Mould is something that science fiction horror stories could have made up. Silently creeping in and feeding off one of your most valuable assets and threatening you and your family’s health. It’s insidious, silent and devious. Mould sets itself up in hard-to-get-to areas where it breeds, grows and eventually destroys your house.
Depending on the size of the house, a mould inspection should cost from Ksh3,500 to around Ksh6,000. Mould detection and elimination involves three steps:
Mould inspection – costs between Ksh3,500 and Ksh 6,000, with an average of just under Ksh10,000.
Mould testing – can also involve mould being sent to laboratories for analysis, adding about Ksh 25,000 to the final cost.
Remediation – involves mould removal and can be the most expensive part of the process, depending on the location and extent of the mould infestation.
So, What Are the Telltale Signs of Mould?
Smell is one of the most potent weapons in determining the presence of mould in your home. Luckily, we have an inbred ability to recognize smells that are not good for us. Just by the smell of some foods, we’re guided to avoid eating items that will make us sick. Likewise, a musty odour, similar to wet cardboard or damp clothing, may well indicate the onset of mould.
Moisture and humidity are accomplices to mould. Mould spores require moisture to germinate, so if you feel uncomfortable in some rooms because of the humidity, it would be wise to check these areas for mould. The most vulnerable areas are basements, bathrooms and kitchens, but other areas, such as those close to leaking pipes or where ventilation is poor, are also prime target areas.
Areas affected by leaking roofs or groundwater seepage tend to encourage mould growth, as do houses affected by flooding.
Visual indicators of mould include discoloured spots on walls or ceilings. Usually, these spots are black or greenish brown in colour and have a slimy texture in wet areas or powdery in areas that have dried out.
In many instances, the appearance of mould and water damage go hand in hand. Cracked and discoloured paintwork is a reliable indicator of water damage and subsequent mould infection. Walls that show signs of warping and ceilings that have sagging patches are also prime suspects.
One of the more frequent areas where mould appears is on grout or sealer, particularly in corners. Mould on air conditioner filters indicates that the HVAC system needs to be checked for areas where mould has occupied the ducting.
If you recognize any of the above symptoms in your home, it may be time to call for professional help. But before you call in the professionals, make their job easier by moving big appliances out of the way and ensuring that access to difficult areas is as easy as possible. It will save them time and, happily, save you some money.
Factors That Influence Mould Remediation Costs
Location
As a rough guide, the national average cost for mould removal in Nairobi, Kenya ranges from Ksh30,000 to Ksh85,000. Here are the variations in pricing for the provinces and territories.
Size of Home and Rooms
The price for total mould removal is dependent on the house size. As a rough guide, the average cost for removing mould in a house of 1,000 square feet is around Ksh30,500, which increases to Ksh70,000 for a home of 2,000 square feet. You can expect to pay an amount of Ksh150,500 for a 5,000-square-foot house.
Approximate Costs for Mould Removal in Different Sections of the Home
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| Attic | Ksh15,000 | Ksh25,000 |
| Basement | Ksh30,000 | Ksh45,000 |
| Bathroom | Ksh4,500 | Ksh6,500 |
| Air conditioning ducting | Ksh7,500 | Ksh20,500 |
| Crawl space | Ksh10,500 | Ksh35,000 |
| Drywall | Ksh9,500 | Ksh10,500 |
| Total house | Ksh77,000 | 142,500 |
How Effective Is DIY Mould Removal?
Depending on the extent of the mould infestation, you may be tempted to remedy the situation without incurring the costs of hiring a professional.
DIY kits are readily available, but the University of Connecticut has provided a list of possible inadequacies in using these kits. There is little danger in addressing a small area of mould and removing it using appropriate cleaning agents, but where extensive mould is found, or the mould is of a toxic species, it’s probably better to call in the professionals.
There are several problems using the DIY petri dish test kits as the dishes themselves are the ideal breeding ground for mould and could well indicate a problem where none exists. Mould occurs naturally, and consequently, it would be unusual not to find mould growing on a petri dish.
Trying to remove mould yourself may pose health risks and lead to cross-contamination, which only increases the spread of mould. So, what should you look for when selecting a professional mould removal company?
Credentials of Professional Mould Removal Companies
There’s a 6-point plan for sourcing the best company to rid your home of mould.
- Confirm the extent of the guarantees the company is offering and the specific actions to be undertaken should the mould return.
- Get quotes from several local companies and ensure they are comprehensive and in writing. Verbal suggestions and assurances are only that. Despite what you may be told, they don’t form part of the quote.
- References are always helpful, especially ones you can garner from independent third parties.
- Along with references, check that the mould removal company has insurance and is licensed for your area.
- Two of the most reliable certification authorities are the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and NORM (National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors. Make sure that your chosen company has accreditation from one of these organizations.
- Be open to negotiating a custom deal with the mould removal company. There are several cost-saving interventions you can introduce to save them time and your money.
Hiring a professional company when you first suspect a mould infestation may well save you money in the long run by limiting the spread of mould. It will also buy you peace of mind, especially for family members who suffer from allergies or respiratory illnesses.
If the mould is caused by an event covered by your insurance policy (such as a burst pipe or storm damage), you may be able to claim the mould removal costs from the insurance company. It’s a good idea to check the terms of your policy.
Mould Remediation Costs for Different Types of Moulds
Recognizing that you have a mould problem is only one part of the equation. Different mould species influence the removal costs. Moulds are categorized as follows:
1. Common moulds that are covered in general inspections at no additional cost:
Alternaria, which is sometimes found in carpets, basements and attics. Aureobasidium is usually a pink mould that prefers painted and hard surfaces and lurks behind wallpaper. Cladosporium favours HVAC systems and basements and is difficult to remediate. Despite the health benefits associated with Penicillium, the mould can create allergic reactions but is easily recognized around wet spots. Trichoderma can infiltrate your HVAC system but generally stays outdoors. Ulocladium is usually covered under general inspections except when a lab test is required to confirm the species.
2. These moulds, if found, will increase the inspection cost:
Stachybotrys chartarum is the one species you really don’t want to find in your home. The black mould will add around Ksh7,500 to the inspection because of the health dangers associated with this species. If this mould is found during the inspection, it is critical to take remedial action immediately to avoid health problems.
Serpula lacrymans is the dreaded mould of wooden boat owners. It causes dry rot in timber but can also damage wet and dry masonry. Infected wood shows limited external signs of infection, but the mould destroys the internal structure of the cells in the wood and substantially weakens the structure. Because it is so difficult to detect, you can expect to pay an additional Ksh1,500 to Ksh2,500 for the inspection.
The appearance of Fusarium will increase the inspection bill by around Ksh7,500 because of the health risk of this white or sometimes pink mould. If found, it requires immediate remediation as it can cause serious health issues.
Preventive DIY Action to Prevent Mould
Since water is mould’s partner in crime, fixing leaking pipes is a good starting point to ensure mould doesn’t make an unwanted return. Sealing a leaking roof is another way to keep things dry and mould-free; redirecting rainwater away from the house will further frustrate mould development.
Areas that have been damaged by mould need to be removed and replaced with sound material. Dry rot in wood is insidious, and replacing the total wooden section is the most expedient way to repair the damage.
As bathrooms are prime targets for mould, ensuring that the insulation and sealing are in good shape will stop mould growth. In addition, areas around kitchen sinks and laundry areas at risk of water spills need to be carefully inspected to ensure they stay dry.
Post-mould Removal Checklist
Having gone through the necessary process of eradicating mould, there are some precautions you need to take to keep your home mould-free.
