What To Avoid

Mold Remediation has become a big business here in the 21st century. When you sell your home, the buyer's home inspector is trained to look for mold. Today, houses are built more energy efficient than in the past, causing moisture to be trapped inside, which of course creates a better environment for mold to grow. Many are built with basements and or crawl spaces which are dark and damp in nature.

Mold is everywhere and unfortunately, many unscrupulous companies are anxious to take advantage of people like you who may be experiencing a mold problem. So what can you do to avoid being taken advantage of?

Here's what to avoid when searching for the right company to handle your mold problems:

1. Avoid basement waterproofing companies! Most are new to the mold removal business and they usually insist that both you and your spouse be home when they come to your home so that you can't say "I need to discuss this with my husband before deciding". They then pressure you to immediately sign a contract and will even do the work for half price if you let them start tomorrow because they just got a cancellation. Mold is a serious problem! You want the job done right! Don't play this game with amateurs!
2. Avoid general contractors! They are never certified, they have little or no experience with mold remediation work, and they will use bleach in an attempt to remove the mold. They don't have the proper equipment or training to know how to do this specialized type of work! Don't waste your money!
3. Avoid FREE ESTIMATES! Remember the old adage, "if it's to good to be true, it probably isn't true". Free estimates are given by unscrupulous contractors who skip the important steps in the mold evaluation process and just throw a number at you. Then, if you accept it, they worry later how to do the job. If they are not spending the time to evaluate, test and then give you a written protocol for mold removal based on laboratory test results and information gathered, tell them thank you anyway.
   

Here's what to look for when searching for the right company to handle your mold problems:

1. Be absolutely sure that the contractor you choose is fully certified as a mold
   remediation contractor. Many waterproofing and General Contractors pass
   themselves off as mold removal specialists to make a quick buck. Don't be fooled. Be
   sure to check their credentials first before you hire them.
2. Check their insurance. If they don't have both liability and workers compensation,
   don't let them in your home. If an employee of the company is injured on your
   property you will be liable. Worse, if they cause damage to your home you will have
   little recourse. Any reputable mold remediation contractor will have no problem
   providing this documentation for you. If they do, don't use them!
3. Make sure they are members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Also
   check their rating and their complaint history. If they have unanswered complaints be
   careful.
4. Only hire a contractor who has at least 10 years experience in the field of mold
   remediation. This way you don't have to wonder if they know what they are doing.
   There is never any substitute for experience.
5. Be sure to sign a written contract before the project begins. The contract should
   clearly state all of the steps of the mold removal process. It should also include the
   payment schedule and the estimated time the project will take to complete.
6. Never hire a contractor that you feel uncomfortable with. Always trust your instincts.