Mold Removal Service Levels

Levels of Mold Remediation & Cost:

As a consumer I am always looking for the best price and I hope that the levels of service are equal but that is often not the case, usually you get what you pay for. Mold removal is an example of a service where you get what you pay for, there are many companies that offer cheap mold removal service but choosing these companies leaves you at risk of the mold returning, the mold not being entirely removed, using a company without the proper insurance, using a company that is not IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified, etc. Knowing what level of service and procedures to choose makes a big difference in which company you will pick and what you may be willing to pay to have the job performed properly the first time charged, so lets review the levels of mold remediation and their cost.

Levels of Mold Remediation

1. Mold Remediation Level 1 (Cost $500 - $1000):

The least expensive option is also the least effective. Most of the time, the services performed at this level are:

• Simply cutting the affected area away with a knife or saw
• Cleaning/scrubbing of affected area, possibly without IICRC-approved chemicals
• Affected area will not be quarantined - leaving your home susceptible to recolonization of mold spores on walls, the ceiling, below floors or in air ducts
• Mold testing may or may not be done. However, if mold testing is completed, it will more than likely be done by the removal company itself and will most likely not be done by an impartial 3rd party Industrial Hygienist (IH)
• Industrial Hygienists are certified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association, equipped with the most current and useful knowledge on Indoor Air Quality
• Companies performing testing without the use of a 3rd Party IH inherently cause a conflict of interest and could be biased. All data could be altered for the benefit of the service provider

At this level of service the company simply takes a drywall knife and cuts away the mold. Then he/she cleans any mold growing on cinder blocks or concrete. The cost depends on the size of the mold damage, but the price range is usually between $500 to $1,000.

This level has some serious negative consequences, the main issue is spreading mold spores around the room and around the house. As the person is cutting or spraying chemicals on the mold, the mold colony senses the danger and actually sends mold spores into the air with the hope that those mold spores will start colonies of their own. There are two problems that occur when mold spores are released into the air, the first is the fact that the mold spores are floating in the air for people to breath in and possibly have respiratory issues, the second is the mold spores can now grow new colonies somewhere else in your house or building. Another issue with choosing this level of service is that most likely the company will lack proper insurance protection. If you get sued for any reason and go after the $ 500.00 company be prepared that this company may not have the proper insurance to cover your law suit. Never assume a company has insurance, always ask for a certificate of insurance from their agent, it's an easy document to send and it can be faxed or emailed to you within an hour or two.

2. Mold Remediation Level 2 (Cost $1,000 - $5,000):

Medium level jobs have a medium price tag. However, you won't always get that optimum level of service you hoped for in a mold removal company. Variables to keep in mind with this level of service are:

• Like Level 1 jobs, technicians may not be certified through the IICRC
• The cost for mold removal will only cover a medium-sized effected area
• A third party IH may not be hired to conduct testing, causing potential risk of bias to the work being done

In this level of service a company follows the IICRC mold removal guidelines. These guidelines improve upon the New York Health department mold remediation guidelines and the EPA guidelines in mold removal. Without restating the entire 300 page or so guideline, here are some important issues to know when hiring a mold removal company following these guidelines.

The company should include building a plastic containment around the mold damaged areas and use negative air equipment with HEPA filter to assure any mold spores don't escape during the mold removal. Then all visible mold should be removed until no mold can be seen. The technicians should use HEPA vacuums and specific mold removal chemicals to wipe down all areas inside the contained area. All procedures should follow IICRC guidelines. If testing is required, then a certified industrial hygienist should be hired, not the mold removal company its self, as this would be a conflict of interests.

The usual cost for level two service can range anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000. This may sound like a lot of money but you have to remember that the goal of the mold removal is to remove the mold without releasing more mold spores in the air, this means using certified mold removal technicians, negative air machines, HEPA filters and expensive mold chemicals to get the job done right the first time.

3. Mold Remediation Levels 3 (Cost $5,000 to $10,000):

You can guarantee every measure of precaution available will be taken to ensure future mold outbreaks do not occur in your home due to the recolonization of spores from the project.

Some tips to remember when hiring a service provider at this level are:

• Ask for certification! Reputable companies should always be ready to provide clients with proper documentation and insurance
• Ask questions about your 3rd Party IH. Industrial Hygienists are hired on a case by case basis. Be sure you are aware of the credentials your particular IH has earned. Because IH's are 3rd party entities, their services can be swapped out easily at your request
• Make sure proper filters, like HEPA filters, are being used during your mold remediation 

At this level of service the cost may be higher, but so will the quality of the service. At this level the highest health precautions will be taken to ensure the health risks associated with mold are mitigated for the workers and anyone at risk of exposure to the dangerous mold.

4. Mold Remediation Levels 4 (Cost $10,000 and up):

Level 4 projects have the same high quality service as level 3 projects but the project itself is larger so the cost is greater. 

As you ponder what level to choose, you need to ask yourself what results you want. Remember that cheap costs are almost always associated with cheap service. By knowing the different levels of mold removal service and their associated cost, you will be able to find the right service to fit your budget.

SI Restoration is certified, insured, and licensed for mold removal, including large mold removal projects.

Please call 443-701-0111, email info@si-restoration.com, or use our contact us page for more information on our water damage and mold removal services.

SI Restoration water damage  clean up services are available in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson 

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

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