Mold Solutions & Inspections

I called this company on Monday and was told that they would call me back. I haven't heard anything from them during the whole week. This is not what I call professionalism.

I had MSI come to my house previously after a sewer leak from my neighbor flooded my basement. I had a mold issue in a different property I own from a pipe burst. There was significant mold damage on the ceiling and a wall in the back bedroom. Joe and his crew came out, took the plaster wall and ceiling down and cleaned the wood. After that was completed, they encapsulated the wood to a bright white finish. A couple of days later I had to have a third party come out and test to make sure that everything was clear in order for me to get paid from the insurance company. The pretest went from 1800 Aspergillus count, to the lowest numerical value it could be <13. My insurance agent was so impressed she asked for their number which I provided. Joe is without question the easiest and most honest person to deal with and I could not be happier or thank them enough.

I was very apprehensive about setting up a mold inspection because of the rampant fraud in this area. I reviewed MSI's customer reviews, and contacted them because of their reputation. I talked to Joe directly, and he was able to get to my house within the same week as my first call. He answered every question I had with full explanations (hypothetical or real), and was very personable. He took great care around the house, and even made sure not to call me with the results very early or late because of my baby at home. My results were very good, and Joe didn't try to "sell" me anything. He told me what to be cautious about, how to plan for it, and answered the additional if/then questions I had. I certainly will contact him again, and I highly recommend him to friends and family.

Wow, I'm in a conundrum over this one! Joe is incredibly personable and likeable, and he presents as expert in what he does. But, after all was said and done, I have some *extreme* concerns about M.S.I. First, Joe performed a mold inspection for $570 of my newly purchased home. The inspection included air samples in four locations and one tape sample of a joist in the basement--that was about on par with other estimates I'd received to do an inspection. In his visual inspection, he said he noted multiple areas of water damage that had been painted over recently. He said that even though my Frigidaire dehumidifier read 40% RH, his equipment read between 65-69% RH in the air and on the walls (I later triangulated with multiple hygrometers and found a consistent 39-40% reading??). He told me that I should consider consulting an attorney and it was possible that my insurance would cover the problem as well. I did not feel at all, at that point, that he was trying to give me a hard sell; he told me he did not need my business, but X is what I would get if I went with his business and how he differed from the other companies that charged so much less. He shared with me about how the expense to remediate could range from $3000-4000 dollars to one contract he was working on a few blocks away on my same street that was $48,000. Okay, all fine and good...I started getting worried, but felt calmed that he said this was something that could definitely be fixed! When he left, he told me not to forget to write up my rating on Angie's List. When the inspection came back a week later, he said there was good news, bad news, and the uncertain. He said my air samples were quite low, but he was concerned that mold had been painted over and in a matter of time the picture would be very different (the uncertain). He said the bad news was that the tape sample showed 'the bad kind of mold' that causes 'pneumocystis' and other severe problems. But, he said, it was all fixable and he would get me an estimate to do the work. I was a bit hesitant to have the inspector also bidding to do the work (as with home and radon inspections, that could be considered a conflict of interest); but he seemed to know his business and I wanted multiple estimates. After several days of not getting an estimate, I called him. He said I would probably be looking at about $10,000 to do the remediation and he would get me a formal estimate ASAP. I told him I was looking into an attorney and insurance as he had suggested. At that point he told me that that was not the way the process worked, that I was supposed to have the work completed and that he would document the process and THEN I should take the 'evidence' to the attorney and insurance companies for recompense. That just did not sit right with me (and conflicted with advice I had received from friends who were attorneys!). Meanwhile, I sent the report to several other mold remediation companies to get estimates; I highlight my experience with these companies because the comparison demonstrates why I am so disappointed with my experience with M.S.I.. One commented that my mold spore counts were pretty low, and suggested I just get a high grade dehumidifier ($1000-2000) to see if it would resolve the problem before taking any additional steps. Another gave me an estimate for removing the mold from the joist and installing a high grade dehumidifier ($1000-2000). Two others never even called me back. A third said he did not want to see the report at first, he wanted to do a visual inspection first. His comments were that there was evidence of water penetration in a front closet where the water meter was and that there was some type of mold on the joists, but that the basement had been very well done to encourage breathability and preventative measures against mold). He then looked at the report itself. He said my air samples were indeed low in the report (and gave me a detailed explanation that included references I could look up to read more). But, what caught my attention was that he said the mold that was on the joists was *not* toxic but it was an allergenic. He said that unless someone in the home had specific mold allergies, I did not really even need to do anything special to remediate it at this point. He suggested I put in a high grade dehumidifier and, if I wanted, they could remediate the mold and do some additional steps to prevent future mold growth in susceptible areas. The cost for all (including the dehumidifier which could be compact given the size of my home): about $1500-2000. He said that if I still had problems with odor, they could run wall cavity samples to see if something was going on behind the walls; he did not want to rip anything out unless there was evidence that it needed to be done. This was consistent with what the other two companies who got back with me had said in terms of action and cost. And THEN I got Joe's estimate....he said he was cutting me a deal because he had left over material from another property and he could do my job for just $8900. From reading his written estimate, this $8900 did not appear to include any steps to prevent future mold growth (e.g. a high grade dehumidifier) and it certainly did not include replacement of the finished basement after it was completely gutted for the remediation. I about fell on the floor.... His estimate was so incredibly out of line with other professionals in the field; further his recommendations just didn't make sense--e.g., don't contact the lawyer or insurance company first, let us do all the work and then contact them; there MAY be mold behind the paint of your drywall, so let us rip it ALL out as a first step to solve the odor problem. When you couple this inconsistency with his comments to me that the mold on my joists was 'the bad kind' (which would suggest to a layperson who does not know the categories of mold that it meant 'toxic' mold), I can be nothing but disappointed in my experience with M.S.I. At best, he was suggesting using a sledgehammer to kill a fly (by ripping out the entire basement for an all out remediation of places where there may or may not have been mold in response to an inspection that revealed little evidence of mold). At worst, well...I don't need to go there!

I read hundreds of reviews before deciding on MSI. When I first called I did not get a response, then called again. This supplier is so busy and there is a good reason: they do an excellent job. I had allowed my old dishwasher to leak for about 6 months until I had the money to buy a new one, and did not realize just because the floor dried every night that damage was being done to my basement. Joe came to take a look at the basement. The area under the dishwasher was totally infested, but since it was in the corner I never noticed it. My house had always smelled moldy from the day I bought it 29 years ago, but I never saw mold until August. There was more mold in back of my washer and dryer and in the closet. Joe explained that mold comes from humidity, not just a leak, and Philadelphia is very humid. He gave me a ballpark estimate, and the actual cost fell within the estimated range.. The MSI crew arrived on time every day and worked without a break. The job took 3 days. One of the reasons I chose MSI is because his people take classes every year on best methods, and it showed. The were efficient and my house no longer smells of mold.

Joe was very honest and explained that without putting in french drains and sump pumps, the problem, if there was one, would reappear. He does not do the sump pump work only the removal of any mold that might be found under the drywall.

Before work was performed Joe inspected our home to provide an estimate. We had discovered a mold issue on one wall on our 3rd floor. While Joe provided an estimate he was very upfront about the unknown. The source of water infiltration was still being investigated and there could be issues on the 4th floor above yet to be determined, as well as potential issues in the floors below. We gave the go ahead to proceed. Joe did a great job of keeping communication open, educating as we went, and being thorough in their attack. Multiple air handlers were brought in and work commenced. Unfortunately the work was more extensive than initially identified/hoped but Joe and team did a great, thorough job, coming back Saturday morning to finish. Should the need arise, we would use Joe/MSI again & likely will have them back to test for mold after we've fixed the source of water infiltration. We also recommend Joe unequivocally should you be considered his services.

I used Joe before for mold remediation in my previous house, so I wanted to have tests done in my new house before settlement. As usual he was a pleasure to work with. We easily coordinated a time that we could meet with the Realtor to let us in. After the results came back he thoroughly explained everything to me. Highly recommended!

I've worked with Mold Solutions & Inspections previously. The work is consistently superb. Mr. Fiorilli is as conscientious and dedicated as anyone with whom I've ever worked. He is courteous in person and on the telephone. When I reported this problem to him, he responded quickly. The problem was discovered on July 3 and he was at my home on July 4. After doing a cursory inspection, he explained what he saw and what he needed to do to determine the extent of the problem and remediate it. On the Monday after July 4, he and his workers appeared in clean work clothes. Having worked with Mr. Fiorilli before, I felt no concern about leaving his staff and him in our home. I got a call a few hours later and was told the job was not big, but not tiny either. Mr. Fiorilli told me exactly what it would cost and we agreed upon a price. The work was completed quickly the same day although equipment was left to aid in the drying. Two days later Mr. Fiorilli and his workers removed the equipment with no damage whatsoever to the house. One big plus with Mr. Fiorilli is he knows how to properly phrase his reports so that the insurance company knows exactly what was done and why. Both times that I have used Mr. Fiorilli's service, there have been no questions from the insurance company as to what was done, why it needed to be done, the fact that it was covered and the reasonableness of the price. It's tough enough to deal with a problem like mold. Having Mr. Fiorilli and Mold Solutions & Inspections on your side makes it easier. A LOT easier.

He came promptly and did everything as promised. The report came back in a timely manner. The lab he sent it to indicated we have a mold problem in one side of our basement.

I called Joe (owner) the day it happened to get information on what I should do in this situation, and he called me back that same day. Not only did he provide me with information on his professional mitigation services (what they do in this situation and why), he gave me extremely valuable information on how to navigate this type of water damage since I've never dealt with this before (bought my first house about 1.5 years ago so I'm learning as I go). He stayed on the phone with me for over 30 minutes trying to give me advice on how to figure out where the water was coming from (because I would need that info before filing with the insurance company), and then also gave me useful advice on how to handle this with my insurance company. Additionally, he provide me with an excellent reference for a public adjustor, who was also extremely professional, prompt and helpful (the adjustor came to my home, gave me info on what to say to insurance company and how to provide proof of the damage, and charged me nothing). I waited a few days before calling Joe back to have mitigation services scheduled because I was trying to figure out the source of the issue with my plumber, and basement waterproofing contractors (who installed my french drain and sump pump). After several days the smell of rotting carpet soiled with my neighbor's sewer water was unbearable, so I called Joe back to see when he would be able to come for service. He understood immediately that it was an emergency and scheduled to come first thing the next morning. He and two additional crew showed up on time, with all the necessary equipment. They put down all the towels and tarps throughout my house to protect my wood floors and surfaces. Before starting the work Joe spoke with me about the range of price for the service, and that they wouldn't know exactly what it would cost until they removed the drywall and carpeting (which totally made sense) - He also took a few snapshots of the damage for me before starting the work. Throughout the day he kept checking in with me and explaining what they found and the extent of the damage to my existing surfaces (thankfully it was on the lower end of the price range, which oddly made me feel like something was going in my favor in this unfortunate situation). He brought me down there once they were far enough along to show me their progress. The two guys who did most of the work were very friendly, respectful of my property and professional. He left one huge humidifier and several high powered fans to dry everything out for two days. He also explained to me how the invoice will be structured so that I don't have any issues with insurance company (fingers crossed!). Additionally, he left the remnants of the damaged carpet and drywall in small trash bags in my back yard so that the adjustor would be able to inspect (and in small enough bags so that I could carry them to the front of house for garbage pick up). Thankfully he knows the important items that need to be addressed in order to make the process with the insurance company go as "smooth" as possible - I can't speak to how that will go for me since I plan to call them on Thursday as soon as all the work is complete and I have the invoice from MSI. The price ended up being within the range he quoted over the phone, and on the lower end of the range. I didn't call around to get quote from other providers so I can't compare the prices (although it was similar to what my public adjuster estimated when he saw the damages at the house),however I can say that the service that MSI provided has great value in that I trusted the owner and the crew and felt extremely confident in their professionalism and the service they provided. I hope to never need mitigation services for this issue in my basement again, but given this was my situation, I am very thankful for MSI, Joe, and his team! Taking a few deep breaths hoping I can recoup most of the costs through my insurance company to get my basement back to the way it was before.

It was just perfect and seamless. Communication is key and Je kept me in the loop the whole time!

Had a flood in my basement from a sewer pipe and we got a couple inches of water. Called MSI and spoke to a woman who put me directly in touch with Joe. He came out to my house and walked me through the entire process. His crew came that night and pumped the water out, cut all of the wet materials and dried the basement. The MSI crew were so nice and they kept everything covered and clean. The smell in the home was gone, and Joe came back the next couple of days to monitor the equipment that they left. Three days later, his crew was back and they removed all of their equipment and the basement never look so good. He gave me copies of all of the pictures and paper work and I couldn't be happier. I hope this never happens again, but at least if it does I know who to call.

I found MSI on another site and called there office and spoke to Joe directly on the phone about a potential mold problem we could have had do to a water leak from our bathroom. He was extremely nice and explained everything to me in full detail and we scheduled an appointment for the following day. He performed air sampling and surface testing and within a few days the results came back showing mold. All of the documents were sent to my insurance company the same day, expediting our loss and making it painless for us. I would highly recommend this company, as Joe uses his expertise rather than "scare tactics" which is what I got from some other companies.

I had a scheduled appointment for between 10:00AM and 11:00AM. I had to leave work to meet them at my house so I asked that I receive a phone call 45minutes before arrival, so I could be there to meet them. Well, 10:00AM came and went so I left work to sit home and wait for them. 11:15AM also came and went and still no phone call. I called twice to inquire what was going on but nobody answered my call. I am glad I wasted my time today waiting on a no-show. Very unprofessional...

I was questioning whether we actually had mold so I wanted someone to come and say we actually did. They came out and did couple of tests in the attic and walked me through with it and basically it had mold. He was very informative and took his time to explain different types of mold. I went to the attic and he showed me different tests and walked me through all the different scenarios and I felt comfortable that he wasn’t just making it up. He takes his time and sits down and he was here for 45 minutes and 30 minutes of which he was talking to me and walking me through different scenarios and process that they would use. He makes me comfortable.

I must say that Joe was very nice and accommodating for my inspection. He went above and beyond doing his job. I had originally scheduled him to complete the job on a Tuesday @ 10am. Unfortunately, because of my own mix up I arrived @11am and we missed each other. Joe was very understanding and squeezed me in the next day to ensure I had the inspection report before my deadline. He was very prompt in the delivery of my inspection results and explained it in understandable terms.

After experiencing an overwhelming odor in our home, we contacted MSI. Joe came out almost immediately and started testing - the tests were positive and arrangements were made to get rid of the mold. Joe was very clear from the start that his testing may not have revealed everything, and it didn't. There were some additional areas to be treated (and wall sot be pulled down), but I was never under the assumption that the first estimate was the final cost. As it was only a small amount f additional work needed to be done. I would definitely recommend Joe for any mold work you may need.

This is the third time we hired Joe's company. I didn't even try calling anyone else. We were extremely happy with the work they have done for us in the past. Joe had cleaned our basement joists for us before. We knew we still have mold in other areas. We did more tests and found mold under the basement stairs which were not accessible before. Joe and his crew came on a Sunday to do the work because of their schedule backlog. They were wonderful, professional, accommodating and helpful. I highly recommend Joe's company.

It went wonderfully. Joe was attentive, knowledgeable, and put us at ease in all of our dealings. He explained what he was going to do and why, while also being honest about the limitations of what his company would do. The main thing he could not do was the reconstruction on the wall and ceiling that he had to knock out to fix the water damage. He explained that he saw this as a conflict of interest for a company do do both the water damage repair and reconstruction. If a company does both, it is in their best interest to do more damage so they can charge you more for the rebuilding. Once they began the work, they were quick and efficient. They took care of everything and did not leave any mess. They also took pictures all along the way, so that we could see the work in process. Finally, he made some great recommendations on who to speak to next. I highly recommend Joe and MSI for anyone who has water damage or mold problems.

Tesing results provided within 3 days; negative for mold as evidenced by detailed lab report.

They are outstanding I am very happy with the work they provided. I can't think of any reason to go to anyone one else I'm completely satisfied with them. If I could use them for life I would and I would give the A's across the board. I wish more companies were like them and I will use them in the future if I needed.

Mold Solutions & Inspections was great. I would use them again in the future.

Joe and his team did a fantastic job - I highly recommend him and his company...

Joe responded quickly to my initial call and was patient as he explained the process to me. He was punctual for the appointment and efficient, yet thorough during the inspection. He was thoughtful about his recommendations about the number and nature of the tests for the inspection. His instincts regarding where the mold may be were right on. We are hoping to negotiate with the sellers on how to handle remediation of the mold that was found. Please note - I called MSI on my own just to be extra diligent in inspections with the house. The home inspector told me that he wouldn't have recommended a mold inspector, but we did find mold so I'm glad that we called one in.