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The Importance of a Clearance Inspection after Mold Removal

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The Importance of a Clearance Inspection after Mold Removal

 

Once a residential mold problem has been identified and remediated, a follow-up inspection is the next step in making sure your home, townhouse or apartment is completely ready for repairs or new construction. The purpose of a mold remediation follow-up inspection is to assure that the mold cleanup was done correctly and effectively – including that the cleanup process itself did not accidentally distribute dangerous levels of mold dust or debris into other areas of the structure of into the heating or air conditioning systems.

The Inspection Process

In addition to a complete visual inspection of the property, the inspection company should provide a homeowner, landlord or apartment manager with an in-depth, documented report of the findings. It’s also important that the inspector perform tests for any cross-contamination of mold-laden dust by screening those areas not included in the original mold cleanup job.

The final inspection process should include the following procedures:

  • A visual inspection for demolition and cleaning completeness
  • Mold screening tests in the affected area
  • Mold screening tests for possible contamination outside the affected area
  • Reporting any ongoing conditions which may continue to put the building at risk of a new mold problem
  • Lab processing of test samples and delivery of report

In the interests of both continuity and to avoid a conflict of interest, it’s best to use the same company that performed the initial mold inspection.  As with the initial procedure, the clearance inspector should have no business or financial relationship with the company that performed the mold removal. While there are a number of companies that perform all four steps in the mold inspection and removal processes, the chances of engaging an unqualified or inexperienced company are high in this industry, compromising your legal standing in the off chance that a lawsuit may be necessary down the road.

Rebuilding the Property

Once the residential structure has been thoroughly inspected and the all-clear is given by the clearance inspector, it’s time to repair or rebuild those portions of the building affected by the mold removal process.

Depending on the severity of the mold damage and remediation, repairs or new construction may be required before tenants or homeowners can resume normal activities in all areas of the structure. Depending on the building’s owner or manager, this step may be completed by a private construction contractor, general construction laborers, the owner or even members of the remediation company.

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