Questions to Ask When You are Looking for a Mold Remediation Contractor
You suspect you have mold in your house. Now, what? Here are some key questions to ask when looking for a mold remediation contractor—who can identify, remove, clean up and remediate the issue.
- Is the company licensed? Every state has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. A licensed contractor has the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code. While a license doesn’t guarantee quality, it provides you with some assurance that the contractor has adequate knowledge and experience in his or her field. Licenses need to be renewed annually and require that certain qualifications are met.
- Is the company properly certified for mold removal and remediation? The proper certification makes certain that the company has the necessary expertise and experience to deal with the mold inside the home; it also guarantees that the technicians are well trained in how to remove the mold safely to prevent any potential health risks. Reputable remediation companies will be able to demonstrate that they participate in certification programs such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
- How knowledgeable are the technicians? As mentioned already, it’s important to work with a company that has the right expertise and certification. Make sure the individuals coming to your home know their stuff when it comes to mold! There are many different types of mold strains, and many unethical remediation companies out there like to use scare tactics to sell their mold remediation services. Make sure you only work with reputable, knowledgeable professionals.
- Is the company insured? Before hiring a contractor, find out what type of liability insurance the mold specialist has, what that insurance covers and the amount of coverage. The insurance should cover mold or microbial work. Plus, confirm that the company has workers’ compensation insurance. This is required in New Jersey of commercial cleaning and restoration companies. Otherwise, the homeowner may be at risk of a lawsuit or expenses if a worker gets injured on the property.
- Does the company conduct background checks on its employees? Make certain that the contractor’s employees have all had background checks. This practice ensures that reputable people are doing the job.
- Do the company’s employees wear uniforms? Employees should all wear company uniforms. This allows the homeowner and their family to easily identify employees of the company and know who is on the property.
- How long has the company been in business? And, can the business provide references? Ask the contractor about their history doing this type of cleanup and restoration work and for references from similar projects. It’s also good idea to also verify business information with the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Better Business Bureau to find out if complaints were filed against the company.
- Does the company provide a written estimate? This will ensure that all contractors are bidding on the same work. The estimate should be detailed and include all services to be provided. Of course, the contractor should come to the job site prior to estimating the job. Estimates should not be given over the phone without the site being seen.
- What services does the company provide? Find out exactly what services the mold remediation company will be providing. If something doesn’t sound right, ask for more information concerning the advisability of what the contractor is suggesting. Get all your questions about the work answered before allowing the contractor to proceed. It is best to deal with a company that will not only handle the mold and mildew remediation but will also fix the areas on the walls that allowed moisture in. Otherwise, there is a good chance that the mold will return.
- Does the company work with insurance companies? Often mold remediation requires interfacing with the homeowner’s insurance company. It is beneficial to work with a company that can help facilitate the paperwork, expedite services and return the situation to it normal state.
AOA Cleaning and Restoration is a licensed mold remediation contractor. Our company is IICRC certified, and our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Restoration Science Academy (RSA). We are also a member of the NJ Better Business Bureau.