Mold Removal & Remediation in Kingston, WA

From phone call to written scope

When you call, you're connected with an independent local company that serves North Kitsap. Be ready to say where the growth is, about how big it looks, how long you've noticed it, and whether you know of a leak. A visit follows, where the company checks moisture with a meter, looks at the crawl space and attic, and explains what needs to come out. You should leave with a written scope that covers the moisture source, containment, removal, drying and whether rebuild is included.

What drives the price

• Size: Angi's Seattle cost guide lists $10 to $25 per square foot, about $1,000 to $2,500 per 100 square feet.
• Location in the house: the same guide lists bathrooms at $425 to $825 and basements at $425 to $2,475.
• Access: tight crawl spaces and finished ceilings take more labor.
• Repairs: flooring, drywall and paint may or may not be in the bid.

Local conditions

Kingston's waterfront is low, around 7 feet above sea level, on Appletree Cove next to the ferry terminal to Edmonds. Kitsap County's sea level rise assessment, a planning study rather than a rule, modeled total water levels slightly above the shoreline crest here and flagged sewer mains and wet wells exposed to inundation. Most homes sit on higher ground away from the cove, where the usual culprits are roof leaks, poorly vented bathrooms, and crawl spaces that stay damp from October through April. Repairs after remediation, including post-storm repair permits, go through Kitsap County Department of Community Development Permit Services. Kitsap Public Health says landlords must fix building problems that let water in and that tenants should report leaks promptly in writing.

Before the visit

• Note when you first saw or smelled it.
• Move stored items away from the affected wall.
• Don't disturb or scrub large patches.
• Turn off forced-air heat if ducts may be involved.
• Check the company's L&I registration online.
• Gather photos of any leak or water event and past repair invoices.

Washington has no state mold license, so registration with L&I as a construction contractor is the check that matters. It's also fair to ask whether the company will hand you moisture readings at the end of the job, so you have a record that the area dried before it was closed up.