The last thing you want is an untrustworthy contractor who performs subpar work or overcharges you. Here are a few more specific questions to think about: How long has the company been in business? Is their reputation well-known? How many employees are trained and certified? Is the company a winner of any awards? Are they certified?
Do you provide mold inspections and testing?
A mold inspection is a visual examination of an area (or areas) to determine the presence of mold. If you can’t see mold but suspect you have it, a certified mold inspector will perform mold testing. This person will conduct scientific air sampling and collect samples for laboratory analysis. A mold remediation contractor may offer a free visual inspection of the area. Some may charge up to $300 for a visual inspection, but if hired, they will deduct that amount from the final bill.
How soon can I have a mold inspection?
It depends on the contractor and their availability, but many will come to your home within a few days to a week of your initial phone call. The mold investigator will visit your home, inspect the affected area, and recommend next steps for mold removal. All of this can be done in a day or two, and depending on the company’s schedule and workload, removal can be scheduled for the same week. If you need to hire a mold investigator to perform air sampling or collect samples, the results should be available in a few days, though many inspectors use labs with a 24-hour turnaround.
Is it important what kind of mold I have?
Aspergillus/Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys Chartarum are the most common molds found in New England homes. All three have the potential to be harmful to one’s health, but Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold, is a toxic type of growth that typically results from a continuous water leak over time. It’s important to note that the cost of mold removal is generally the same regardless of the type of mold in your home.
What is your mold remediation procedure?
A reputable company will begin by identifying and locating the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow in the first place. They should then develop a detailed strategy for resolving the problem, including any materials required for removal or sanitization. Mold remediation contractors frequently use HEPA-rated equipment and physical barriers to prevent mold spores from spreading. There are numerous treatment options available, ranging from dry ice blasting and EPA-registered solutions to hydroxyl generators and mold-resistant coatings. Avoid any company that claims to be able to remove mold by simply spraying a chemical into the air. That is not how remediation works; you must physically remove the mold.
What should I anticipate from you?
As with any business relationship, you should establish clear expectations from the start. The contractor should specify how they intend to communicate with you (phone, text, email, etc.) as well as the anticipated timeline for remediation. They should also be open to your inquiries. Avoid anyone who appears to rush through your conversations or gloss over certain aspects of the process.
What is the cost of mold remediation?
A contractor may provide you with an estimate, but they should first come to your home and inspect the area before providing you with a quote. Mold remediation costs are determined by two factors: the location of the mold in your home and the amount of mold present. Prices can range from $1,500 to $50,000. The process frequently includes the construction of containment barriers to ensure that mold does not cross-contaminate other areas of the home while being removed. Creating these isolated work zones increases the overall cost, but it is a necessary step.
How long does it take to remove mold?
Depending on the contractor’s workload, the entire process from the initial phone call to the final removal could be completed in one week. However, because every situation is unique, it’s best to discuss this during your initial phone call, especially if you’re on a tight deadline.
What if you discover another issue while removing the mold?
Unfortunately, other problems may surface during mold removal, such HVAC issues or asbestos. If you can, look for a mold remediation company that’s cross-trained in a variety of environmental and indoor air quality services. That way they can take care of any other issues that may arise; otherwise, you’ll have to reach out to a separate contractor.
How can I keep mold at bay?
A good contractor will give you tips and advice on preventing the return of mold. The most important thing to remember is that mold thrives on moisture, so it’s essential to prevent and stop any leaks or water intrusion. For example, if you had mold in your basement, it’s recommended that you invest in a self-draining dehumidifier that’s capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 35-50%.
Can you guarantee that mold will not return?
Some companies may claim to remove 100% of mold from your home, but that is physically impossible. Why? Mold is all around us at healthy levels. The goal of mold remediation, or removal, is to reduce the number of mold spores to what is known as “a normal ecology level” and eliminate the causes of unhealthy levels of mold in the first place.
After mold is removed from your home by a contractor, you may want to hire an independent mold inspector to take air samples of the work zone and the outdoor air. The data is compared, and if the mold remediation was done correctly, the air samples from within your home should be at or below the same levels as the outdoor air.
How to Find a Reputable Mold Removal Company
Of course, the first step is to find the right contractor, and a good place to start is with your network of family, friends, and colleagues. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, your real estate agent should be able to make a few trustworthy recommendations. You should also look at the websites of trade-specific certification bodies like IAQA, ACAC, or IICRC.