Mold & Mildew Removal in Franklin, TN

What to expect when you call

You'll be put in touch with an independent local company that works in Williamson County. Have a rough idea of the size of the area, the rooms involved and any history of leaks or high water. A company that visits should check moisture levels in walls and floors, look at the crawl space or basement, and explain what is causing the mildew before it quotes a cleanup. Ask for the plan in writing, including what will be removed and how the area will be verified clean. Angi recommends using a separate company for testing so the check is independent.

Cost drivers

• Affected area. Angi reports $10 to $25 per square foot nationally for most mold jobs.
• Location. Bathrooms typically run $500 to $1,000 nationally, according to Angi, while walls can run far higher once drywall comes out.
• Older construction. Plaster, built-ins and original trim in historic homes take more care to clean or remove.
• Containment and disposal for anything larger than a small patch.

These are national ranges; Middle Tennessee prices vary. Jobs of $25,000 or more require a Tennessee contractor's license with the S-F mold remediation classification.

Franklin conditions

Franklin sits in the Harpeth River watershed, and the city calls the river and its tributaries its biggest flood risk, especially after heavy rain upstream. In the May 2010 flood about 16.1 inches fell in two days, the Harpeth crested above its 1948 record, and water reached downtown and subdivisions on all sides of town; the fire department's history says hundreds of residents were displaced. The river reaches flood stage at 30 feet on the gauge near Pinkerton Park. The city takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program, offers flood zone determinations, and keeps elevation certificates for many properties, all through Building and Neighborhood Services, which also issues building permits for repairs.

Checklist before the visit

• Photograph the mildew and any water stains nearby.
• Look up whether the house is in a mapped flood zone.
• Pull stored items away from damp walls.
• Turn the HVAC off if growth is around vents.
• Write down when you first noticed the smell or the spots.

Renters can report unrepaired leaks to Building and Neighborhood Services, which enforces Franklin's property maintenance code.