Mold Removal & Remediation in Bainbridge Island, WA

Island homes and island weather

Bainbridge has about 53 miles of irregular shoreline facing Puget Sound, Port Orchard Bay, Rich Passage and Agate Pass, plus Eagle Harbor at Winslow. Roughly a third of the island's houses, about 34.5 percent in Census-derived figures for the 98110 ZIP code, were built in 1979 or earlier. The city says king tides can cause local tidal flooding starting in some areas around 13 feet above mean lower low water, higher in windy storms, and that sea level rise is pushing high tides farther inland. Most homes never see salt water inside, but the island's long wet season, wooded lots and older framing keep crawl spaces, attics and north walls damp.

What to do now

1. Find and stop the source. Check roofs, skylights, plumbing and crawl space drainage first.
2. Dry quickly. Get wet materials dry within 24 to 48 hours with heat, fans and a dehumidifier.
3. Remove soaked items such as rugs and cardboard boxes from damp rooms.
4. Judge the size. More than about 10 square feet, or growth inside walls, calls for a professional.
5. Keep sensitive people out. EPA advises that people with asthma or weakened immune systems stay away from moldy areas.

Signs and likely causes

What affects cost

Angi's Seattle cost guide reports a $1,988 average, with crawl spaces at $425 to $1,650 and attics at $825 to $3,300. Island jobs can cost more to staff and haul from, and older homes may hide more damage once walls are opened. Other things that move the price:

• How many rooms need their own containment.
• Whether the crawl space has standing water that must be dealt with first.
• Whether ducts need cleaning or replacement.
• Whether drywall, trim and paint are in the bid.

Washington has no mold license, so confirm the company is registered with Washington L&I as a construction contractor. Repair permits go through the City of Bainbridge Island Building Division's online permit portal; electrical permits go to L&I.