Today, I am going to tell you what you should know before hiring a mold removal company. Mold is not only ugly, it’s bad, and you should act quickly before things get sour.
When you see mold on your house or you smell something musty, you must act fast. But you don’t want to hire just anyone to do it, and there are a few things you should consider.
People shouldn’t rush to hire a mold removal company. A bad decision can cost you financially and time-wise, and even add to the mold problem in your home.
This guide will help you know what to avoid and what to look out for to protect your home and your body.
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Mold Removal Company
1. What is Mold Really
Mold is a fungus. It can easily be seen in dark and moist areas, and these areas are those that often have poor ventilation.
You will most likely find it in bathrooms, kitchens, the basement, or in a place with leaking water.
Certain types of mold may cause illness in humans, and are very common to occur in children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma.
This is the reason why mold should be addressed in a proper manner. You cannot simply apply bleach or paint on top of it; that’s not the solution, as it doesn’t respond to those things. Necessary precautionary steps need to be taken.
2. Not All Mold Removal Companies are the Same
As in any business, there are companies who are truly devoted to offer quality work, excellent service and long term relations with their clients.
These are the companies that value most of all their integrity, professionalism and customer satisfaction.
There are also companies that are just after a quick work and quick cash. They are known to work shortcuts, give subpar performance and vanish without taking responsibility.
To be sure you’re working with a company who truly cares what they do, you need to research them, read reviews and ask questions.
A good mold removal company will:
- Do a full inspection of your home
- Use proper tools and safety gear
- Remove all mold safely
- Stop mold from coming back
- Educate you on how to prevent future problems
A company that offers a price and never comes to inspect your house can never be trusted. All houses are unique. The cause, type and extent of mold growth determines the correct treatment.
3. Check for Certification and Experience
Before hiring a mold removal company ask this simple question:
Are you certified for mold remediation?
Professional mold removal companies should be certified by:
- IICRC, which stands for “Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification”
- NORMI which stands for “National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors”
Training, which is shown through certification, means they have been trained to do the job right. Also ask how long they have been in business.
A company with a lot of experience can tell you all types of mold problems and can handle them.
4. Ask About Their Mold Removal Process
What you should always ask is how this company will fix your mold issue. An expert company will not hide anything from you.
They will also be patient to explain to you step by step what to expect. They can tell you how they will find the mold, get rid of it and prevent it from coming back.
It’s not a good sign when company evades your questions or gives confusing answers.
You have the right to know what they are doing in your house. Quality companies will tell the truth, be transparent and want you to be happy and safe with what they do.
Here’s what the mold removal process should look like:
- Inspection – They inspect the whole area and find the source of the mold.
- Containment – They block off the moldy area so it doesn’t spread.
- Air Filtration – They use special machines to clean the air.
- Mold Removal – They remove mold from walls, furniture and the air.
- Cleanup – They clean everything safely and dispose of waste properly.
- Prevention Advice – They tell you how to prevent mold in the future.
If a company skips steps or gives you a shortcut, that’s a red flag.
5. Don’t Be Fooled by Low Prices
People like to save money and it’s dangerous to hire a cheap mold removal service.
When a company offers you a very low price ask why. They may:
- Skip important steps
- Use cheap tools and unsafe chemicals
- Leave some mold behind
- Cause mold to come back later
It is preferable to spend a good price once and ensure that the job is done well once, instead of hiring again, which is not a wise decision.
6. Ask for a Written Estimate
Taking a written estimate allows you to have an estimate without surprises or hidden charges in the future. It tells you what you are paying and makes things clear.
When a company refuses to give you this in writing, that’s a red flag. Better to leave and get someone else who is more honest and can be trusted.
Before they start the work get a written estimate. It should include:
- Total cost
- Services included
- Timeline
- Products or machines used
7. Do They Offer a Warranty
Any good company is behind their work. Ask if they give the job a guarantee/warranty. This is also to show that they trust their services and will make sure you enjoy them.
A company that offers this has more chances of being reliable, accountable and quality-oriented.
Ask:
- How long is the warranty?
- What does it cover?
- What if mold comes back?
Read the warranty terms before signing anything.
8. Avoid Companies That Scare
Handle mold with care. Mold is a serious problem but no one should scare or push you into making a hasty decision.
A good company will explain the situation as it is and give you options and leave the decision to you without pressure or blackmail.
Some companies try to scare people into paying them to work asap. They may say:
- “You have to remove the mold today or you’ll get sick!”
- “This is toxic black mold. You’re in danger!”
- “If you don’t act now it’ll cost you more!”
9. Check Reviews and Ask for References
Good companies are companies whose customers are happy with and have good reviews about them. Give yourself time to read what others are saying about their job.
You can also ask for references from the company. An honest and established company will not hesitate to give you the contacts of previous customers so you can get a reference of their service.
Talking to former customers will let you know what to expect. But if the reviews are full of complaints or you can’t find any review then that’s a red flag. Maybe it’s better to look for another company that has a better track record.
Check the company online to help you decide who to hire and who not to hire through reviews..
Read what people are saying through:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
10. Do They Fix the Source of the Mold
Removing mold is not enough. Unless the company also fixes the source of the mold (leaks, poor drainage or moisture trouble) then the mold will come back.
Ask:
- Will you help find and fix the source of the moisture?
- Do you offer water damage repairs?
- Can you recommend a contractor if repairs are needed? Both
11. Use Safe Products
There are products that kill mold with toxic chemicals that can harm humans or pets.
Ask:
- What products do you use?
- Are they safe for kids and animals?
- Do we have to leave the house during treatment?
Professional companies use EPA approved products that work and are safe.
12. Don’t Use DIY for Serious Mold
The problem is there’s a huge gap between cleaning up a small bathroom and removing severe mold in the whole house.
Store bought DIY kits can clean what’s visible on the surface but are oblivious to what’s behind the walls, ceilings or floors.
If your mold issue is bigger than a spot, call an expert every time.
13. Insurance and Liability
Don’t forget to ask to see insurance. Without it you may be held liable for accidents or damages in the line of duty and that can be very expensive.
Accidents can happen during mold removal. Here are things to check out:
- General liability insurance – Covers damage to your home
- Worker’s compensation – Protects you if a worker gets injured
14. Mold Testing – Before and After
Good mold removal companies give a test before and after removal. This is a proof of how bad it was and how now it’s clean.
Some companies engage third party inspectors to avoid bias. This gives confidence and quality delivery.
Unless they test after the job is done you won’t know if mold is really gone.
15. Choose Local, Trusted Experts
The company in your area will know the common mold issues in your area. They will probably take less time and are more supportive.
Small companies are also concerned about their reputation and society. You will get better service than someone who is far away.
Helpful Guide: 10 Warning Signs of Hidden Toxic Black Mold in Your Home
Conclusion
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Mold Removal Company is not about finding someone who will remove mold. It’s about health, family and home.
Don’t just jump into the cheapest or fastest. Do your homework and read between the lines; make sure the company really cares.
If you suspect mold growth in your house, don’t wait. Book a service with a professional mold remediation company today and let the professionals handle it..
