Recent Requests
I'm afraid we have a big mold problem in our basement.
Jennifer P
We have mold in the basement on the floor joists overhead. Conducted our own mold tests to see if it was in the ventilation system and on the second floor. It turns out it is. We need to have the mold cleaned out from the basement and the ventilation system. We would like an estimate please.
James A
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Radon Detection and Control
Choosing A Mold Removal Contractor
Selecting a mold removal contractor is not as easy as you think. For one thing, mold remediation contractors aren't bound by hard and fast certification rules, unlike other trades. What this means is that there aren't any certifications that are absolutely recognized by the industry, and as such you can take your mold remediation contractor's 4 page long list of certifications at face value. They don't mean much, because they are not the industry standard. This lack of industry guidelines for mold remediation companies has made it difficult to distinguish genuine experienced mold removal contractors from handymen. Use your best judgment, never underestimate experience, and make sure your mild removal company has experience removing mold from the area of the house that you want it to be removed from.
Although there aren't any certificates for mold remediation companies that are recognized by the industry, you might want to look for certification and training from the Air Duct Cleaner's Association or the indoor Air Quality Association. However, these are not hard and fast rules, and if your contractor does not posses these qualifications, it's no reason to reject him outright. More important than certification is experience in the kind of mold removal that you need. If the mold growth in your house is confined to the kitchen, bathrooms or basement, then you can conclude that moisture is the culprit. Your mold removal specialist in this case should have experience getting rid of mold from damp areas. If on the other hand, your mold growth is confined to your HVAC systems, then you need a mold remediation contractor who has experience in such specialized mechanical hygiene methods.
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.