Hiring a Mold Removal Company
Here at Twin Home Experts, with all the services we provide, we see how mold removal can be the most daunting task to our clients. It’s ugly looking, it’s musty & smelly, it causes health effects and destroys homes. On top of all that, who do they call they can trust? Where should you even begin? And how can you find someone that is going to get it done right at a reasonable price? Well, the truth is that mold removal isn’t as complicated as it’s often made out to be. And the right mold professional can guide you through the process, provide you options and be fully transparent when it comes to cost. So here are some Twins tips for finding the right LA mold pro for 2020 to get your job done right, without breaking the bank.
TWIN TIP: For the purpose of this article, Mold Removal, Mold Remediation, Mold Abatement and Mold Mitigation are interchangeable terms that all essentially mean “mold removal” in a structure.
Do I Need to Test the Mold Before I Remove It?
– Asked Ruan from Encino, CA
Answer: No, typically there is no need to spend money on PRE testing if it’s visible; use that money for POST testing to verify that whoever you hire to remove it effectively cleaned it.
Plain and simple, you just need to remove it. Since no visible mold growth belongs in a healthy home (no matter what the type) and all mold should be removed the same way, there is usually no need to identify what types and concentrations of mold you have via testing. So be cautious If a so-called mold professional insists that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on pre-testing when mold is already visible. Our advice is to be very wary because it’s often a waste of money, and their true intention is to get in your job.
The only time we recommend pre-testing when there is visible mold is when you need “hard proof” for a negotiation. For example, if you are buying a house that has some mold, it’s probably a good idea to get it tested/confirmed so you can negotiate the price down with the seller (OR if you’re a renter and are having a hard time with the property owner).
How Much Does Black Mold Removal Cost?
– Asked Beth from Pacific Palisades, Ca
Answer: Price of mold removal depends on the size of the job — they can often be over $850.00 . But some mold professionals out there exaggerate the amount of work that needs to be done, driving up the price for their own pockets.
If you think a quoted price seems high, we recommend getting multiple quotes to compare. However, if you get a quote that’s shockingly low, that’s also a big red flag. Companies that don’t do things properly are the only ones that can charge shockingly low prices. Mold professionals are licensed and skilled tradesmen, just like a plumber or electrician, so you can expect to pay more for a mold company than a regular handyman. Keep in mind that mold professionals have high overhead costs, such as high general liability and workers comp insurance, which also factors into their price.
Wanna keep things really cheap? Do it yourself! In some cases, minor mold problems (less than about 10 square feet of mold) in places like a bathroom corner can easily be handled by a handy homeowner with a free weekend afternoon and a few basic supplies from the big box stores.
Most often there is no need to take a sledge hammer to the entire house at the sight of a little mold. You can keep the price down by focusing just on the area where there is visible mold. For example, mold on drywall in one corner of the room only needs to be cut out and replaced in that corner, or an aggressor antimicrobial be applied. Yes, the rest of the room (and maybe adjoining rooms) should be cleaned, but only damaged drywall needs to be cut out and replaced if it is water damaged.
Mold removal cost can range from a high of $11,422.00 for a severe case to a very low of $550.00 for a small area.
CALL THE TWINS TODAY FOR A FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE AT (818) 623-8789
What Should I Expect from a True Mold Removal Professional?
I am text bloAnswer: Any mold professional should be able to explain your mold removal project easily. If a contractor is unable to explain the basic processes and steps of mold remediation and mold removal in layman’s terms, be very wary! If someone tries to complicate and confuse you about the process and scare you into hiring them, then please look elsewhere. A true mold pro will also assist you in determining the moisture source, and provide options on removal.
Do not hire a mold professional until you know or if he / she is going to include the water source detection as part of the treatment. Here at the Twin Home Experts , we provide at least three solutions with three prices giving our clients choices based on not only their budget, but their needs.
Once in the home, here’s what to expect from a MOLD professional:
Proper safety gear should be worn when dealing with mold. A high quality, high filtration face mask is a must, as are vinyl or neoprene gloves. A full protective suit is recommended when using harsh chemicals and for larger mold remediation projects.
Mold professionals seal off the work area. Plastic sheeting is often used so that mold spores do not become dispersed throughout the OTHER PARTS of the property.
Mold professionals use expensive, professional equipment. Professionals use HEPA air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, commercial-strength dehumidifiers, etc. Regular handymen won’t have that stuff.
- After mold is physically removed from its source, the air should be cleaned of airborne mold spores using HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air scrubbers and air exchange (i.e. replacing dirty moldy air with clean fresh air through simple ventilation or more sophisticated negative air controls for bigger jobs).
- When vacuuming and using air scrubbers for mold remediation, the filters used should be HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air). Only HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as mold spores. Regular filters will not work, and could make the problem worse.
Mold professionals usually discard moldy porous building materials. Drywall, insulation and baseboards are relatively inexpensive to replace and difficult too impossible to restore to their previous uncontaminated condition.
Mold professionals will use an antimicrobial cleaning chemicals. These agents will clean any remaining mold and mold stains after demo.
Mold professionals often use a sealer or encapsulant. This process makes the treated areas more resistant to water damage and mold, and also to help with odor control.
Other things you should take into consideration when hiring professional help.
- Experience. This is so important. A company that has been in the business for 10+ years will be prepared for any situation and will know how to best handle your job.
- HVAC air duct cleaning. Sometimes it is necessary to have your HVAC air ducts professionally cleaned since air ducts can collect dust and mold spores. For more information about duct cleaning, please refer to the EPA publication on air duct cleaning.
- Reconstruction and restoration. Some mold remediation companies like us here at the Twin Home Experts also do reconstruction work, just like a general contractor. Restoration can often cost far more than the remediation depending on the style of home, building materials used, etc. to re install and put your property back like it never happened.
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What Are Questions to Ask a Mold Professional?
– Asked Robert from Malibu, CA
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you fully certified & insured?
- How long is your warranty & guarantee?
- Are you going to identify the water source?
- How long does the job take to complete? (Removal should take 2 to 5 days.)
- What is your payment schedule? (If they ask for all up front, then look elsewhere.)
Can Mold Removal Be Quoted Over the Phone?
– Asked Melissa from Los Angeles, CA
Yes, depending on the nature of the mold contamination. Here at the Twin Home Experts, we receive many texts & emails of photos. Oftentimes if it’s just one area, then emailing or texting a photo should be sufficient. Again, mold mitigation is not complicated.
Does My Insurance Cover Mold Removal?
– Asked Betsy from Beverly Hills, CA
Check with your agent or policy. Typically in California, mold coverage caps out at $5,000.00. It will also depend on what the cause was (if it was a rusted pipe, for example). More often than not, you will get denied because they deem that as long term or wear and tear.
TWIN TIP: When hiring a mold pro, they should be in full communication with each step of the process.
What Products Does a Mold Professional Use?
– Asked Erica from San Pedro, CA
This is a very important question. A true mold professional should be certified in several antimicrobial products. Customers are allergic to certain chemicals and a mold pro will provide options to use inside the property that are not going to affect the health of the client. Make sure you ask the company which products they use prior to starting.
MY MOLD COMPANY WANTS TO RIP EVERYTHING OUT, IS THAT REALLY NECESSARY? asked Carl from Sherman Oaks We Always recommend getting a second opinion when your up against this situation. With technology today, there are ways around it for sure. We have saved our customers thousands of dollars with our Dry Enzyme technology. Our electro static equipment eradicates mold instantly on contact even behind walls. The only time materials should be cut, removed & bagged are when sewer water was the cause of the leak and or if the materials are falling apart because of so much water damage.
My Mold Company Wants to Rip Everything Out. Is that Really Necessary?
– Asked Carl from Sherman Oaks, CA
We always recommend getting a second opinion when you’re up against this situation. With technology today, there are ways around it for sure. We have saved our customers thousands of dollars with our Dry Enzyme technology. Our electrostatic equipment eradicates mold instantly on contact – even behind walls. The only time materials should be cut, removed and bagged are when sewer water was the cause of the leak and or if the materials are falling apart because of so much water damage.
Where Are the Best Places to Look for a Mold Mitigation Company?
Always reach out to your neighbors, friends or family first. If that doesn’t work , here are some suggestions:
- Look for businesses with the Google Guarantee
- Home Advisor
- Yelp
- BBB
- Nextdoor
- Google “the best mold removal companies near me“
- YouTube
Choosing a Mold Removal Company
Hiring a mold professional doesn’t have to be as confusing as you may believe. There are plenty of good ones out there. The good ones won’t push unnecessary testing, will charge reasonable prices, are able to clearly explain what work they will be doing, use professional practices & equipment, and have lots of experience. The great ones will help you ease your mind from start to finish.
