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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.

Avoiding Scams from Mold Damage Companies

July 6, 2016 9:29 am Leave a Comment

Homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area aren’t the only residents concerned with mold. It’s a problem faced by area realtors, contractors, property managers, landlords and tenants. In large residential or commercial buildings, the costs for mold testing and remediation can climb into many thousands of dollars. If the mold infestation is serious, tenants may be forced to vacate their homes and/or business locations until the mold is removed.

The mold testing and removal industry grew in direct proportion to the public’s awareness of the problem. Unfortunately, this industry growth has become profitable enough to attract businesses that are not properly trained or certified in testing for and eliminating mold problems. The importance of becoming educated on how to successfully hire a reputable mold testing company and avoid getting scammed cannot be stressed enough. Here are several more tips on protecting people and properties from mold scans.

Questionable Inspections

Anyone who owns or manages a property must perform due diligence when investigating complaints about possible mold growth. A mold inspector from a “test only” company will collect moisture readings and samples in order to confirm or rule out a mold problem. A certified mold inspector who isn’t affiliated with a mold remediation business has no reason to find a mold problem where none exists. On the other hand, a full-service test and removal company does, and will usually “discover” mold.

There are different types of mold testing — most common include air and surface sampling for mold spores in the air and on walls, furniture, shelving and counter tops. Bulk surface sampling includes testing fabrics, carpet, and other porous materials. If mold is visible, further testing may be necessary to confirm the type of mold present. Wall cavity sampling is more invasive and aimed determining if there is a hidden mold problem inside of walls.

Common Scam Tactics

Be aware of “black mold” discoveries. This well-known term is not as common as people believe. Many types of molds are black in color, and a simple visual inspection will not provide a definitive answer. Qualified laboratory testing is necessary to determine the type of mold present with any degree of accuracy.

Effective mold remediation never involves merely covering it up. Disreputable remediation companies employ gimmicks such as using fumigants, ozone generators, encapsulation, and other expensive methods that may be more toxic than the mold itself, including using chlorine bleach. Mold must be completely removed and the moisture leak that enabled it to grow must be eliminated.

Why a Mold “Test Only” Company is Important

June 22, 2016 9:26 am Leave a Comment

There are various processes used to test a private home or apartment building for mold, but if you suspect you may have a problem, it’s important to consult a certified mold inspector with no ties to any mold remediation company. There are countless companies in the greater Los Angeles area that offer both mold inspections and remediation services, but it can cause a conflict of interest that homeowners and property managers should avoid.

How to Choose a “Test Only” Mold Inspector

Make certain that the mold inspector you choose has no affiliation with a mold removal contracting company — a test-only inspector will have no vested interest in the results of the inspection and tests. The outcome will be an unbiased account of the true state of your property.

Verify each mold inspector’s experience and references before choosing one. An experienced mold inspector will probably have performed hundreds of mold inspections annually, so ask for an inspector’s credentials and a list of former clients you can contact for references.

There are several easily verifiable, nationally recognized professional mold inspection certification organizations. Make sure the mold inspector’s certification is backed up by verifiable work experience and any certifications are issued by accredited educational organizations.

A reputable mold inspection company will also carry professional liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation insurance. Additionally, the company or inspector should hold verifiable membership with at least one national trade association for mold inspection professionals — another important point.

A test only mold inspector should provide you with a written pre-inspection agreement listing all inspection and laboratory testing fees and the entire range of the inspection before work begins. Upon completion of the inspection/testing process, he or she should also provide you with a report that clearly documents the results of the visual inspection, including the location(s) and measurements taken of mold growth and the laboratory results of samples taken during the inspection.

The Benefits of Choosing an Unbiased Mold Inspector

Hiring a test only mold inspection company protects everyone concerned: the building owners, occupants and the mold remediation company (if needed). If the inspection report does indicate the need for mold remediation, the testing results will help assure that you’ll mitigate being oversold on costly and possibly unnecessary structural repairs or reconstruction by a remediation contractor.

What is a Mold Clearance Inspection?

June 8, 2016 9:09 am Leave a Comment

After having mold remediation performed, it’s important to schedule a mold clearance inspection of the work areas in order to ensure that the mold cleanup was done correctly and effectively, without accidentally distributing high levels of moldy dust or debris into other areas of the structure or the building’s HVAC system.

Why a Clearance Inspection?

If the remediation required removing interior or exterior walls or more, a clearance inspection is needed in order to verify that the mold has been adequately removed before reconstruction starts. It will also satisfy disclosure requirements for buyers in the event of a future sale by demonstrating that you handled the problem properly.

In order to avoid any conflict of interest, the mold clearance inspection should never be performed by the mold remediation contracting company or its business associates. The best course is to contact an independent mold inspection company, preferably the one that did the original mold testing.

Variables That Affect Testing

In addition to an expert visual inspection, the inspection requires testing for cross-contamination of moldy dust by screening building areas that were not part of the mold cleanup job.

Conducting air tests alone may produce unreliable results, as the airborne level of particles can vary greatly depending on a number of environmental variables.

Whether the HVAC systems are on or off
If fans are moving the air
Whether the home or building is empty or occupied (human activity can affect the difference in active airborne particle activity)
Whether one or more windows or interior/exterior doors is open or closed

The Clearance Inspection Procedure

The goal of the visual and analytical testing procedures is to ensure that the mold remediation process and cleanup reduced airborne mold spores to acceptable, pre-mold levels.

A visual inspection will be performed within the containment area in order to ensure the absence of any lingering moisture, dust or debris and the lack of visible fungal growth in the area.
The moisture content of any construction materials in the area will be inspected and tested for moisture content levels.
Airborne spore samples will be taken inside and outside of the remediated area for the levels to be analyzed in a laboratory for balance and/or discrepancies.

If all of these tests return acceptable results, no further remediation will be required. However, if any one or more of the above test results are unacceptable, either a re-inspection or additional mold remediation will be recommended.

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. – Angie’s List 2012 Super Service Award

December 14, 2012 9:14 am Leave a Comment

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. arms Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Same Day Mold Testing, Inc, has earned the service industry- coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“The team at Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. is elated that Angie’s List members have consistently regarded us as a provider of excellent customer service in the mold testing services industry. We pride ourselves on being educators about the distinction between Test Only and Test and Remove companies. It is our position that consumers benefit when they realize the inherent conflict of interest for Test and Remove companies that may exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions.” Jason Harris, CMI Same Day Mold Testing, Inc.

It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Same Day Mold Testing, Inc. earned this reputation speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Mold Inspection Costs? It’s Not Free For Sure! Here’s Why…

December 3, 2012 9:16 am Leave a Comment

Ever heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” Well, that saying hold true for mold inspection costs. Here’s the lowdown on how much you should expect to pay for a mold inspection. But first, you need to know there are two types of mold inspectors: mold testing only and mold testing & mold repair.

Mold Test Only. Mold inspection companies should only perform mold testing and not perform mold repair. It is considered a conflict of interest to do both because the test and repair company may exaggerate the problem in order to overcharge for a solution. Mold inspection costs for test only companies are paid at the time of the inspection. The test only business molded is preferred because consumer are less likely to be uphold on costly repairs if the inspector should up for free. In essence, mold removal companies pose as mold inspectors to offer free inspections to unsuspecting customers. Be sure to hire a mold test only company when you are trying to determine if you have a mold problem. Paying mold costs up front will lessen the likelihood of overpaying of mold repairs.
Mold Test and Mold Repair. Several test and repair companies backload the cost of mold testing by offering low-cost or free mold inspections for the purpose of being the first responder. Conventional wisdom holds that first responders will usually get the job. So, how do you think mold removal companies cover the mold inspection cost? Each visit costs $50-$100 just to show up. There’s the advertising dollar spent to get your cell, the phone bill, the cost of labor to take the call and show up to your property, fuel and other costs of doing business (insurance, utilities). If a mold removal company shows up to ten house for “free”without getting a single job, they’re out nearly a thousand dollars. They simply couldn’t stay in business without finding a mold “problem.” And they won’t be profitable unless a majority of the house have a mold “problem.” That is why mold test and repair companies exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions.
Mold Inspection Cost. Once you know the difference between mold test-only and mold test & mold repair, you have a better appreciation for the cost of mold testing. As stated in the mold test and mold repair paragraph, it cost $50-$100 just to show up. Then there is the time factor associated with performing the mold inspection and providing a mold report. Of course, every company needs to make a profit to effectively serve customers. All told, mold inspection costs by a reputable company range from $150 to $250. There are other mold costs as well, known as mold sampling. Mold testing is necessary for several reasons: mold identification, mold concentration, and indoor air quality. The going rate for mold sampling is $100 per sample. The inspection company pays an accredited laboratory to analyze the mold samples. Mold sampling is a mold cost that is helpful in determining the extent of the mold problem and establishing a scope of work for mold repair. The total number of samples vary for each job. The mold inspector makes sampling recommendations based on the factors associated with the building and its occupants.

To Summarize:

Mold inspection costs are real and should be expected for most consumers. It is rare that a customer will be told there is no problem when it cost the company $50-$100 just to show up.
Mold test and repair companies will show up for “free” but their objective is to show up first so they can exaggerate problems and overcharge for solutions.
Mold test only companies will charge to show up and charge for each sample. They are a better option because there is no hidden agenda to sell you on a potentially unnecessary repair.
Be an informed consumer of mold services and hire a test only, certified mold inspector.

Tag Archive: mold inspection