When you suspect mold in your home, rental property, or place of business, identifying and remediating the problem quickly is of the utmost importance. Take care when choosing an inspector, however. Not all companies offering mold testing services are solely interested in your best interests as a property owner. Finding the right mold inspector, says Los Angeles mold testing expert Jason Harris of Same Day Mold Testing, means finding an inspector with no vested interest in the outcome of the inspection.
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
When selecting a mold inspector, keep in mind that while some companies offer “test and removal” services, these companies stand to benefit financially from positively identifying a mold problem and making extensive and costly recommendations for remediation. Hiring a “test-only” inspector, Harris says, is the only way to avoid this potential conflict of interest.
“When you hire an inspector (as opposed to a remediator), you are hiring someone whose role is to inspect, test and consult – nothing else,” Harris explains. “This is an important distinction from a mold removal company that also offers inspections, and it’s up to you as the buyer to understand the difference.”
Furthermore, he says, a clearance inspection should be performed after the mold has been removed and before the area is rebuilt. It’s critical not to allow the remediation company to perform the clearance inspection because it has a vested interest in passing a clearance inspection (it will cost the remediation company more time and money if the project fails). For this reason, Harris insists, post-remediation inspections should be performed by someone working for you, rather than for the company that did the work.
Choosing the Right Independent Inspector
The mold inspector you choose should offer a value proposition that sets him apart from the others. Choose a mold inspector, Harris says, who is certified. There are several entities that certify mold inspectors, and it’s important to choose someone who is certified by a nationally-recognized organization with an online registry. This allows you to verify his certification independently, regardless of the paperwork that he may produce on-site, and to verify that he is in good standing with the certifying organization. Licensure, Harris says, is not required for mold inspectors in California.
A strong web presence is a good sign when it comes to mold inspectors, Harris says. “A good web site tells you a lot about a company’s qualifications, knowledge and accessibility. And you want to know you can find your inspector when you need him,” he says.
Strong testimonials from satisfied customers are also important. Any good inspector, Harris says, should be able to provide you with referrals from customers. An inspector’s experience should also be a consideration, says Harris. “You want someone who’s been in the game for at least a couple of years,” he says.