Guides

Does homeowners insurance cover mold? Caps and exclusions (2026)

Homeowners insurance covers mold from a sudden covered peril and excludes slow leaks and floods. Caps run $1,000 to $10,000. Here is how to document a claim.

EPA's 10 square feet rule: clean the mold yourself or hire a pro

EPA says most homeowners can clean mold under about 10 square feet. Here is how to measure, when a small patch still needs a pro, and what a pro charges.

Mold after a flood: first hours, Category 3 water, and drying costs

Flood water is Category 3. Here is what to do in the first hours, what to throw out, what drying costs per square foot, and how to sequence the work.

Mold in HVAC systems: where it grows, what it costs, and what to skip

Mold in an HVAC system grows on the coil, drain pan, and duct liner. Here is why EPA says to shut it off, what cleaning and remediation cost, and prevention.

Mold inspection vs. testing: what each costs and when to pay for it

A mold inspection finds the growth and the water behind it. Testing sends samples to a lab. Here is what each costs, when to pay for each, and when to skip it.

What mold remediation includes: each step of a professional job (2026)

A professional mold remediation job runs from moisture fix to clearance. Here is each step, what is usually excluded, and how the rate maps to the work.

How to choose a mold remediation company: license, scope, questions

Some states license mold work and most do not. Here is how to check licensing, insurance, and certifications, plus the questions that expose a sales call.

Red flags in mold quotes and what a sound quote does instead (2026)

Pressure tactics, fear pitches, spray-only fixes, and missing scope are the warning signs in mold quotes. Here is each, and what a sound quote does instead.

How to read a mold remediation estimate and compare two bids (2026)

A complete mold remediation estimate names the scope, square footage, steps, exclusions, and clearance. Here is how to read one and compare two bids on scope.

Landlord and tenant mold basics: who fixes what, how to document it

Mold in a rental is a moisture problem with two parties. Here is who usually fixes what, how to put it in writing, and when to involve the local housing office.

Selling a house with mold history: disclosure, records, and price

Past mold is a disclosure question that varies by state. Here are the records to keep, what buyers' inspectors look for, and how the pricing conversation goes.

Preventing mold from coming back: humidity, ventilation, and drainage

Mold comes back when the moisture does. Here are the EPA humidity targets, ventilation and drainage fixes, what encapsulation costs, and a seasonal checklist.