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Sold by ME. · David Thomas Mejia, Broker · CA DRE #01448424 · Veteran-owned · San Diego County
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Fix it: DIY or hire a pro

Mold and moisture

Mold is a moisture problem first. Fix the water, dry the area, then clean. Bleach on drywall does not fix mold that is growing behind it.

Do it yourself Good, better, best
Know the signs

What to look for

Warning signs

  • Musty smell
  • Spots on ceilings, caulk or window sills
  • Peeling paint
  • Water line on walls after a flood
  • Humidity above 60 percent indoors

Do it yourself

  • Find and stop the water source.
  • Clean small areas (under about 10 sq ft) with a respirator, gloves and goggles.
  • Remove wet drywall, carpet pad and insulation.
  • Run a dehumidifier; keep humidity under 50 percent.
Shop the fix

Supplies for the DIY fix

Dehumidifier

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Hygrometer

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Mold remover

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

P100 respirator

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Mold-resistant primer

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Moisture meter

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Tools

HEPA shop vac

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Box fan

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Amazon links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Store links are for price comparison.

From our job sites

What this looks like on a real job

Mold stain behind the wallMold stain behind the wall
Moisture meter readingMoisture meter reading
Gutted to the studsGutted to the studs
Water-damaged framingWater-damaged framing
Hire a pro

Good, better, best contractor options

Good

DIY cleanup + dehumidifier

$

For small surface spots with the leak already fixed.

Better

Mold inspection + remediation

$$

Testing, containment, HEPA air scrubbers and removal of affected materials.

Best

Remediation + rebuild

$$$

For flood damage: remediation, then new drywall, insulation and flooring, with clearance testing before rebuilding.

$ under about $500 · $$ about $500 to $5,000 · $$$ over about $5,000. Rough guide only; every house is different. Get three written bids from licensed contractors.

Calculators

Price the job with our calculators

Mold check and cleanupMold check and cleanupWeek 42 · October · 2 hours to 1 dayRe-caulk the tub and showerRe-caulk the tub and showerWeek 4 · January · Half a dayInstall water leak sensors and an auto shutoffWeek 5 · January · 2 hours
Need help?

Get a licensed pro referral

Tell us what you are seeing. We will walk the property, tell you honestly if it is a DIY job, and refer licensed partners for the rest.

Jobs that require a contractor's license under California law are referred to CSLB-licensed contractors.

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Broker, not a contractor. David Thomas Mejia is a California real estate broker (CA DRE #01448424), not a licensed contractor. Work that needs a California contractor's license should be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor; check any license at cslb.ca.gov. Cost ranges on this page are general estimates, not bids.

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