How to avoid the “Free Inspection” scam, understanding the conflict of interest, and the 5 certifications you must verify before signing a contract.
NEVER hire the same company to Test for mold and Remove the mold.
This is a massive conflict of interest. If the person testing your home makes money by finding a problem, they will always find a problem. You must separate “State” (Testing) and “Church” (Cleaning).
1. The Two Types of Professionals
To protect your wallet and your health, you must hire two separate entities. Think of it like a “Doctor” and a “Surgeon.”
| Role | The Doctor (IEP) | The Surgeon (Remediator) |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Indoor Environmental Professional | Mold Remediation Contractor |
| Job | Diagnose the source. Write the “Protocol.” | Follow the Protocol. Demolish & Clean. |
| Equipment | Moisture meters, Thermal cameras, Lab tests. | Air scrubbers, Containment plastic, Vacuums. |
| Order | Step 1 & Step 3 | Step 2 Only |
2. Certifications That Matter
Mold remediation is largely unregulated in many states (like Texas or New York), meaning anyone with a van can call themselves an expert. You must demand to see these specific badges.
- For Remediators: Look for IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). specifically the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) badge.
- For Testers (IEPs): Look for ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification). The gold standard is CIEC (Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant).
3. The “Free Inspection” Scam
If a company offers a “Free Mold Inspection,” run away. Real diagnostics take time, expensive equipment, and lab fees. A free inspection is simply a sales pitch.
If they say they can just “fog the house” with a chemical without removing drywall, it is a scam. Dead mold behind the wall will continue to rot your house.
If they start ripping out walls without setting up plastic barriers (containment) and negative air pressure, they are contaminating your entire house.
4. The 5-Question Interview Checklist
Ask these questions on the phone before you let them into your home.
- “Do you do your own testing, or can I use an independent IEP?” Correct Answer: “We prefer you use an independent IEP so there is no conflict of interest.”
- “Will you set up negative air pressure containment?” Correct Answer: “Yes, for any job over 10 sq ft, we build a containment chamber.”
- “Do you use bleach or antimicrobial sealants?” Correct Answer: “No, we physically remove the material. We may use a fungicide on framing, but removal is the priority.”
- “Are your technicians IICRC certified?” Correct Answer: “Yes, our lead tech holds an AMRT certification.”
- “Do you guarantee passing a Clearance Test?” Correct Answer: “Yes. If the independent tester finds mold after we leave, we come back and reclean for free.”
5. What Must Be In The Quote
A professional quote is not just a price on a napkin. It must be a detailed Scope of Work that matches the IEP’s protocol.
- Line Item Details: “Remove 12ft of drywall,” “HEPA vacuuming of truss system,” “Apply encapsulant to framing.”
- Insurance Info: Proof of Pollution Liability Insurance (General Liability does NOT cover mold).
- Timeline: Estimated days for demolition vs. drying.
6. The Clearance Test (Final Step)
Never pay the final 10-20% of the bill until you pass Post-Remediation Verification (PRV).
This is where the “Doctor” (IEP) comes back. They will take air samples inside the containment zone while the machines are still running. If the spore count is higher than the outdoor air, the “Surgeon” (Remediator) failed and must clean again.