Found Mold During Renovation? Here’s What to Do

It’s demo day. The excitement builds until you spot a fuzzy black patch behind the drywall. Mold wasn’t part of your renovation plans, but now it’s front and center.

A mold problem can delay your renovation project by days or weeks and add to your renovation costs. It can also expose your family to potential health issues.

What should I do if I find mold during renovation?

What’s Covered:

Details on What to Do
DIY vs. Professional Mold Response
Delays, Costs and Insurance
Why Mold Shows Up During Remodeling
How to Prevent Mold in Future Renovations
Get Mold Remediation Help

Details on What to Do

Act quickly and carefully to contain contamination and plan safe mold removal. Whether doing a DIY project or contracting a professional remodeling company, follow these steps if you discover mold during your project.

Step 1 – Pause Without Panic
Stop work in the moldy area immediately. Shut off any HVAC systems to prevent the system from circulating mold spores throughout your living space. If you’re doing it yourself, contain the space with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to prevent cross-contamination. Garbage bags can be used if plastic sheeting isn’t readily available.

Step 2 – Document Everything
Take clear photos, videos, and moisture meter readings (if available). This documentation supports insurance claims and gives professionals the information they need to develop a safe and effective mold remediation plan. (See insurance info below).

Step 3 – Identify the Source
If you can’t visually identify the underlying moisture issue, use a moisture meter or thermal imaging to locate the problem. In the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, basements, attics, and old bathroom fixtures are common sources of hidden moisture intrusion. If you are not experienced with moisture meters or thermal imaging, it’s time to call a professional for a thorough moisture and mold assessment. 

Step 4 – Call the Right Help
Determine if you can remediate the mold. If you can’t or shouldn’t, look for companies with IICRC certification. These professionals are trained to contain contamination and safely remove mold-contaminated materials. (See more on DIY versus pro help below.)

Step 5 – Remediate, Then Resume
A qualified team will assess the situation and discuss treatment options and cost with you. The treatment plan may include setting up containment zones, running HEPA air filtration, and removal or treatment of porous materials like drywall, flooring, and insulation. 

Pro Tip – Prevent a Repeat Before Closing Walls
Ensure all moisture problems have been fixed and that all materials and structures are dry before closing up the walls with drywall. Improve ventilation with upgraded bathroom fans, vents, or even a dehumidifier to maintain healthy humidity levels. 

DIY vs. Professional Mold Response

Know your limits. What seems like a small mold issue can quickly become a costly mistake.

Some minor mold contamination can be cleaned safely by homeowners, only if:

In these cases, use rubber gloves, a mask, and follow EPA-recommended cleaning methods. But proceed with caution.

In most home remodel projects, especially in older Dayton and Cincinnati-area homes, the contamination is more extensive, sometimes hidden in crawl spaces, behind walls, or under old flooring. Attempting DIY mold removal without proper protection or knowledge can spread spores, trap moisture, and lead to further mold growth.

Delays, Costs and Insurance

In the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, the average turnaround to clean up mold is 3 to 10 days. Moderate remediations typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. However, costs can range from $500 for small jobs to $10,000+ for more extensive remediation and repairs.

Please note, mold remediation costs vary based on the type of mold, its location (such as an attic or basement) and the condition of your property.

Does My Insurance Cover Mold Damage?
While some homeowners may have mold coverage, most insurance carriers in Ohio typically offer no mold coverage or limited coverage, so call your agent directly before filing a claim.

Contact your insurance company to find out if mold removal is covered under your policy and how much they’ll pay. Coverage and limits vary by policy. Mold caused by delayed maintenance or floodwater is not typically covered; however, specific flood insurance policies may cover floodwater mold.

Professional remediation companies, such as PuroClean Emergency Services, will guide you through the process, whether it’s covered by insurance or is a self-pay project.

Why Mold Shows Up During Remodeling

In the southwest Ohio area, many homes hide a history of moisture issues because of:

So, when renovations begin, so does the reveal and the risk of mold. Remodeling exposes underlying excess moisture issues that fuel mold growth.

Home renovation projects often come with tearing out drywall, replacing flooring, or opening up attics and bathroom walls. These are all places where moisture can accumulate and remain undetected for years. When you disturb these areas, you may also release mold spores that were previously sealed away.

Renovation activities can disturb mold spores that were previously hidden behind walls or under flooring. Exposure may trigger coughing, congestion, throat irritation, or asthma symptoms, particularly in people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. This is one reason it’s important to address mold promptly and safely.

Common moisture problem culprits that cause mold in southwest Ohio include:

How to Prevent Mold in Future Renovations

Whether it’s a bathroom renovation, kitchen remodeling, or window replacement, moisture control is key.

To prevent mold before it starts: 

Get Mold Remediation Help During Remodeling

Don’t let mold slow down your remodel or risk your family’s health. At PuroClean Emergency Services, we’ve helped homeowners throughout southwest Ohio navigate unexpected mold discoveries during remodeling projects ranging from bathroom renovations to whole-home reconstructions.

Based in Moraine, OH, PuroClean Emergency Services is the trusted partner for homeowners and contractors in southwest Ohio.

Call PuroClean Emergency Services today at (937) 401-9700 for fast, reliable mold remediation that restores confidence in your home and your project.

We serve the Dayton Metro area to Greater Cincinnati, including Kettering, Oakwood, Piqua, Centerville, Mason, Eaton, Springfield, Beavercreek, West Chester, and surrounding areas.