Trusting Your Mold Remediation Contractor
Mold Inspection Sciences does NOT do any mold remediation activities. The Texas Department of State Health Services defines a company doing the mold inspection and remediation on the same job as a conflict of interest (see the “Mold Conflict of Interest: Protect Yourself” blog for more information). The Texas Department of State Health Services also has very strict regulations about who can do what when performing mold-related activities: “all companies and individuals who perform mold-related activities have to obtain appropriate licensing…”. Once you have had a mold inspection by a licensed mold assessment technician or consultant and you have found that mold remediation is needed, the search for a licensed mold remediation contractor would be the next step.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website has a list of all licensed companies and individuals who are licensed to partake in mold remediation (https://vo.licensing.tdlr.texas.gov/datamart/login.do). The best way to ensure you have the right contractor for you would be to research companies that advertise they do mold remediation, NOT inspections. Once you’ve found a few companies that peak your interest, check the document that is updated by the state to make sure that company is licensed to do mold remediation in the state of Texas. We recommend that you get at least 3 different bids to make sure you are getting the best service and remediation at the best price. You can also contact us to get our opinion. We’ve worked with dozens of companies and can provide guidance.
Be sure to also check those companies out of Yelp, Angie’s List, Google+, or any review based website to make sure that past customers where satisfied with the work that was done for them. If you hire a remediation contractor and they’ve finished the work and state you are ready for clearance, they should be able to pass the first time. If it takes a few more times and it shows to be lack of work on their part, it may be time to look into another company. Repeat post inspections can get fairly expensive and it is always worth it to go with a reputable company that will do it right the first time.
Remember: There is no such thing as a free toxic mold or black mold inspection. Companies that advertise this service are most likely remediation companies trying to get a bigger project out of you by scaring you into thinking you have black toxic mold. It is always best to have a company like Mold Inspection Sciences to do a thorough, professional, and non-biased inspection to find out the extent of the damage and the scope of work that the remediation company should work within.