Mold. It’s one of a property owner’s worst nightmares. These sneaky spores can spread through a home or business for a while before you finally catch a whiff of that unmistakable musty smell. By then, the damage is done. And often, that damage can be quite extensive.
Mold, especially if caused by undetected water damage, can cause structural damage to your property. If you find yourself facing these toxic spores, your best bet is to contact a licensed mold remediation company. It can be tempting to clean the mold yourself, but if it’s already visible to you, there’s a good chance there’s much more damage that you cannot see. A few mold spores on an inner wall could mean a completely covered wall on the inside. And without the proper equipment, you risk your own health and the possibility that you may do an incomplete job.
Before hiring a mold remediation company, there are several things you should verify before entrusting your home or business to their care.
Mold detection vs. remediation
Some companies specialize in detecting mold. Other companies specialize in remediation, that is, they come to your house and remove the mold and sanitize the space. You never want to hire a company that does both. Often companies who tout both services scam their customers into pricy services or additional products that are not necessary. If you believe you need to have your home tested for mold, find a separate company for testing and another for remediation.
A Mold Remediation Company with License and Training
Hiring a licensed contractor should go without saying. You do not want an unlicensed person performing this critical and delicate work. Several states, including Florida, require mold remediators to be licensed. This assures that the person you are hiring has been trained and follows a national standard of work.
If they are licensed, they should be insured as well. You want to make sure you hire an expert that is insured against any damages they may cause to your home. An uninsured and unlicensed contractor may be cheaper on the front end, but will usually end up costing you more in the long run.
Beyond certification, you want to hire a dedicated team of professionals with years of experience finding mold in all different situations and structures. You can rest easier knowing they have seen it all and can handle your situation with expert care and excellent customer service.
Mold remediation is a complex problem that requires remediators to learn new and best practices constantly. The mark of a great mold remediation firm is one that understands this and is constantly striving to stay on top of industry practices that prove to be the most efficient and effective. All of their employees will be trained and qualified for the work.
A Mold Remediation Company with Fast response time
The company you choose should be able to respond quickly to emergencies, any time of day or night. Finding black mold creeping through your property is a stressful experience, and you need a company that will work with you quickly. If you call a company on Friday afternoon and they can’t fit you in until Monday morning, find another company. Mold experts understand the urgency of the issue you are facing and will work diligently to offer you assistance as quickly as possible.
A Mold Remediation Company Uses Plain Terms
Anyone who has been in this business long enough should be able to explain the process to you in terms you can understand. If you encounter a company that cannot explain their process and work, or refuses to, be wary. And if what you are told seems confusing or complicated, make them clarify their answers. A quality mold remediator will be happy to answer all of your questions and input. They will go out of their way to make sure you know what services you’re paying for, what they entail, and what they are trying to accomplish.
A Mold Remediation Company Uses Proper Equipment
Cleaning mold from a property is a nasty business, and all workers should be wearing appropriate personal protection equipment. A good company is willing to invest in their employees’ health by providing them with the right equipment. High-quality filtration masks and gloves are essential. Shoe covers and full suits can be required for particular work.
Professionals will also seal off the area to be worked on, usually with plastic sheeting, to keep other parts of the home or business from being contaminated by the spores. They will also use expensive, professional-grade equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and commercial-grade dehumidifiers. The average handyman will not have access to this type of equipment.
Check the cleanliness of their equipment and the organization of their trucks. This will be an indicator of how they will treat your home.
Before hiring an expert, ask what kind of safeguards they have for you AND their employees. Ask what kind of equipment they use and how it is cleaned between jobs.
A Mold Remediation Company Removes Debris
Mold remediation experts will remove building materials that are porous and have been tainted with mold growth, such as insulation, drywall, baseboards, and flooring. This is the industry standard.
A Mold Remediation Company with Good Referrals
Do your research. Go online and check your mold remediation professional’s website for certifications and a portfolio of their work. A reputable specialist will not hesitate to show you their portfolio of previous jobs or giving you contact information for other people or businesses who have used their services.
A Mold Remediation Company that Guarantees Work
Mold removal is tricky work, and experts in the business know this. A good mold remediation specialist will stand behind its work. A reputable company will provide a guarantee on its work that includes coming back to resolve an issue for free.
It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right questions, you can find a reputable company to solve your mold problems. Never settle for a company that refuses to go above and beyond to make your experience pleasant and as stress-free as possible.
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