Miami Mold Services
Can a mold company in Florida inspect and remove mold from a same property?
No, it is not allowed for a mold company to perform mold testing and remediation on the same property before 12 months even if they are licensed for both testing and removal.
Florida laws are designed to avoid conflicts between mold inspection and mold restoration services. It ensures the clients get an unbiased assessment for their mold issues and the restoration process will be done according to the fair inspection. You can avoid costly mistakes by understanding the difference between mold inspection, mold testing, and mold restoration.
The difference between mold remediation and mold assessment
The terms mold assessment, mold testing, and mold removal are misunderstood by taking them reciprocally. However, these are totally different.
The job of a mold evaluator
The job of a mold evaluator is to inspect a property and identify the extent of mold present at a property. He will also guide you about the next steps. Mold inspection involves:
- Visual assessment of the area
- Assessment of water damage and finding the moisture source
- Inspecting hidden areas where mold can be present
- If required, collecting surface or air samples
- Identifying the extent of mold and damage
- Providing a protocol for mold remediation process
A mold inspector is responsible for providing an unbiased assessment and recommendations for remediation.
The job of a mold remediation company
The actual cleanup and mold removal process is performed by the mold remediation company. It involves:
- Arranging the areas where mold is present
- Removing the materials with contamination
- Cleaning the affected surfaces
- HEPA air scrubbers and other modern tools are used
- Handling the moisture issues that lead to mold development
- Restoring the property
The remediation process is based on the plan crafted after the mold assessment.
Why is it not allowed for the same company to evaluate and restore the same property in Florida?
To reduce the conflicts of interest, the laws of Florida have separated the mold assessment and mold restoration process. If the same company performs mold inspection and mold remediation, there is a possibility that the company can declare a larger mold issue than truly exists or ask for needless work to quote higher prices.
If an independent mold evaluator discovers a small area that needs repair due to mold, a company that provides both services may recommend a larger restoration area to get financial benefit.
It is beneficial for the clients to separate these tasks because:
- Independent inspection of the property makes the decision unbiased
- More economical and realistic recommendations will be given
- The pricing will be transparent
- After cleanup, better verification can be performed
Can a company provide mold testing and mold removal services in Florida?
A company can only provide both services if it complies with the licensing requirements of Florida law. Yet, the same company is not allowed to evaluate a property and perform restoration on the same property. Companies do have separate sections and different certified experts, but it is always recommended to choose different companies for the assessment and restoration process.
Is mold testing essential before removal?
- Confirm if the mold is present
- Recognize the types of mold
- Make a comparison between indoor and outdoor spore levels
- Create documentation to use for legal situations, property transactions, or insurance claims
Accurate mold removal process in Florida
Mold remediation process involves some essential steps
1
The property is evaluated by a certified mold assessor to identify the affected areas.
2
The assessor provides a remediation plan of what things should be removed, cleaned or restored.
3
According to the plan, a certified company will perform the cleanup process.
4
After the remediation process, an evaluator will inspect the property to identify if the remediation is done properly.
To make sure all mold problems are dealt with expertise rather than just covering the visible mold, this process is very helpful.
What should be asked before hiring mold services?
You must ask if they are licensed for mold remediation or assessment.
Ask if the same person will perform both tasks.
Demand proof of their licensing.
Question them if they provide a written restoration plan.
You must ask if they do post-remediation verification.
Ask them what steps they take to resolve the moisture issue.
A reliable company will remain transparent about the process and provide all the details easily.
Why is it essential to fix the moisture issues?
Moisture is the main source of mold. If you remove mold and do not resolve the moisture issues, it will cause recurrent mold development. Moisture is mostly caused by:
Flood damage
Poor ventilation
Roof leakage
Plumbing failures
High humidity levels
HVAC moisture issues
A professional mold remediation company will remove mold contamination as well as the source of moisture to avoid recurrent mold development.
Miami Mold Services
Conclusion
Florida has separated mold evaluation and mold restoration services to avoid conflicts of interests. A certified mold evaluator will assess the property and a remediation company will provide restoration services.
Call a mold assessor for proper evaluation if you feel mold issues at your home. You must choose certified professionals who provide reliable services according to the laws of Florida.
