DIY vs. Professional Mold Remediation in NYC: Which is Right for You?

It can be a scary experience to find mold in your NYC apartment. Mold can not only ruin your apartment, but it can also be dangerous to your health and even the health of your family members. If you find mold, you must decide whether to remove it yourself or hire a professional.

Here are the pros and cons of DIY and professional remediation so you can decide which is better for you.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places and spreads by spreading little spores that can be picked up by air. Breathing in mold spores can lead to respiratory problems, allergies and more. In New York City, where it is often humid and people live close to each other, mold can grow everywhere if it is not dealt with shortly after being detected.

DIY Mold Remediation

Pros

Cost-Effective: Mold remediation can easily cost hundreds of dollars, so it’s good to know you can knock it out with a few items from the hardware store and a little elbow grease.

Immediate Action: If you see it, deal with it. That’s your first line of defense – stop it before it spreads further.

Cons

Limited Expertise: DIY solutions require you to diagnose correctly and implement an appropriate treatment. Misdiagnosis or incomplete treatment can lead to regrowth of the problem.

Risks to Safety: Wearing a simple face mask isn’t enough. You could expose yourself to mold spores that could worsen your health problems.

Full Coverage: Mold grows beneath wallpaper, behind walls, under carpets and in other difficult-to-reach locations. Do-it-yourself treatments can overlook these and leave mold in place.

Professional Mold Remediation

Pros

Expertise and Experience: Mold remediation professionals in NYC are experienced and equipped with knowledge and tools to identify and properly treat any mold. They can assess the kind and amount of mold and treat it thoroughly.

Safety first: Mold Remediation is done by trained professionals, using industry-leading, airtight sealants and protective equipment to ensure that dangerous spores do not contaminate you, your family and your home.

Prevention: It’s not just about removal; experts search for the sources of leaks or ventilation issues that drive the growth in the first place.

Cons

Cost: Professional services are more expensive to hire upfront versus DIY solutions, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing future problems from mold. 

Timing: Scheduling and completing professional remediation might take longer than a quick DIY fix.

Making Your Decision

DIY remediation could be a good option if you have a small mold outbreak, especially if it’s on a non-porous surface. In contrast, professional remediation may be preferable if there’s extensive mold growth or if you have specific health concerns.

Moreover, you might want to factor in peace of mind. Professional services are thorough, so the mold is entirely removed and won't return.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a do-it-yourself job or a professional remediation service, there’s no shortcut to a successful mold-problem resolution. Your choice will depend on your particular situation, available resources, and comfort level in handling the contaminated site. 

If you are unsure which route to take, our professionals at nycrestoration.com/ can help you decide. Remember that the right choice can protect your home—and your health—for years.