How to Find a Mold Inspection Company
Perhaps you’ve found some evidence of mold in your home. Maybe you’re getting a little bit wheezy and sneezy more than you normally would or at different times of year. Or maybe after a big rainstorm, things smell a little bit funky down in your basement. It could be that a neighbor of yours had some mold issues and, even though you haven’t seen or smelled any evidence, you’re still a little nervous about the possibility there’s mold in your home.
However you come to it, deciding to call in a mold inspection company can be one of the most impactful decisions you can make for the health of you and your family. Mold can have a drastically negative effect on the health of both you and your family. It can be a challenge to find a reputable, responsible mold inspection company though. You want to keep a couple of things in mind as you look for someone to help you remediate your mold issues.
Take your time
Obviously, you want to get your mold problem taken care of as soon as possible, but it’s important to find someone that can do the job right the first time. It’s a bit like finding a good mechanic you trust – make sure you do your research. Ask your neighbors and see if they have a company they would recommend. Search the internet to find recommended companies with positive reviews.
Ask your Questions
As with any service provider coming into your home, ask a number of questions about any mold inspection company you contact. First, ask how long they’ve been in business – a long tenure means they know what they’re doing. Ask what kind of technology or processes they use – a company may have been around for a while, but if they’re not adapting with the times, they may not be the best option for you.
You also know what kind of testing they perform and how long you can expect to wait for a report. Ensure you ask about training and certifications. Also ensure that the staff and technicians are all insured and bonded.
Finally, ask if the mold inspection company also handles the repairs. Many companies don’t, but it could save you a lot of time if the same company that finds and cleans up your mold problem can repair the walls as well.
Get Written Estimates
Any reputable mold inspection company will offer you a written appraisal that clearly states findings, steps for remediation, costs and an approximation for how long things take. You should never go off of a handshake agreement or other informal quoting process – get everything in writing.
Can I do this myself?
Home testing kits for mold are available but this is an area where a trained professional will save you time and even some money. If you try to do this yourself, you’ll have to try to ensure that you have the right test. Even then, you may not be able to accurately use the test, not to mention having to analyze the results yourself.
A trained professional will be able to help you understand the problem you have and give you a good idea of what the cost would be to remediate the issue.
So…what do I do now?
Get out there and get searching! When you find a few companies, be sure to ask them pointed questions and have a firm understanding of cost and timeline. Complete out form above or give us a call to get a free quote from a reputable mold inspection company in your area.