Recent Requests
We tested a room in our house for mold with a kit from Home Depot (sent to lab for results). The results indicated that we have mold. Even though it appears we don't have the toxic kind we'd like to get an estimate on remediation/moisture control suggestions.
Brian B
Rent home, landlord agreeable. Leakage around fireplace, mold damage to wall, ceiling, attic. We need mold removal.
Nora G
Arlington, Texas
Benny Stewart
A-Action Home Inspection
ProGEA, Inc.
Choosing A Mold Removal Contractor
There are many mold removal companies passing themselves off for specialists, but the truth of the matter is that there are very few established guidelines that govern the industry. Mold removal is unlike other forms of hygiene processes like air duct cleaning or HVAC cleaning. Mold is an organic growth, not grime, and therefore, no amount of brushing and scrubbing can remove it permanently without the use of special products. With the industry not having established any commonly accepted certification that all mold removal specialists should possess, it's up to you to use your common sense and good judgment to select a mold removal contractor who's right for the job.
Since there are no industry guidelines for mold remediation companies, the best factor to look for is experience. The mold removal contractor should not just have extensive experience removing mold, but should specialize in the sort of mold removal your house needs. For instance, if the mold growth in your house is due to moisture, then you will need a mold removal contractor who ha the necessary experience in that field. If on the other hand, your mold growth problem is concentrated in the HVAC unit, then you will need a mold removal contractor who has experience getting rid of mold from the systems. Look for qualifications from the Indoor Air Quality Association, or the National Air Duct Cleaner's Associations, but again, these are not hard and fast rules, and an experienced mold removal contractor with no certifications that you recognize is better than one with no experience, but lots of certification.
The mold remediation contractor you're considering should use, and apply generally accepted industry protocol, wherever applicable. For instance, he should be aware of the standards and guidelines as laid down by environmental agencies and other government agencies. Your mold remediation contractor should be sufficiently insured, so as to protect you against the possibility of liability. He must be able to give you a written estimate for your mold remediation in your premises. Make sure that his estimate makes allowances for the discovery of new mold ridden areas after commencement of the remediation. If this happens, he should be able to offer you a price wise estimate for the remediation instead of a hourly fee.