Who Do You Hire to Check for Mold?
Hire the best person to handle the well-being of your indoor environment
Mold growth in homes can lead to a host of health issues and property damage, underscoring the importance of timely detection and remediation. If you think you have a mold issue and you're wondering who to hire to check for mold, you have a few avenues you can take for this initial first step. Read on to assess important criteria before you hire the best person for the job or choose to DIY it.
Benefits of Hiring a Mold Remediation Specialist to Check for Mold
Mold can pose health risks and potentially damage your home, so it's important to address it promptly and effectively. If you suspect you have a mold infestation but aren't sure where it is, a mold remediation specialist is the perfect professional to call for help. The cost of mold inspection can range between $299 and $1,016.
Here are some advantages to hiring a mold remediation specialist:
Expertise: Mold remediation specialists are trained to accurately identify different types of mold, assess the extent of the infestation, and determine the best course of action for removal and prevention.
Thorough Inspection: Mold specialists are skilled at discovering mold in overlooked areas, including within wall structures, beneath floorings, and even in HVAC systems.
Safety: Mold has the potential to pose a serious threat to human health, and it should not be disturbed without adequate safety measures in place to prevent exposure and subsequent health risks. Mold remediation specialists are trained to safely handle the substance by using protective gear and containment methods to ensure the spores are not spread.
Proper Equipment: With their access to specialized equipment, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and HEPA air filtration systems, mold specialists can perform comprehensive mold inspection and remediation.
Remediation Plan: Specialists are skilled at crafting a comprehensive remediation plan to not only eradicate mold but prevent it from coming back.
Can I DIY Checking for Mold?
In many instances, checking for mold in your home can be a quick DIY project. You may even be wondering, do I need a mold inspection if I already know I have it? Mold frequently shows up in visible areas, such as bathrooms or basements, which likely doesn't require a mold inspection. In that case, you would already know you would need to hire a mold remediation specialist to address the issue.
However, if no signs of mold are present but you are noticing symptoms of mold, such as a strong odor or increased respiratory issues, a mold inspection is required. You need to identify the location to know where the issue lies. However, not all mold locations are easily accessible to the average homeowner. Mold can often be present in HVAC units or behind the walls.
While homeowners could certainly perform a visual check for mold, if the issue persists and the location isn't obvious, hiring a mold remediation specialist to do a full inspection is recommended.
Can I Hire a Handyperson to Check for Mold?
While a handyperson may not have the same level of expertise and equipment as a professional mold remediation specialist, they can still be a good resource for inspecting for mold. However, as you choose such a handyperson, find someone with some skill set in this area.
Here are some benefits of hiring a handyperson to check for mold:
Cost Effective: If you are on a tight budget and want an initial visual inspection of your mold problem, hiring a handyperson may be a cost-effective alternative to a mold remediation specialist. They typically charge less and can provide a preliminary assessment of the situation.
Basic Visual Inspection: A basic inspection by a handyperson can uncover noticeable signs of mold in the house, like discoloration or staining on surfaces. In addition, they can assist in identifying potential trouble spots, offering a helpful foundation for further investigation.
Minor Repairs and Remediation: Minor mold issues, such as moldy drywall or moisture problems caused by leaks, can be addressed by certain handypersons. Their skills may allow them to replace the moldy drywall or seal the leaks, which can prevent the problem from escalating and ultimately reduce the cost of remediation.
Preventative Maintenance: A skilled handyperson is capable of providing valuable guidance on maintenance and preventative measures aimed at mitigating the risk of mold growth. These measures can include fixing leakages, enhancing ventilation, and sealing any openings that allow moisture to infiltrate your home.
How Do Mold Remediation Specialists Check for Mold?
A mold remediation specialist will begin with a thorough visual inspection, during which they will carefully scrutinize different areas of the home that are susceptible to moisture problems, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and areas near potential water sources. They meticulously inspect these areas for visible signs of mold growth, such as discoloration, staining, or mold patches on surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as corners, cracks, and areas with a history of water leaks or intrusion.
Along with visual inspections, mold remediation specialists use specialized tools and equipment. Moisture meters are used to detect elevated moisture levels in building materials, which can suggest potential mold growth. Infrared cameras can uncover hidden moisture sources and potential mold lurking behind walls or beneath flooring. They also conduct air sampling and testing to detect the type and concentration of mold spores present in the indoor air. With this multifaceted approach, mold specialists can uncover not only visible mold but also hidden mold problems, providing a thorough assessment of the mold situation.
If mold is found in the home, the specialist will draft a mold remediation plan to eradicate it from the home. On average, mold remediation cost is between $1,125 and $3,345.