Recent Requests
Orange, spongy, massive mold body growing inside walls and floors. and out of carpet. Mushrooms with caps have been visible too. I also believe that I am starting to have health issues related.
Merissa F
I think we might have mold in out attic. I am trying to find out how bad it actually is.
Lisa E
Boston, Massachusetts
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.
Certification for mold removal contractors is not regulated by the industry, and there aren't a lot of certifications that you can take very seriously. Look for a certification and training from the Indoor Air Quality Association or the National Air Duct Cleaner's Associations, but don't select or reject based on these alone. More importantly, your mold remediation contractor should have experience in the sort of mold removal that you are in need of. For instance, if your mold growth is confined to the ventilation systems, then you'll need a mold removal specialist who has experience with mechanical hygiene processes. If on the other hand, your mold growth is confined to wet areas of the house like the kitchen or the basement, you will need an expert who has experience getting rid of mold from these areas. Consider your own needs before you select a mold remediation contractor.
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.