Recent Requests
We have a report from fungus a mungus showing low/moderate levels of mold in our basement and we are trying to sell our house. We need an estimate on ridding this.
Laura W
I'm afraid we have a big mold problem in our basement.
Jennifer P
Nashville, Tennessee
TVG Environmental, Inc.
Choosing A Mold Removal Contractor
Selecting a mold removal contractor is not as easy as you think. For one thing, mold remediation contractors aren't bound by hard and fast certification rules, unlike other trades. What this means is that there aren't any certifications that are absolutely recognized by the industry, and as such you can take your mold remediation contractor's 4 page long list of certifications at face value. They don't mean much, because they are not the industry standard. This lack of industry guidelines for mold remediation companies has made it difficult to distinguish genuine experienced mold removal contractors from handymen. Use your best judgment, never underestimate experience, and make sure your mild removal company has experience removing mold from the area of the house that you want it to be removed from.
Since there are no industry guidelines for mold remediation companies, the best factor to look for is experience. The mold removal contractor should not just have extensive experience removing mold, but should specialize in the sort of mold removal your house needs. For instance, if the mold growth in your house is due to moisture, then you will need a mold removal contractor who ha the necessary experience in that field. If on the other hand, your mold growth problem is concentrated in the HVAC unit, then you will need a mold removal contractor who has experience getting rid of mold from the systems. Look for qualifications from the Indoor Air Quality Association, or the National Air Duct Cleaner's Associations, but again, these are not hard and fast rules, and an experienced mold removal contractor with no certifications that you recognize is better than one with no experience, but lots of certification.
The mold remediation contractor you're considering should use, and apply generally accepted industry protocol, wherever applicable. For instance, he should be aware of the standards and guidelines as laid down by environmental agencies and other government agencies. Your mold remediation contractor should be sufficiently insured, so as to protect you against the possibility of liability. He must be able to give you a written estimate for your mold remediation in your premises. Make sure that his estimate makes allowances for the discovery of new mold ridden areas after commencement of the remediation. If this happens, he should be able to offer you a price wise estimate for the remediation instead of a hourly fee.