Are you looking for advice on mold in your home?
Exposure to mold can lead to health problems, most notably in babies, toddlers, and those with respiratory issues.
The majority of people who experience symptoms are similar to the flu or cold. The symptoms often disappear once the person leaves the environment.
You can find more information about mold exposure and related health issues by visiting the Mayo Clinic or the Center for Disease Control.
We now know what the dangers of mold exposure. It’s time for us to find a mold inspector edmonton who can provide the information we need.
Why not get a mold inspection?
Mold inspections are designed to identify the source of the problem (if one exists) and to provide recommendations on how to fix it.
It is essential to find out if your inspector can do this.
You’ll find similar strategies to help you hire the best mold remediation company in the article How to Hire a Mold Removal Company.
Let’s now get to the 11 tips for hiring a great mold inspector
Tip 1: Get the initial phone call and price
You should be able to describe your situation from the beginning of the call. To best assist you, the inspector will ask you several questions.
Sometimes an inspection is not necessary. They can advise you easily over the telephone.
Here you can establish the inspector’s willingness to spend the time to address your concerns.
Before you book the inspection, ask if the inspector is available to talk to you over the phone. You can also find out how the person on the other end communicates with yours.
Mold inspectors need to be able to communicate effectively. Understanding the potential consequences and problems is essential.
There are many ways inspectors arrive at a price.
Expect to pay highly skilled, detail-oriented inspectors that provide the best possible solutions and reporting.
Mold inspectors are paid for their experience, time, reporting and, if necessary, sampling of mold.
Some mold inspectors charge a flat fee for their time. Others charge according to how big the home is.
The air quality and surface testing will also be important. The details of the mold inspection report will also need to be considered.
The experience and the services rendered can affect the cost of inspection fees. They may range from $400 to $1000+.
Tip 2: Proper Training
You need to ensure that the mold inspector you hire is qualified and licensed before you make the decision to hire them. The mold industry is not as regulated as the home inspection industry.
There are many institutions that offer the necessary training for inspectors.
My opinion is that your inspector should have an understanding of building envelope science and certifications in mold inspection and infrared technology. These courses are expensive and require significant time and money.
Inspectors with the highest qualifications in water damage restoration have to be certified by the IICRC (Institute of Cleaning, Restoration and Certification).
Tip 3: Have a great work experience
It is important to determine if the mold inspector works part-time or full-time. You want someone who is fully dedicated to mold.
You should also find out how long they have been conducting mold inspections. The more experience you have, the better.
Tip 4: Mold Inspection Procedures
A checklist or routine will be established by well-trained and experienced mold inspectors. To identify mold issues, your mold inspector should be able to explain exactly what their protocol is.
Priority should be given to immediate issues. A proper routine can help mold experts identify any mystery issues.
The following should be included in standard procedures:
Examine all interior areas for water damage and leaks.
You should inspect the bathroom for water damage and leaks.
Inspect the kitchen under the cabinets for water damage or leaks. Also, inspect the caulking and floors around the sink.
Look out for leakage and mold in the washing machines. If possible, inspect the connections to the washer hoses.
Tip 5 – Alliances
Mold inspectors should have the assistance of other professionals in order to complete the mold removal process. It can be difficult to find the right mold removal company. The more assistance you have, the better.
Established mold inspectors are strong business partners with great mold removal companies. Your mold inspector should have at least two references.
A good recommendation can save you time and effort. However, it is important to be qualified to make sure the companies are right for you.
Tip 6 – Mold Inspection Limitations
The inspector must explain to you exactly what they cover. To avoid surprises later, it is important to discuss limitations upfront. For example, I don’t open walls or move heavy furniture.
You should be informed by the inspector about their limitations upfront and in their contract. Not after the inspection. If they don’t tell you, ask them.
Tip 7: Tools & Equipment
Mold inspectors have many tools that they can use to confirm and diagnose their findings. The following tools are useful:
Moisture Meter
Flashlight
Hygrometer
Infrared Camera
Air Quality Pump, Cassettes and Swabs
For infrared cameras and air quality testing, advanced training is required.
Tip 8: Air Quality Testing and Swab Sampling
Mold testing is basically the collection of samples from the air and physical locations in the house to determine the presence of mold.
After the samples are taken, they will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will then produce a report.
Not all inspectors insist on taking samples of air quality (tape or swab) before or during an inspection. This is not a common practice and it is not always necessary.
If the client insists on an inspection for safety reasons or to obtain a court order, an air sampling may be performed without an inspection.
Normal circumstances and based upon my experience, mold sampling works best after a visual inspection, not before.
If there is physical mold, it should be discouraged to sample. It is best to eliminate the mold as it will save you money.
The spore count and species are determined by air samples.
Air samples should contain at least three samples. One sample should be taken outside of the home, one from an area of concern within the home, and the third sample should be taken in an area that is less likely to pose a risk. As needed, additional samples may be taken.
Although samples can help to determine whether there is an unsafe level of air quality in a particular area, they will not pinpoint the exact source.
Okay, let’s get to the point about sampling. Some inspectors will tell you that they can verify your samples immediately. They can test the samples and analyze them in their truck or office.
An accredited third-party lab can verify the validity of the test results.
All samples must be analyzed in a controlled environment. Only samples taken from a laboratory will be accepted by the court.
Tip 9: Reputation & References
To see if there are any complaints, you can look online for reviews. It is a good sign to see a lot of positive reviews on a few sites (Google + and Yelp & Home Stars), as it shows consistency.
Normal companies won’t give you references from clients unless they book with you, but it is worth asking.
Tip 10: Reporting & Turnaround Time
Ask the inspector which type of report(s). A verbal summary is common, especially if there are no concerns.
It is crucial to review the contract and/or make an agreement about what type of reports you will receive.
A written and verbal report is required for complete investigations. Most mold inspectors today use software programs to create their reports.
Tip 11 – The X-Factor
It is important to make sure that the inspector has all the necessary resources to give you the best information. This shows professionalism and dedication.
Avoid moonlighters, handymen, and part-time mold inspectors.
It is best to find a mold inspector who has devoted his entire commitment to helping people understand the consequences of mold and water damage while offering realistic solutions.
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