Five Questions to Ask before Hiring a Mold Remediation Company
Ponder this…mold wipes out more wood on an annual basis than termites, floods & fires put together! It’s been linked to a number of health issues including: asthma, watery eyes, runny nose, persistent coughing & sneezing, sore throat and tightness in the chest. The longer mold grows in a home without being removed, the more severe symptoms can become. That’s why it’s crucial to eradicate serious areas of mold growth with the assistance of a professional as quickly as possible. Here are questions that you can ask prior to rendering the services of a mold removal professional.
What is your experience with this type of a project? In a majority of states, there are no required certifications or training for mold remediation companies. However, you can still check out the business on watchdog websites like The Better Business Bureau & Angie’s List. Clarify whether or not, this is the main component of their business, or something they dabble in. Ask for a list of previous customers in your area and call them to discuss their experience with the company.
Can you supply me with a copy of your insurance policy? Asking this proves they not only have insurance, but allows you to understand what it covers. Seek out a company that has professional liability or errors and omissions which protects a homeowner against negligence.
How can I get in touch with you? If a mold remediation company provides a PO Box as their address, run the other way, as it limits your ability to contact them during and after the project. Be sure to also get their business phone number and a cell phone number for your contact within the company.
What is your process? Mold needs water, oxygen, a surface for it to grow on, elevated humidity and a temperature between 40 and 100 degrees to grow. A reputable company will not only understand this, but will work with you to identify the cause of the mold and advise steps to curtail its growth. This step is critical or the mold will continue to manifest itself. Once this has been done, the porous materials that the mold has attached itself to must be removed from the home and areas that mold spores may have come in contact with must also be thoroughly cleaned so that the mold does not spread throughout the home.
Who will be doing the post-remediation testing? Cleaning up surface mold is only a temporary fix because any unseen mold that is not addresses will continue to grow and make your family sick. Once a company has eradicated your mold issue, your home should be tested to make sure the problem has been resolved. Steer clear of any companies that insist they do the testing or require you to use a specific company after remediation. Doing otherwise can leave you with biased reporting.
