s mould in my house?”. Well, if you’ve been feeling unusually tired, having constant headaches, or find it hard to concentrate, then prepare for the bad news.

It’s tempting to clean up mould yourself. However, it’s not that simple. You need to identify the type first. That’s for starters. Then figure out how far it has spread. You also have to check for hidden mould.

Frankly, it’s it’s not a chore everybody can do. So, can you pay someone to remove the mould? Yes, you can hire a mould removal specialist. Plus, professionals save you time, money, and stress by tackling the issue right from the start.

Does mould devalue a house’s worth?

Visible mould and damp smells scare off buyers and renters, affecting a property’s value. Mould represents health risks, potential repair costs and even hidden damage. Would you buy a mouldy house? Probably not, right?

You may also like:
Landlord Advice
Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Mould in a Rental Property?

How much will mould removal cost?

The mould remediation cost is not low, but it’s money well spent. It protects your health, stops damage to your home, and keeps its value intact. What’s more important than that?

With that said, let’s look at some exemplary professional mould removal costs. Keep in mind that each company will have slight variations in their quotes. This is just so you know, how much money to prepare.

ServiceDescriptionAverage cost
InspectionA pro checks how far the mould has spread and what’s causing it.£150–£400
ContainmentThey seal off the area to stop the mould from spreading.Included in the service
Mould removalCleaning and removing mould, plus treating the area to kill it off.£500–£6,000
Antimicrobial treatmentExtra protection to keep mould from growing back.£50–£200
DehumidificationDrying the space with high-powered dehumidifiers to prevent moisture.£200–£1,000
RepairsFixing or replacing things damaged by mould, like walls or flooring.£500–£5,000+

When you hire a professional, you are not simply having someone clean up what you can see. They’ll deal with the mould you can’t see. Professionals use proper tools and treatments to fully get rid of the mould.

They also know how to safely handle dangerous moulds that can make you ill. And let’s be honest—getting the job done properly the first time saves you a ton of hassle, effort, and stress. Most pros even offer guarantees.

Tired of the fungus?

Have the mould removed at the source!

Learn more

Tired of the fungus?

Have the mould removed at the source!

Learn more

Factors shaping the mould removal prices

You already know that the professional mould removal costs in the table are just exemplary. In reality, the following factors determine the final mould remediation cost.

Size and severity of infestation

The bigger the mould problem, the higher the cost. Small patches of mould are easier and quicker to treat. On the other hand, large infestations require more time and effort. The seriousness of the infestation also plays a role.

If the mould has spread to multiple rooms or hidden areas like behind walls, the cost will be higher. For reference, mould removal costs can range from £10 to £30 per square foot, depending on how much of the property is affected.

Location within property

Where the mould is located makes a big difference in price. Mould in easy-to-reach places, like bathrooms or living rooms, is cheaper to treat.

However, mould in harder-to-reach spots like attics, basements, or behind walls requires extra time, tools, and sometimes special equipment like ladders or scaffolding.

Type of treatment required

Different mould problems need different treatments. Needless to say, this influences the cost. For example, standard mould removal might just involve cleaning and sanitising surfaces.

But if the mould has spread deep into your drywall or insulation, professionals may need to replace or treat the damaged parts. The equipment used also adds to the price. Specialised machines like dehumidifiers or air scrubbers may be needed to fully remove spores.

You may also like:
Cleaning Guides
The Silent Invaders: Understanding and Tackling Mould Mites in Your Home

Can I just remove the mould myself?

While DIY removal can save you money, it also comes with its own risks.

DIY approach

You might be able to handle mould removal yourself and it’s true that DIY can save you money. For smaller spots of mould, store-bought sprays seem like a quick and affordable fix. But here’s the thing. Without the right knowledge and tools, you might not fully get rid of the problem.

A DIY job often misses hidden mould or doesn’t address what’s causing it, like a leak or too much moisture in the air. When that happens, the mould usually comes back. Sometimes it’s worse than before. Plus, dealing with mould can be risky. If you’re not using proper safety gear, you could expose yourself to harmful spores.

Hiring professionals

Opting for mould remediation service costs more, but it has clear advantages. Experts have the training and specialised equipment to remove mould completely. That includes hidden mould. They’ll also figure out what’s causing it. Maybe it’s poor ventilation or a leaky pipe. Afterwards, they will help you fix the root of the problem so the mould doesn’t come back.

Hiring a professional saves you stress, time and ensures safe removal of dangerous mould. They may also offer guarantees to fix the issue again if it returns.

You may also like:
Cleaning Guides
Why Is There Mould Around My Windows? Common Reasons and Solutions

How do mould removal specialists handle the fungus?

Here’s how a professional mould removal is carried out by specialists.

  • Initial inspection. Professionals check how far the infestation has spread. With moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, they will know if it’s behind walls, under floors, or in hard-to-reach spaces;
  • Containment. Mould releases tiny spores into the air when disturbed. So, specialists set up containment measures to prevent the release while they work. Without proper containment, the spores can settle in other parts of your home. The containment includes plastic sheeting, sealed barriers, and HEPA filters to trap spores.
  • Mould removal. This is where the mould is physically removed. Depending on the extent of the infestation, the team might use a mix of methods. They’ll scrub surfaces with specialised cleaning agents to kill mould on non-porous materials. For porous surfaces like drywall, they may need to cut out and replace the damaged sections since mould can penetrate deep into the material. In some cases, antimicrobial treatments are applied to prevent future growth.
  • Dehumidification. Drying out the area is a key part of the process. Specialists use industrial-grade dehumidifiers to lower moisture levels in the air and dry affected surfaces. This step helps create an environment where mould can’t survive, reducing the chances of it coming back. It’s also common for professionals to recommend ongoing solutions like using a dehumidifier.
  • Final inspection and prevention. The specialist conducts a final inspection to make sure all traces of mould have been removed. They’ll check the areas they treated and might even re-test moisture levels to ensure the environment is dry and safe. At this stage, they’ll also give you tips to keep your home mould-free in the future.

Don’t wait until it becomes unbearable!

Book your professional mould removal today!

Add a valid postcode e.g. SE1 2TH

How long does it take for professionals to tackle the mould?

On average, most jobs are done within one to three days. However, it depends a great deal on how big the problem is. For smaller issues, like mould in the bathroom, it might only take a day. But if the mould is more widespread or serious, it could take a few days until it’s gone.

Different factors contribute to this. First, the size of the area. Bigger spaces or whole-house mould problems will naturally take longer to fix. How severe the mould is also plays a big part. If the mould has caused damage and needs materials to be replaced, the job will take more time.

Then, there’s the location. Mould in tricky spots, like attics or basements, takes longer because it’s harder to access. The type of mould makes a difference too—black mould, for example, takes more time. Finally, any further treatments, such as dehumidification or fumigation, will increase the time required.

Can mould grow back after removal?

Yes and here is why. If the moisture problem that caused the mould isn’t fixed, the mould will likely return. So, check for leaks, poor ventilation, or high humidity. Then, remove the mould, and fix the underlying moisture problem.

A professional can help you identify the issue and give you solutions. They might suggest how to fix leaks, give you ways to improve airflow, or tell you where to put a dehumidifier.

You may also like:
Cleaning Guides
Mould in the Kitchen? Here’s How to Tackle It Safely

Takeaways

  • Breathing in mould spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues;
  • Mould removal costs depend on size, location, and treatment;
  • DIY mould removal saves money, but often fails to remove the root cause of the mould infestation;
  • Professionals have protective gear and equipment and always aim at the root of the problem;
  • Mould removal takes 1–3 days on average.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x