Enter project details
Example data table
| Scenario | Affected area | Severity | Containment | Removal | Labor hours | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment bathroom | 120 ft² | Light | Limited | None | ~6–10 hrs | ~$600–$1,250 |
| Basement wall sections | 450 ft² | Moderate | Limited | Drywall | ~28–40 hrs | ~$2,600–$5,200 |
| Large crawlspace | 950 ft² | Heavy | Full | Insulation | ~70–110 hrs | ~$7,500–$15,500 |
Formula used
The calculator converts area to ft² and estimates labor using production rates and adders:
- Base cleaning hours = (Area(ft²) ÷ ProductionRate(ft²/hr)) × SeverityMultiplier
- Containment setup hours = fixed hours based on containment level
- Room factor = Rooms × 0.35 hr (setup/protection/cleanup per zone)
- Removal hours = Σ(Area(ft²) × RemovalHrsPerFt² × SeverityMultiplier)
- HVAC hours = 2.0 + (0.25 × Rooms) when selected
- Treatment hours = 0.15 × (Area/100) + 0.5 when selected
- Total labor hours = sum of the above + moisture fix hours
Costs follow a simple subtotal model:
- Labor cost = TotalLaborHours × LaborRate
- PPE & supplies = TotalLaborHours × SupplyRatePerHour (by containment)
- Equipment = (Scrubbers × DailyRate × Days) + dehumidifier allowance + negative air (full containment)
- Disposal = Σ(Area × DisposalPerFt²) for selected materials
- Total = Subtotal + Overhead/Profit% + Contingency%
How to use this calculator
- Measure the affected area and choose your unit.
- Select severity based on visible growth and material impact.
- Pick containment level matching site occupancy and sensitivity.
- Check material removal items when demolition is expected.
- Include HVAC and treatment options when contamination is suspected.
- Set labor rate, crew size, and hours to match your team.
- Press Submit, then download CSV or PDF if needed.
Assessment inputs that drive scope
Accurate scoping starts with measured affected area and a realistic severity choice. Light conditions usually mean surface cleaning on nonporous materials, while heavy conditions often include saturated framing or porous finishes. The calculator converts units, applies production rates, and adds severity multipliers so labor hours reflect slower work where contamination is deeper. Include multiple rooms to account for protection, staging, and repeated setup tasks.
Containment choices and planning impacts
Containment selection changes both time and consumables. Limited containment assumes localized barriers and controlled entry, while full containment adds setup, monitoring, and negative air support. Supply allowances rise with containment because more PPE, poly, tape, and cleaning media are consumed per hour. These levers help align estimates to occupied sites and sensitive environments. When unsure, choose the higher level and reduce later.
Demolition and disposal allowances
Material removal options model demolition labor and disposal. Drywall, carpet, and insulation each add separate removal hours per square foot and a disposal allowance. Pairing removal with higher severity typically increases total hours because cutting, bagging, and cleaning edges take longer when growth is widespread. Use these inputs when finishes will be opened to expose clean substrate. Add moisture-fix hours to represent sealing leaks, improving drainage, or replacing wet components.
Equipment days and air movement controls
Equipment costs are tied to air scrubbers and working days. Air scrubbers support filtration and, with full containment, help maintain negative pressure. The calculator also includes a dehumidification allowance and a negative air daily rate when full containment is chosen. Adjust scrubber days to match expected drying and clearance timelines on your project. If power is limited, plan fewer devices but more days, and the model will reflect it.
Building the final estimate for stakeholders
Total cost is built from labor, supplies, treatment, equipment, and disposal, then adjusted with overhead, profit, and contingency. Overhead and profit are applied as a percentage of subtotal to cover management, insurance, and business costs. Contingency addresses hidden damage, access constraints, and moisture-source uncertainty discovered during removal and cleaning. Review the breakdown lines to spot cost drivers and tune assumptions before submitting bids.
FAQs
What does the estimated total include?
It includes labor, equipment, PPE and supplies, treatment materials, and disposal allowances, plus overhead, profit, and contingency percentages. Taxes, permits, third‑party testing, and full rebuild work are typically excluded.
How should I choose severity?
Base it on visible coverage, odor, moisture history, and whether porous materials are impacted. If growth is widespread or materials are saturated, select Heavy. For small surface patches on hard materials, Light is usually appropriate.
When is full containment recommended?
Use full containment for occupied buildings, sensitive occupants, large affected areas, or when demolition will aerosolize debris. It also helps when HVAC mixing or airflow could spread spores beyond the work zone.
Why add moisture source fix hours?
Remediation fails without stopping moisture. Use this field for time spent sealing leaks, improving drainage, drying cavities, or replacing wet components. It keeps the estimate aligned with a complete, durable scope.
How do I set air scrubbers and days?
Choose a count that matches room size and containment goals, then set days to cover cleaning, drying, and post‑clean ventilation. If access is slow, fewer units for more days can be realistic.
Can I use this for bidding?
Use it for preliminary pricing and internal planning. Confirm assumptions onsite, adjust for access, height, contents handling, and local requirements, and consider a professional assessment when health risks or liability are high.