Household mold remediation can be complex and costly depending on the amount of mold present and the health status of the people living in the house. Therefore, before attempting any household mold remediation, it is important to consider the size of the mold problem. If mold growth covers less than about 10 square feet, then, you can handle the job yourself if you follow the mold guidelines.
If mold covers more than 10 square feet, it is recommended that household mold remediation be performed by a contractor (or other professional service provider). It is important to make sure the contractor has experience in mold remediation and is familiar with mold guidelines from professional or government organizations.
Cost of household mold remediation services
The cost of household mold remediation services may vary from region to region and from contractor to contractor. Contact several contractors for pricing as this may save you hundreds of dollars. However, pricing should not be the only criterion to consider when looking for a household mold remediation services contractor. Always ask for references and contact them before deciding to settle for any contractor. Sometimes you may get unbiased reviews if you Google these contractors. Remember it’s difficult to please everyone. Therefore a few negative reviews about a contractor does not necessarily mean they are bad.
Household mold remediation guidelines for homeowners
When cleaning up mold yourself it is important to wear protective clothing to limit exposure to mold and mold spores. You may only clean small amounts of mold yourself. The CMHC defines the amount of mold as:
- Small, if there are 1 – 3 patches, each less than 1 m² (10 square feet) in size
- Moderate, if there more than 3 patches or if the patches are greater than 1 m² but less than 3 m² (32 square feet)
- Extensive if the patch is larger than 3 m²
If you decide to clean small amounts of mold yourself, it’s recommended you wear N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles and follow these two steps:
- Clean the moldy surface with water and dish detergent. There’s no need to use bleach. Bleach is considered a health hazard.
- Fix the underlying cause, whether due to water damage or excessive humidity.
You might consider hiring a contractor if the mold keeps coming back after you cleaned it. A large amount of mold is often also the result of a larger problem, such as a leak in the foundation or a major flood, which may require professional help to fix.
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