Mold removal, also called mold remediation, means finding the moisture source, sealing off the area, removing moldy materials and cleaning what can be saved. If the moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet, the EPA suggests hiring an experienced professional.
When should I hire a professional instead of cleaning it myself?
The EPA says you can usually clean a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet yourself. That is roughly a 3 by 3 foot patch. Larger areas, or mold after a lot of water damage, call for an experienced company.
- The mold covers more than about 10 square feet.
- It keeps coming back after cleaning.
- It follows sewage backup, flooding or a long hidden leak.
- It is inside walls, ductwork or insulation.
- Someone in the home has health concerns. Talk to a health professional first.
What does professional mold removal involve?
| Stage | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inspection | The company looks for visible growth, moisture and the water source. | Mold returns if the moisture source isn’t fixed. |
| 2. Moisture fix | The leak, seepage or humidity problem is repaired or a plan is set. | EPA guidance puts fixing water problems first. |
| 3. Containment | The work area is sealed with plastic sheeting and kept under negative air pressure. | It limits spores spreading to clean rooms. |
| 4. Removal | Moldy porous materials such as drywall, carpet and ceiling tiles are cut out and bagged. | Mold can grow into porous materials and may not clean out. |
| 5. Cleaning and HEPA | Hard surfaces are cleaned and the area is HEPA-vacuumed and filtered. | It removes remaining spores and dust. |
| 6. Drying | Materials are dried and humidity is brought down. | The EPA suggests indoor humidity below 60 percent. |
| 7. Verification | The area is checked, sometimes with clearance testing. | It confirms the job is finished before rebuild. |
| 8. Rebuild | Drywall, insulation and finishes are replaced. | Some repairs may need a local building permit. |
What should I do before the company arrives?
- Stop the water if you can, such as a leaking pipe or an overflowing appliance.
- Dry wet items within 24 to 48 hours. That is the window the EPA gives to prevent mold growth.
- Keep children, pets and anyone with breathing problems out of the area.
- Don’t sand, scrape or run fans across visible mold. That spreads spores.
- Take photos for your records and your insurance company.
What affects the cost of mold removal?
Prices depend on the job, and every company quotes differently. These are the main cost drivers to ask about.
- How many square feet are affected.
- Where the mold is, such as a basement, attic, bathroom, HVAC system or inside walls.
- How much containment and air filtration the job needs.
- Whether drywall, insulation or flooring must be removed.
- Whether the moisture source needs a separate repair, such as a plumber or waterproofing.
- Testing before or after the work.
- Rebuild work after removal.
Ask for a written scope that separates removal, testing and rebuild. It makes quotes easier to compare.
How do I check a mold company in Pennsylvania?
Most home improvement contractors in Pennsylvania must register with the Office of Attorney General. The rule applies to contractors who do $5,000 or more of home improvement work a year.
- The registration number appears as “PA” plus a number on contracts, estimates and ads.
- You can check a registration by calling the Attorney General at 1-888-520-6680.
- Registration is not an endorsement or a quality rating.
- Contracts must be in writing, with the price, start and finish dates, a description of the work and your cancellation rights.
Will insurance cover it?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies limit or exclude mold, and some cover mold that results from a sudden covered water loss. Check the mold and water sections of your policy and ask your agent.
For problems with how an insurer handles a claim, contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at 1-877-881-6388.
How getting help works
SEPA Mold Removal is a free referral service, not a mold company. You describe the problem in the form, and independent local mold companies contact you to set up an inspection or a quote.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- What is your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number?
- Which mold certifications does your crew hold, such as IICRC AMRT or ACAC?
- Will I get a written scope covering containment, HEPA filtration and how the moisture source gets fixed?
- Is the inspection or testing done by an independent assessor, separate from the company doing the removal?
- How will you confirm the job is finished? Ask about post-remediation verification or clearance testing.
- Can you send a certificate of insurance and your warranty terms in writing?
Mold removal help by area
Local details by county: Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware. See all Pennsylvania areas.
Mold removal questions
In practice, yes. Companies use both terms for finding the moisture source, containing the area, removing moldy materials and cleaning.
The EPA says areas smaller than about 10 square feet can usually be cleaned yourself. Larger areas or mold after major water damage call for a professional.
Usually not when mold is visible. The EPA says sampling is unnecessary in most cases where mold growth can be seen.
The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
No. It is a free referral service. Independent local companies do the inspection and removal.
Get matched with a local mold company
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Sources
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- Pennsylvania Attorney General: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
- Pennsylvania Attorney General: Contractor FAQ
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department: file a complaint
Last reviewed: October 2026