Key takeaways
- The size of the affected area matters, but where it is and what it's growing on matter just as much.
- Attics and crawl spaces are cramped, which adds labor.
- Porous materials like drywall and insulation usually get replaced, which adds rebuild cost.
- Fixing the moisture source may be in the quote or may be a separate job. Check.
- A written quote after an inspection is the only reliable number.
Anyone who quotes a mold job in Spokane without looking at it is guessing. That’s frustrating when you just want to know whether you’re facing a small bill or a big one, so this guide covers the things that move the price. With those in mind, you can read a quote and tell whether it makes sense.
How much is affected
The bigger the area, the more labor, containment material and disposal. But square footage on its own is a weak guide. A 30-square-foot patch on a bathroom ceiling and 30 square feet hidden inside an exterior wall are very different jobs.
Where it is
Location matters a lot. A bathroom or a basement wall is easy to reach. An attic means working bent over between rafters, often in insulation, sometimes in heat or cold. A crawl space with 18 inches of clearance means crawling on your belly. Cramped spaces take longer, and longer means more money.
What it’s growing on
Hard surfaces such as concrete, metal and finished wood can usually be cleaned. Porous materials like drywall, carpet, carpet pad, ceiling tile and insulation usually can’t be cleaned well once mold grows into them, so they get cut out, bagged and replaced. That adds removal and rebuild costs. Rebuild is sometimes in the remediation quote and sometimes left for a separate contractor.
Containment
Setting up plastic barriers, negative air pressure and HEPA filtration keeps spores from spreading during removal. A small job may need a simple setup. Several rooms, or an occupied house with kids or someone with asthma, may need more. Ask what containment the quote includes.
The moisture fix
Quotes differ most on this part. Cleaning up mold without fixing what caused it is money spent twice. The cause might be:
- A roof leak or ice dam damage
- A bathroom fan venting into the attic
- Blocked attic ventilation
- A missing vapor barrier in the crawl space
- Gutters or grading sending snowmelt toward the foundation
- A plumbing leak
Some remediation companies fix these. Others will tell you to call a roofer, plumber or HVAC contractor. Make sure you know which, so the fix doesn’t get left out of your budget.
Testing
Pre-remediation testing, lab fees and post-remediation clearance testing each add cost. You don’t always need them. Our inspection vs testing guide explains when they’re worth it.
Comparing two quotes
Put them side by side and look for:
| Item | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Area and materials being removed | ||
| Containment and air filtration | ||
| Cleaning method for wood and framing | ||
| Insulation removal and replacement | ||
| Moisture source fix, or who does it | ||
| Clearance testing | ||
| Rebuild (drywall, paint, flooring) | ||
| Timeline and payment schedule |
A quote that looks cheaper often leaves out two or three of those rows. Once you add them back, the gap may close or flip.
If you’d like a real number for your house, request a free inspection and a local company will come take a look.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't companies give me a price over the phone?
Because the visible mold is often a fraction of the problem. Until someone checks moisture behind the wall, under the floor or across the attic, they can't tell how much material has to come out.
Is a free inspection really free?
Some companies inspect for free when they're quoting removal. Others charge for inspections, especially ones with testing or a written report. Ask before they come out.
Does insurance cover mold remediation?
Sometimes, depending on the policy and on what caused the mold. Damage from a sudden, accidental leak is often treated differently from long-term humidity or a slow leak. Call your insurer and ask.
Should I take the lowest quote?
Only after you line the quotes up item by item. One may include containment, insulation, rebuild and clearance testing while another leaves them out.