What to Look for When Hiring a Mold Contractor?

It’s known that mold is a problem to have inside your house. There are many health concerns and problems that can arise if you are living in a space with active mold growth. If you think there could be mold in your home, hiring a mold contractor to get rid of the mold safely is important. However, there are many different mold contractors out there and you may be stuck on how to choose which one is the best for your needs. We have a list of some of the important criteria to consider when looking to hire a mold contractor. First, let’s explore the reasons why you might need to get a mold contractor in the first place.

When should you get a mold contractor?

There are a few different situations where getting a mold contractor would be a good idea for safety.

• If you think there could be mold growth due to a variety of different factors, but you cannot physically see the mold growth.
• If someone in your household is experiencing symptoms that can be attributed to mold growth. These symptoms can include headaches, coughing, sneezing, etc. Consult with your doctor to determine this.
• If there have been leaks in your plumbing system or any other water leaks that could encourage the growth of mold in areas of your home.
• If you are interested in your general indoor air quality and would like it to be professionally assessed.

While each situation is unique, the EPA doesn’t recommend testing mold. A contractor will be able to determine if a case does warrant a mold test to be done.

What to consider for your next mold contractor?

There are many questions that you should ask your mold contractor before hiring them for mold remediation. These questions can help you determine whether or not they are qualified for the job and will be able to safely remove mold.

Do you consider mold to be a health hazard?

Even though mold contractors are not working in the medical field, they should still have a solid understanding of the health risks associated with mold. Your contractor should be familiar with the term mycotoxin and also be able to differentiate the different symptoms related to a mold allergy and a toxic mold reaction. Bottom line, it’s important that these people are informed about the health risks associated with mold and can confidently describe these risks to you as a homeowner.

Do you document any of the work you do?

Documenting work is important to you as a homeowner so that you can see whether or not the mold was entirely removed. The mold could be growing in a place in your home where you can’t easily see therefore documentation is necessary to have confidence the job was performed. Mold contractors should document all their work with digital photos. These photos should be available to you once the job is completed.

Are you insured as a contractor?

If you are shopping around for the lowest priced mold contractor, you may be shocked to find out that low prices can be associated with no insurance. You should always look for contractors that are insured in case something goes wrong in your home and there are damages left to be fixed. Insured contractors will be more trustworthy even if they come along with a slightly higher price tag for services.

Is protective gear worn by all contractors?

Since mold can be brought in from outside sources, it’s extremely important that your mold contractors wear the necessary protective gear when at your home. This gear can consist of hazmat suits, proper ventilation, and disposable shoe covers to minimize cross-contamination. It’s essential that this gear is worn always when completing mold remediation.

How is waste material disposed of afterward?

Once the mold has been completely removed from your home, the last place you want it to end up is in your garbage can. That’s why it’s crucial to ask about the disposal methods of the waste materials once the job is done. This waste should never be left on-site at your home. It should all be bagged, sometimes even double bagged, and disposed of immediately once the contractor has left your home.

Are you treating the source of the mold?

Treating the mold with a disinfectant and/or stain remover is an important step in the remediation process but should not be the only step. Your contractor should identify the source of the moisture that is causing the mold and stop that moisture at its source. Simply adding more ventilation in your attic does not treat the source of your moisture problem. It may help to dissipate that moisture, but it won’t stop the moisture from entering your attic.

Still have questions?

If you still are unsure about how to choose the right mold contractor, contact us today and we can walk you through what our process and protocols are at Ecotelligent. We want to help you improve your indoor air quality and rid of mold for good in your home. We offer a wide variety of different specialized services that can help you achieve a mold-free home. Contact us today and we can set up a consultation for one of our home experts to come out and examine your home.