Mould removal cost guide

Why remove mould?

It can be frustrating when you have spent a lot of time and money to create your perfect home, only for it to be ruined by ever increasing amounts of mould.

Not only does mould look unsightly, but it can also damage anything it comes into contact with, from walls to ceilings as well as soft furnishings. Mould can also become a source of embarrassment due to unappealing odours, and if left to spread it can even become a health hazard, especially to vulnerable people.

How much does mould removal cost?

The issues caused by mould are numerous and it is always better to remove the problem as soon as possible to stop it from spreading and causing damage. You should always be on the lookout for mould as it loves to appear in hidden areas and before you know it a small patch quickly spreads to an entire wall or room.

If you only have a small area that needs to be removed, it might only take a professional an hour or so. On average mould removal costs are £17.50 per hour.

At the bigger end of the scale, if you need mould to be removed from your entire home you’re likely to be quoted a flat fee for the project. On average the cost of mould removal from a whole property is around £1,790.

What causes mould and mildew?

Now that we know the effects of mould, it is important to look at the causes of mould and mildew. The most common cause is excess moisture. Certain rooms such as bathrooms are more prone to mould due to the use of showers and baths, however, cooking and drying clothes are also likely causes when it comes to mould.

Usually, once the air cannot hold any more moisture, condensation will form on walls or ceilings and this, in turn, allows mould to grow. Other causes of mould and mildew are poor insulation, rain seeping through cracks in the home, moisture from damaged pipes, and poor ventilation areas.

Common types of mould

There are many types of mould and each one behaves and is formed differently. One commonality is that mould starts out as a fungus that grows quickly and releases spores into the air around itself.

Below are the types of mould you’re most likely to encounter:

• Black mould: The most common type of mould, this is likely the type affecting your home. Black mould or Stachybotrys Chartarum is also the easiest mould to remove.
• Green mould: A well known type of green mould is penicillium, however, there are many other varieties. This mould can appear fluffy and eats paint as well as causing other damage.
• Blue mould: This variety of mould loves to grow in wet rooms like bathrooms due to steam from showers. It can often be found on walls and ceilings.
• White mould: Another mould that can appear furry, white mould likes cool and damp environments such as basements.
• Rising damp: You may have heard this term before and been unsure about the meaning. Rising damp is simply when moisture from the ground rises up the walls.

What happens when you do not remove mould?

Choosing not to tackle mould is never a good idea. Apart from the fact that it grows rapidly, it also looks unsightly. Mould releases spores into the environment and the more mould in your home, the more spores will be released.

Eventually, mould will cause damage to your home which may be difficult to repair. Along with unpleasant odours, which guests will not appreciate, mould can cause a number of health issues especially affecting the vulnerable, including the elderly, babies and those with weakened immune systems.

Health effects of mould include rashes, sneezing, breathing difficulties and sore eyes to name but a few.

Factors affecting the cost of mould removal

It is never easy to calculate the total mould removal services cost without a professional visit to your home. However, the following are the most common factors affecting the overall cost:

• Type of mould: Some types may be easier to remove than others.
• Amount of mould: The more mould to be removed, the higher the labour costs will be.
• Time taken: The longer the job takes the greater the labour costs will be.
• Ease of access: When mould takes root in hard to access areas this can increase the price of removal.
• Expertise: Hiring a professional with a high level of expertise means the job is done to a higher quality but will increase the cost of mould removal.
• Treatments: Once mould has been removed it may be wise to apply a treatment that will prevent its return. This will be charged as an extra.
• Location: Certain areas such as London have a higher cost of mould removal.

Mould removal cost per square foot

As we previously discovered, if you catch mould at an early stage, before it has spread, then you may be able to pay for removal based on the size of the area affected.

That said, most mould removal professionals prefer to charge per hour or per project, which is why it’s always best to get quotes for an accurate price. At the very minimum, even the most basic removals will take at least 1 hour.

The average mould removal cost per hour is £17.50.

Black mould removal cost

As the most common type of mould, people often wonder how this will affect the cost of removal and if it will be cheaper. In truth, black mould is one of the easier moulds to remove, so the cost will be similar to that of generic mould removal.

The average black mould removal cost is £200 per job.

How much does mould removal cost for an entire house?

If you are unlucky enough to have mould affecting your entire home, this will increase the cost of removal. With an area this large, the time required to eradicate mould is relatively high, leading to an expensive job. This is why it’s better to tackle any small mould growths before they spread.

The average cost of mould removal services for an entire house is £1,790.

Can I remove mould myself?

Firstly, it is essential that you protect yourself when tackling a potentially hazardous job. In the case of mould removal, you should ensure you purchase goggles, a mask, a biohazard suit and gloves.

When considering if you are able to remove mould, you should take into account:

• Type of mould: Some are more difficult to remove.
• The extent of the mould contamination.
• Physical ability: Mould removal can be hard work and may involve climbing ladders to reach difficult areas. Don’t attempt this unless you are confident in your physical abilities.
• Potential danger: Never breathe in or touch mould with your bare skin.

Finally, bear in mind that with a professional you can be certain that all the mould is removed. In addition, a professional can help you to understand the cause of the mould in order to prevent its return.

To find a local, reputable, tradesperson in your area and get a personalised cost of mould removal use our free search feature.

Key takeaways for mould removal

• Mould can cause unpleasant smells and damage walls, ceilings and soft furnishings.
• The elderly, young children and those with chronic health conditions are the most at risk from mould spores.
• There are many different types of mould, including blue, white and black.
• If mould is not removed it can quickly spread.
• Never attempt to remove mould without personal protective equipment.