Tricks from the toxic mold remediation company to avoid

If you have experienced flooding or other water related damage, you may be concerned about the possibility of mold growth and the health risks associated with it. While there are reputable companies that specialize in mold cleaning and remediation, there are also those that use fear of toxic mold contamination as a way to commit scams. These types of scams often cost tens of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, people have lost their homes as a result. Here are some common signs of a possible mold remediation scam and tips on how to avoid them.

1) They offer you free mold tests

Reputable mold remediation companies charge for their services and use independent testing laboratories or a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) to perform air and / or surface mold testing. Anyone in the mold remediation business that offers free mold inspections can take this opportunity to fabricate false test results that show dangerously high mold spore counts or the presence of toxic black mold like Stachybotrys. Fear of toxic mold contamination is the most common tactic scammers use to create very expensive remediation flood damage.

2) The same company offers to do mold testing and remediation

Some companies offer the convenience of handling both test and remediation work. This is another tactic that gives unscrupulous mold repair companies an incentive to find mold. To avoid this, hiring your own CIH to do the testing and creating the protocol for what to do can prevent you from taking advantage of you. Mold tests and inspections should always be performed by independent laboratories or hygienists who have no personal or financial interest in the results.

3) They offer a free final air quality authorization

The final step in the mold removal process is a post-remediation survey known as the final air quality approval test. Most insurance companies and mortgage lenders will require proof of third-party approval before issuing payment for the work. This test is designed to verify that the remediation was successful and successful and should be done before any reconstruction work begins. Some remediation companies may offer to do this final test for free. However, if you allow a remediation company to test their own work, you will have no way of knowing if the work was successful or if the test results are real. An unethical remediation company will not fail your own tests and you certainly will not want to incur the costs of re-cleaning your home if your approval test fails.

Remember, the health and well-being of you and your family are at stake, so make sure you have an independent testing laboratory or CIH that does the final clearance and passes, before you pay for the remediation work.