Thanks to the heavy rainfall and high humidity levels in Houston, mold is a problem a lot of homeowners have to deal with. Many homes are susceptible to water damage due to leaky roofs, inadequate vapor barriers, and a host of other issues. This combination of moisture and high humidity levels creates the perfect breeding ground for toxic mold to grow, often times going unnoticed by homeowners until it’s too late.
The problem is that mold is difficult to spot. Many times, it’s growing and spreading in areas where you can’t see or smell it. However, just because you can’t see it or smell it doesn’t mean that it isn’t spreading and damaging your home, and it doesn’t mean that it’s not putting your family’s health at risk.
That’s why mold inspections are so helpful. If you suspect your home may have a mold problem or if you’ve simply never had it tested for mold, hiring a professional mold inspector to come out an thoroughly examine your home for signs of toxic mold can uncover any potential problems and put your mind at ease.
Not All Mold Inspectors are Created Equal
Chances are that you’ve probably never had to hire a mold inspector, so you might not know what to look for when doing so. Unfortunately, not all mold inspectors can be trusted. Just because you see an ad or a Groupon for a Houston mold inspector doesn’t mean you should hire that company or individual to come perform a mold inspection on your home.
The problem is that some mold inspectors are biased and dishonest, and they will do anything they can to find a “problem” so they can keep sucking money out of you. Thankfully, not all mold inspection companies are like this. There are honest service providers out there who really do provide valuable services that help protect homeowners.
But how can you tell the difference between a good mold inspector and a shady one? Here are a few key tips that will help you protect yourself when scheduling a mold inspection.
- Research your options carefully—Before you hire any mold inspection company, make sure you thoroughly research your options. Look for companies that offer experience, a well-trained team, and have a great reputation. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or testimonials. Unfortunately, not all so-called mold inspectors have received proper training or have true credentials, so it’s important to make certain you hire someone who actually is an expert in the field.
- Price isn’t everything—Obviously, you have a budget to consider, and of course, you want to make sure you’re paying a competitive, fair price and getting a good deal on your mold inspection. However, price shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. Just because a company is offering a low price or has a coupon doesn’t mean you should hire them to do your mold inspection. It’s more important to hire an inspector you know is experienced, knowledgeable, and will do a thorough, honest job.
- Make sure the mold inspector is thorough—One of the problems with hiring a cheap mold inspector is that in order to provide those ridiculously low prices, they often cut corners and rush through the inspection process. A proper mold inspection is a bit of a tedious process. It involves a thorough visual inspection, mold testing, interviews with the homeowner, and more. Depending on the size of the home, the process could take a couple of hours. A good mold inspector is meticulous, not fast.
Before you shell out your money for a mold inspection, make sure you protect your home and your wallet by following these simple tips!
