Uncategorized Archives - Same Day Mold Testing

Mold Inspection & Testing: How to Evaluate a Certified Mold Inspector.

November 8, 2022 12:35 pm Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a certified inspector for mold inspection & testing, you have some work ahead of you. If you suspect mold in your home, mold inspection & testing are crucial to your safety. In most environments, mold develops rapidly with the addition of just a little moisture. If it’s trapped within your walls, it could spread for weeks or even months undetected. Mold spores are incredibly common. Brief, transient exposure to a tiny amount of spores is usually safe. But when mold grows in your home, it quickly becomes a dangerous threat. Some forms of mold are so toxic to humans that evacuation is required. Search for mold inspection & testing online and you’re sure to find options, but not all are trustworthy. So, how can you find a fully certified mold inspection & testing professional to meet your needs?

Always check the facts before you call:

1. Avoid “Full Service” Inspection and Removal Companies

Mold inspection & testing is a separate specialization from mold removal, also called mold remediation. And there’s a good reason for that! If you get mold inspection & testing from someone associated with a mold remediation company, you can be sure they have an interest in signing you up for that “full service.” That leads to unscrupulous characters exaggerating the amount of mold in the air so they can pressure you into an immediate decision. A legitimate mold inspection & testing professional will give you the facts and let you decide. You should never feel like you have to “sign on the dotted line” at that moment to secure a special price or for any other reasons.

2. Insist on Credentials from ACAC – The American Council for Accredited Certification

Over the last several years, mold inspection & testing has become much more complex. Practitioners must have the right tools for the job and apply them in the right ways based on the structure to be treated. Without the appropriate know-how, inaccurate mold readings are a certainty. To make truly informed decisions, you need ACAC-accredited specialists. ACAC is the foremost professional body in mold inspection & testing. It sets high standards for knowledge and ethics that all credentialed professionals must uphold. Plus, it ensures that anyone who does mold inspection & testing professionally is studying on a regular basis to keep their skills up to date.

3. Look for Full Pricing Transparency on Any Mold Inspection & Testing Website

It takes experience in any profession to know how to price a project. Unfortunately, unaccredited inspectors can be dishonest. It is common for them to make up pricing on the fly based on how much money they think you have to spend – or how worked up they can make you with overblown claims about your mold situation. Pricing transparency is the antidote to this problem. Any legitimate mold inspection & testing business should have a website, and that website should have a clear, published guide to pricing. If pricing varies, the factors that go into deciding the final price should be disclosed. In effect, you should be able to check pricing against company policies spelled out in black and white. Also check online for customer reviews that verify what a company says about itself.

Credentials and Reputation Are Essential to Choosing a Mold Inspection Company

Once you have a short list of mold inspection & testing companies, the best thing to do is contact them directly to ask questions. Make sure you get full, satisfying answers. If you feel unsure about what you’ve heard, move on. Don’t accept less than the best for your mold inspection project!

For personalized advice, contact Same Day Mold Testing.

Jason Harris of Same Day Mold Testing Earns Accredited ACAC Certification (CMC)

July 27, 2022 2:13 pm Leave a Comment

Jason Harris has been awarded the Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) designation by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This prestigious, board-awarded certification recognizes Harris’ knowledge and field experience in microbial sampling.

To earn the CMC designation, Jason passed a rigorous examination based on respected industry texts. He then submitted documented, verifiable field experience to a board of peers, earning a unanimous vote of approval.

To maintain the CMC designation, Jason will remain active in the field and complete 40 hours of professional development activities within the next two years.

Jason is now listed in the ACAC certificant database along with more than 3,000 ACAC certificants around the world. The database can be searched by name, company or zip code and represents a continuously updated roster of experienced indoor environmental professionals.

The CMC designation is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). For more information, visit www.acac.org.

To learn more about Same Day Mold Testing, Inc., visit www.samedaymoldtesting.com.

Jason Harris of Same Day Mold Testing Earns Accredited ACAC Certification (CMRS)

July 25, 2022 8:40 am Leave a Comment

Jason Harris has been awarded the Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) designation by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This prestigious, board-awarded certification recognizes Harris’ knowledge and field experience in mold, microbial and bacterial remediation.

To earn the CMRS designation, Jason passed a rigorous examination based on respected industry texts. He then submitted documented, verifiable field experience to a board of peers, earning a unanimous vote of approval.

To maintain the CMRS designation, Jason will remain active in the field and complete 40 hours of professional development activities within the next two years.

The CMRS designation is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). For more information, visit www.acac.org.

To learn more about Same Day Mold Testing, Inc, visit SameDayMoldTesting.com

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. Earns Esteemed 2016 Angie’s List Super Service Award

January 5, 2017 6:53 pm Leave a Comment

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of customer service to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2016.

This achievement is particularly significant as Angie’s List experienced unprecedented member growth in 2016. More than 1.6 million consumers, many of whom were eager to quickly hire highly qualified service pros, joined Angie’s List after the company added a new, free membership tier.

“Companies that can meet higher demands without missing a beat in their exemplary performance standards truly do stand apart from their peers,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Only a fraction of the Mold Testing/Remediation companies in Southern California were able to do it.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

“It is with great delight that we accept this prestige Super Service Award from Angie’s List. We look forward to upholding the customer’s expectation of excellent customer service, competitive pricing and pragmatic solutions to water-damage related problems.” – Same Day Mold Testing, Inc.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For more than 21 years, Angie’s List restricted access to its verified reviews to consumers who paid membership fees. When the company removed that barrier, some companies worried that the new, non-paying members would not be as engaged as members of the past. Experience has shown, however, that these newly added members are just as engaged – across all age groups – as prior members. Also, because the company continues to adhere to its review verification process, there has been no degradation of review quality.

“The biggest change at Angie’s List is that we are connecting even more consumers to high quality service professionals,” Hicks said. “And that’s good for everyone.”

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Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than 4.5 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of more than 10 million verified reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

What to Look for From a Mold Inspector

October 19, 2016 9:35 am Leave a Comment

Choosing a mold inspection company is an important decision for anyone who owns, manages or remodels residential properties in Southern California. A thorough, professional inspection can be the best defense against unwanted surprises if there’s the slightest suspicion that mold might be a problem. While many mold inspection companies are honest and skilled, just as many are unscrupulous firms that often employ unqualified “inspectors” or falsify test results in order to overcharge clients for unnecessary work. Here are several tips on finding an honest mold inspection company.

Test Only Mold Inspectors

Reputable mold inspection companies only perform mold testing, not mold remediation. It’s widely considered a serious conflict of interest to do both because dishonest test and repair companies often exaggerate or even create mold problems in order to overcharge for removal and repairs.

The test only business model is preferred, not only because consumers are less likely to be up-sold on costly repairs, but because a great number of these companies also offer same-day test results. Hiring a test only company or inspector will remove the likelihood of overpaying for any unnecessary mold repairs.

Additionally, the firm or inspector that conducts the inspection and air sampling should never be financially connected to a business that conducts mold remediation. Always ask a test only company up front whether they have such a relationship in place well in advance of signing any contract.

Beware Offers of Free Mold Inspections

Ethical mold inspectors never offer free mold inspections. Historically, “free” mold inspections are typically followed by a hefty price that ends up costing far more than it should. While a free inspection may sound good at first, the majority of these inspections are specifically designed to create expensive mold removal business. If and when mold is found, the seriousness of the problem and the amount of work needed to fix it can be highly exaggerated.

An honest test only inspector will present all potential clients with a price and the bill at the time of the inspection.

Post Inspection Follow-ups

Following a complete inspection of the building, which should include mold and air quality tests using specialized equipment and technology, a certified mold inspector will have all samples tested at a credentialed, independent laboratory. A comprehensive inspection report that clearly explains the lab results and offers meaningful recommendations for repair should be delivered to you later the same day by the inspector.

Choose the Right Certified Mold Inspector

October 5, 2016 9:36 am Leave a Comment

The same care used when choosing a general contractor should be used when searching for a certified mold inspector. All too often, finding a certified, test-only mold inspector is a challenge with so many companies to choose from in the greater Los Angeles area. Despite this, you can stack the odds in your favor by contacting more than one company and preparing yourself to ask the following questions.

Are You a Certified Mold Inspector?

This is the most vital question to ask because the mold inspection industry is not regulated by the government. Unfortunately, that means that many organizations claiming to provide certifications aren’t professionally qualified to do so. They do little more than offer online “mold inspection” courses, charge fees, and administer the most basic tests. These “certifications” ultimately provide little value to anyone concerned because they don’t require actual training or field experience. The American Council for Accredited Certifications (ACAC) requires mold inspectors to pass high-level tests and also requires evidence of field experience before certifying a mold inspector.

What Are Your Credentials?

While the ACAC is the most nationally recognized certification organization in the country, there are several types of certifications and just as many reputable organizations that provide them. Here are some additional reputable certifications:

Home, Building Inspection and Building Science Certification (National Inspection Certification)
Certified Indoor Environmentalist or Comparable (CIE) -The American Council for Accredited Certification
Water Restoration Technician (WRT) — (IICRC Certification)
Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) — (IICRC Certification)

An important additional credential is proof that the inspection company carries worker’s compensation and professional liability insurance. Inspectors should also be members in good standing with at least one nationally recognized industry association. It’s easy to verify a mold inspector’s certification and the company’s trade association membership.

Always ask for (and verify) the length of a test-only mold inspector’s work experience and several references from previous clients. The number and types of inspections performed annually are good indications as to the scope of the inspector’s experience.

What Types of Equipment Do You Use?

At the very least, a competent mold inspector should have a moisture meter, respirator, an air sampling pump, protective equipment and clothing, and sampling media. Examples of the latest technology include a thermal imaging camera for detecting temperature variations caused by moisture and sophisticated air testing equipment.

Choosing a certified mold inspector takes a little due diligence and a few knowledgeable questions.

The Trouble with “Free” Mold Test Companies

September 21, 2016 9:33 am Leave a Comment

Many one-stop mold inspection and remediation companies in the greater Los Angeles area entice customers with promises of “free” mold testing and low repair prices, but consumers often end up paying extra thousands in unnecessary repairs.

Some clients believe they’re getting a deal by hiring a company that offers “free” or inexpensive mold testing, but think about it — nothing is free. A company offering both testing and remediation, unlike a test-only inspection company, has a financial incentive to find problems that may not really exist in your home, building or residential complex.

“Free” Mold Test Problems

Many companies offering free mold testing claim to find mold in your home, and then conveniently offer their own mold removal and repair services to fix the problem. What they will not tell you is that several types of mold are present in the air in every home or building. Both the levels and types of mold count, but that’s rarely specified by some unscrupulous companies. An independent test-only firm does not perform remediation work, and so does not have a conflict of interest. The only concern is to find the real trouble spots in your office, apartment building or residence.

Possibly paying thousands of dollars for bloated repair estimates or an improper or unnecessary remediation for a problem that may not even exist doesn’t make sense. Hiring an independent, certified testing service won’t leave you with a bill for a problem you possibly never had.

Mold Inspection Costs

Mold inspection fees should be expected. It’s very rare for a company to perform anything for free and still remain in business. That would be a charity case. It normally costs upward of $100 or more for an inspection when dealing with a reputable firm. Think about the overhead expenses like labor, fuel, advertising and rent. While all such companies are in business to make a profit, it’s important to effectively serve their customers by presenting a timely mold inspection report prepared by an accredited laboratory versus a free opinion about a costly repair.

Various types of mold sampling can cost more than $250, depending on the severity of the problem and the size of the building. However, they’re all necessary to determine the extent of the problem to establish future treatments. All of these tests and eventual recommendations are made by the mold inspector, based partly on tests, laboratory results, and other factors associated with the building and its occupants. To be an informed consumer, it’s important to only hire a trained, certified and experience-tested mold inspection company.

Understanding the Cost of a Mold Inspection Test

September 7, 2016 9:34 am Leave a Comment

Due to the variety of private homes, apartments and townhomes in the greater Los Angeles area, the cost of a mold inspection varies depending on the size of the property, level of mold inspection required, and the number of mold samples taken. Historically, price quotes have trended around $200 for an inspection and report, and about $100 per sample to test for mold.

While a professional mold inspection for a typical family home doesn’t generally cost too much, testing larger homes and apartment complexes (5,000 or more square feet) can run anywhere from $1,000 and up. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually involved in a mold inspection and how to choose the right inspection company.

Mold Testing

A legitimate mold inspection company only performs inspections — not repairs. It’s widely considered a conflict of interest to do both because “inspection and repair” companies often embellish the problem to inflate repair fees. Legitimate mold inspection companies do not offer “free” inspections — they charge clients at the time of the inspection. A test-only company will not recommend costly repairs unless they are necessary. If you believe you have a mold problem, hire a test-only mold inspection company, which will lower the possibility of being overcharged for mold repairs.

The Difference: Mold Testing and Remediation

Mold testing involves a number of variables, so knowing the difference between mold testing and repair is important. Mold testing is necessary for several reasons — the type of mold must be identified, along with the concentration levels. Additionally, the indoor air quality usually needs to be tested. Most of these types of samples usually cost about $100 because the inspector has them analyzed by an accredited laboratory that helps establish the extent of the problem and the potential work needed to clear it up. The number of samples taken vary from building to building based on the size of the residence and the severity of the problem. The difference between the two types of companies is that test-only mold inspectors don’t have a financial interest in performing any remediation work — they only provide lab results and an opinion on the extent of a problem.

Choosing a Mold Inspection Company

There are a number of organizations offering mold “certification,” some requiring only a fee or an online course to become a “certified” expert. Always make sure to check an inspector’s credentials for proof of certification from a recognized facility requiring training and experience in mold testing. Referrals are always available from the American Council for Accredited Certification.

Is Mold Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality

August 24, 2016 9:31 am Leave a Comment

While some molds are actually essential components of our ecosystem, excessive exposure to molds has been a human health issue for many years. Molds are found in every environment and their presence can be detected — indoors and outdoors — year-round. All mold growth is encouraged by warm, humid conditions, not uncommon in the warm Los Angeles area climate.

Homeowners, landlords, building maintenance and management personnel should know who provides the most effective means of locating existing growths in order to prevent the damage to indoor air quality and possible health effects on family members or tenants.

Mold Sensitivities

Mold spores aren’t the only airborne irritants that affect indoor air quality, but some people are more sensitive to airborne mold spores. For these people, lengthy, repeated exposure can produce eye irritations, nasal stuffiness, wheezing or skin irritations. Others with serious allergies to mold or those with chronic respiratory illnesses may have more serious reactions, including fever, infections and shortness of breath.

Air Sampling and Testing

Airborne mold levels and indoor air quality are measured by collecting samples from the air, surfaces, bulk materials (drapes, furniture and clothing) and other areas. Test-only inspectors commonly collect four or five samples in order to investigate indoor air quality. Of course, the number of rooms in a home or residential building may influence the total number of samples an inspector takes.

For example, in a kitchen with obvious staining under the sink, the inspector could easily justify taking four samples, including a surface sample of the stain, one behind the wall to test for hidden mold inside the cavity, a kitchen air sample and an outdoor sample for comparison. If you believe your indoor air quality is being compromised — especially by mold — always have samples taken by a certified, test-only mold inspector who will have the samples immediately analyzed by an independent, accredited laboratory.

Growing Awareness

While there are no federal statutes or regulations regarding mold and indoor air quality, the California Department of Public Health has created the State Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Program, the first in the country aimed at conducting research into the causes and control of indoor air pollution.

All professionals agree that the first, most vital step in preventing mold is to remove the source of moisture. Stopping leaks, lowering indoor air humidity and complete cleanups in areas with leaks or flooding are key to preventing mold germination and growth.

How Indoor Air Quality is Tested for Mold

August 10, 2016 9:32 am Leave a Comment

Most people tend to think of air pollution as an outdoor threat, but it can be worse inside our homes. Healthy air is vital for a healthy home or apartment, so if you’ve noticed a new, musty odor in your Los Angeles area home, it may be time to have your indoor air quality tested.

Whether a leaky pipe or another event caused water damage, the onset of a new, unpleasant aroma may indicate the presence of mold. Indoor air sampling can be a cost-effective way of discovering whether mold growth is creating unhealthy indoor conditions.

Testing for Visible Mold

Finding something suspicious under your kitchen sink doesn’t necessarily mean it’s mold. Homeowners and tenants are often misled into believing that any mold discovery immediately indicates the need for drastic action. However, finding signs of mold on a wall does not mean that mold spores are permeating the air you breathe.

Unscrupulous mold removal companies commonly use visible signs of mold to justify performing expensive, often unnecessary repairs. Not every type of mold calls for ripping out walls, floors or ceilings — some are as easy to remove as wiping down a wall with an approved cleaning solution. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with can easily mean the difference between laying out huge amounts of money in mold removal and repair costs or not.

Your best bet is to contact a reputable, certified test-only mold inspection company to perform surface, cavity and air samples. Avoid companies that advertise testing and repair services. Many exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions because they have a vested interest in both “finding” and “removing” mold — no matter how slight the contamination is or which type of mold is found.

Finding Hidden Mold

It’s easy to spot mold when there is surface evidence in certain areas, but mold also lurks in dark, undisturbed areas where it can grow rapidly and quietly. It’s not uncommon for mold to grow in voids behind walls or the ceiling, beneath floorboards or in dark attics and crawl spaces. While detecting hidden mold usually requires specialized equipment, a trained, certified mold inspector will have the equipment and experience to do the job.

Hiring a test-only company will yield a better result for homeowners and property managers. There is no vested interest in the test results beyond ensuring concerned parties receive fair, professional results from a reputable laboratory.

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