Hiring a company for mold remediation is absolutely key. However, many homeowners find it overwhelming to know where to start. Mold is a fungus that may cause various health issues, such as congestion, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes, watery eyes, wheezing, asthma, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Because of this, removal is essential.
But not all mold removal is safe removal. It is crucial to have it done safely and efficiently, but you certainly don’t want to worry about a company overcharging you to get the job done. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of 10 questions you should ask your professional mold remediation specialist when looking for a mold clean up company.
Continue scrolling below to learn more.
10 questions you should ask your mold remediation professional before you hire them
You’ve Googled “Mold Removal Utah,” but before settling on a random result, it’s important to do some leg work to ensure the mold clean up company you choose is legitimate. Here are the ten questions you should ask mold remediation contractors before you sign any contract:
1. What is your background?
The last thing you need in a situation where you might have mold is to hire an unreliable professional who delivers shoddy work and subpar results and charges too much. Here are some additional questions to ask to learn more about their background and experience:
- How long has this company been around?
- What are the reviews like?
- Has the company received any awards?
- How many trained and certified employees does the company have?
- Is the company accredited?
2. Do you offer mold testing and mold inspections?
A mold inspection is an in-person visual assessment of your home (one or multiple areas) to determine whether mold is present. A mold remediation contractor will visually inspect the area to look for mold.
If you cannot see mold, but suspect it is in your home, a certified and experienced mold inspector will conduct mold testing. Using scientific air sampling, the contractor will collect samples to analyze in a lab.
3. How quickly can I get on the schedule?
This depends on the contractor and their schedule, but many are available to come within a day or two of your initial phone call. Results from collecting samples and performing air sampling may take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours.
The mold investigator will come to your property, look at the space you’re concerned about and any other necessary areas, and determine the next steps for mold removal. All of this can take place within a couple of days, and depending on the company’s workload and schedule, you could schedule your mold removal for that same week.
4. Does the type of mold I have matter?
The most common kinds of mold found in Utah properties are Penicillium/Aspergillus, Stachybotrys Chartarum, and Cladosporium.
These, and many other mold types, have the potential to cause health issues, but Stachybotrys Chartarum, better known as black mold, is an extremely toxic type of mold that could cause severe health problems. This growth is usually from a continuous water leak over an extended amount of time.
The cost for mold removal is generally the same regardless of the type of mold in your home.
5. What is your process for mold removal and remediation?
A reputable and trusted mold clean up company will first identify and locate the source of moisture that allowed this issue to occur. Your technician will then formulate a detailed strategy by identifying the necessary steps to rectify the situation, including all materials and products needed for removal, sanitation, and remediation.
A good mold remediation contractor will use HEPA-rated tools, equipment, and physical barriers to reduce the spread of mold spores that would further the issue. Treatment options include EPA-registered solutions, dry ice blasting, hydroxyl generators, and applying mold-resistant coatings.
Steer clear of any company stating that spraying chemicals in the air will remove and rectify your mold problem. Remediation does not work like that—there’s a lot more to the process. Alongside cleaning chemicals, a professional must physically remove the mold from your property using specific cleaning techniques.
6. What should I expect from your company?
Like all other business relationships, it’s important to solidify your expectations from the beginning. Your contractor needs to establish how they will communicate with you (text, phone call, email, etc.), how often, and an expected timeline for remediation completion.
Opt for a company that welcomes your questions and never rushes your conversations. You will want to feel confident and comfortable in your decision, and any company that glosses over certain aspects of this process should be avoided.
7. How long does the mold remediation process take?
This process timeline varies from one project to the next, and a few factors are at play. Firstly, the timeline depends on your contractor’s workload. Secondly, how large an area is is affected. And lastly, how bad the infestation is.
Generally speaking, the entire process (initial phone call to removal completion) can take place within three to seven days. The repair and remediation process (replacing carpet, walls, etc) can take longer. Because every situation is different, it’s best to discuss this with your technician to set accurate expectations.
8. What if you find other problems when removing the mold?
The reality of mold removal is that other issues may surface during the process, like animal or insect infestations or chemical toxins. If you can, find a home disaster cleanup company that is cross-trained in a variety of areas, like toxin clean up, water, fire, and smoke damage repair, and more.
That way, one company will handle any other problems that might arise. Otherwise, you’ll have to find yet another contractor to complete the job.
9. What can I do to prevent mold growth in my property?
A quality mold remediation company will give you all the professional tips, tricks, and advice on preventing the return of mold. The most essential thing to remember is that mold thrives on moisture, so it’s crucial to manage moisture and prevent and stop any leaks, water intrusion, or standing water.
For example, if your basement has mold, it’s best to invest in a self-draining dehumidifier that will maintain a relative humidity of 35 to 50%.
10. Do you guarantee that the mold will not return?
Some companies will claim to remove 100% of the mold from your house. This sounds nice, but it is physically impossible since mold is all around us in healthy and safe levels.
The goal of mold removal and remediation is to bring the mold spore count down to what’s referred to as a “normal ecology level” and to eliminate the sources of unhealthy and unsafe mold levels that are happening.
Mold removal Utah: Western Disaster Clean Up is here to help
Before hiring just anyone, find a trusted mold remediation company that will answer your questions and ensure you feel good about your decision. The skilled team at Western Disaster Clean Up is here to answer all of your questions and handle mold removal in Utah.
When your property suffers water damage, it’s not uncommon for mold growth to follow in places that you cannot easily see or reach. It is important that widespread mold growth be handled by skilled restoration professionals who know what and where to target, and Western Disaster Clean Up is here to help.
Our trusted and experienced team has handled all kinds of home disasters, such as mold remediation, fire and smoke damage, sewage backups, fire and smoke damage, toxic clean-ups, and more! We handle messes from simple toilet overflows to mold removal, remediation, and everything in between.
We can even repair structural damage to your property. Our team has the skills to get your home completely restored.
We are proud of the high-quality work and prompt customer service we offer each of our clients. We understand that quick responses and reliable results are crucial and make all the difference in these situations, which is why we are committed to delivering that kind of service.
We pride ourselves on our hard-earned reputation for extraordinary results and timely responses, regardless of the disaster cleanup or restoration project.
When you find mold or suspect your property has a mold issue, seek the help of the mold specialists at Western Disaster immediately. Our team is located in Vineyard, Utah and services commercial and residential properties throughout the Wasatch Front and Back. We are available 24/7 for emergency services.
Contact Western Disaster Clean Up to get started today.
