MoldHelpUSAWhy mold is common in Pasadena
The Pasadena station averages about 20 inches of precipitation a year under NOAA's 1991–2020 normals, well above the coast, with February the wettest month at about 5 inches. Storms that stall against the San Gabriel Mountains bring heavy rain to the foothills, and runoff from hillside lots heads toward foundations.
About 72% of Pasadena's homes were built before 1980, and about 29% before 1940, according to the Census Bureau. Craftsman bungalows in Bungalow Heaven and historic homes in Madison Heights and around the Arroyo often stand on raised foundations with crawl spaces, original windows, and wood siding. Water that gets in during a storm can soak the subfloor, sills, and wall cavities before anyone sees a stain.
The EPA's guidance, to dry materials within a day or two, is the line between a cleanup and replacing original woodwork.
Source: NOAA climate normals
Mold services in Pasadena
What mold work costs in Los Angeles County
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Mold inspection, national range | $300–$1,000 |
| Lab sample, per sample (national) | $50–$350 |
| Typical remediation job (national) | $1,100–$3,400 |
These are national figures from Angi and HomeGuide. Pasadena's historic homes often cost more to repair, since original wood, plaster, and windows take care to protect, and some exterior work needs city review. See the remediation cost guide.
California mold licensing: what to check
California has no mold license. For a Pasadena job of $1,000 or more, or any work needing a city permit, confirm the CSLB contractor license. Homes in Pasadena's landmark districts may need design review for exterior changes, and pre-1978 homes call for lead-safe practices. See the California page.
Will insurance cover it?
Rain that came through a Pasadena roof damaged in a storm is more likely to be a homeowners claim, usually with a mold limit, while water that crept under the house from a hillside over a season is often treated as gradual. Mudflow and rising water need a flood policy. Pasadena homeowners can bring a stalled claim to the state Department of Insurance. See does insurance cover mold.
Areas we connect you in
Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights, Linda Vista, Lower Arroyo, Historic Highlands, Playhouse District, East Pasadena, Hastings Ranch, Northwest Pasadena, South Lake, and surrounding neighborhoods of Pasadena.