Mold in Walls & Drywall in Franklin, TN

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent local mold remediation company. They'll ask what you're seeing, how long it's been there, whether the house has had a leak or flood water, and whether you own or rent. The visit usually includes moisture readings across the affected wall, a look at nearby plumbing and windows, and sometimes a small inspection cut. The company should then give you a written scope covering which drywall and insulation come out, how the area will be contained, how drying will be verified and whether rebuild is included.

What affects the cost

• The length and height of drywall removed; flood cuts are often made 2 or 4 feet up.
• Wet insulation and any vapor barrier behind it.
• Finishes: tile showers, paneling and cabinets add tear-out and replacement.
• Containment and air filtration for larger areas.
• Rebuild, texture matching and paint.

Angi's national range for mold in walls runs about $1,000 to $20,000, and Middle Tennessee prices vary.

Local conditions in Franklin

Franklin, the Williamson County seat about 19 miles from Nashville, sits in the Harpeth River watershed, and the city calls the river and its tributaries its biggest flood risk. In May 2010, about 16.1 inches of rain fell in two days and the Harpeth crested above its 1948 record, flooding downtown and businesses and subdivisions on all sides of town; small businesses along Hillsboro Road were among the hardest hit. The river reaches flood stage at 30 feet at the gauge near Pinkerton Park. The city offers flood zone determinations at no charge and keeps elevation certificates for many properties. Its Building and Neighborhood Services department handles both floodplain management and building permits, so check there before rebuilding walls in a flood zone. Renters can report property maintenance violations to the same department.

Before the company arrives

• Note any flood history for the house, including repairs done after 2010.
• Move furniture, rugs and stored items away from the wall.
• Locate shutoff valves for nearby fixtures.
• Don't run fans that push air from the moldy area into the rest of the house.
• Have your policy information ready if a sudden leak caused the damage.