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Planning a mold remediation timeline

Mold Remediation Timeline and Plan

Understanding the phases helps you plan access, contents, and daily life during remediation.

Typical Phases

  1. 1

    Assessment and scope

    Confirm affected areas and define the scope of work.

  2. 2

    Containment setup

    Install barriers and negative air controls.

  3. 3

    Removal and cleaning

    Remove contaminated materials and clean surfaces.

  4. 4

    Drying and verification

    Dry materials and perform clearance testing.

  5. 5

    Rebuild and restoration

    Replace removed materials and restore finishes.

First 48 Hours

Public health guidance emphasizes that wet materials should be dried quickly to prevent mold growth. The first 48 hours are critical for stopping spread.

  • Stop the water source and remove standing water
  • Start drying immediately with airflow and dehumidification
  • Remove saturated porous materials that cannot dry quickly
  • Document moisture readings for your records

What Affects Duration

  • Extent of contamination and material removal
  • Drying time based on moisture levels
  • Access restrictions and occupant scheduling
  • Supply chain for rebuild materials

Contents and Move Out Plan

Plan where people and belongings go before work starts. Contents handling is one of the biggest causes of project delays.

  • Define which rooms are off limits
  • Identify items that must be cleaned or discarded
  • Plan temporary storage for furniture and textiles

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Drying and Verification

Drying is not complete until materials reach acceptable moisture levels. Verification should include moisture checks and, when appropriate, sampling.

Communication Plan

  • Daily update schedule and point of contact
  • Agreed photo documentation cadence
  • Change order approval process
  • Clear end date expectations