Mold Inspection Companies Are Not Always Properly Screened by Raters Like Angie's List and Other Rating Sites.
As a result of lack of professional non-biased screening the majority of mold inspectors are not properly screened by rating agencies regarding their certified, trained or experienced to provide adequate indoor air quality services that they are selling. Most of these inspectors have completed a one day class, and say they are certified based on a class attendance certificate. Their primary goal is to make money, rather than provide a high level of service. Rating agencies have not done their due diligence regarding the mold profession.
THE CONSUMER MUST BEWARE.
As a nationally recognized expert in property and mold investigations, I have reviewed several other mold inspection company reports (that are highly ranked by rating agencies) that lack current industry standards. Many of these inspectors have been referred by rating agencies and realtor agents, that are not aware of recommended certifications and experience required of a competent mold inspector.
Here are some tips on making sure your mold inspection company is properly qualified.
1. What should a mold inspection cover?
THE CONSUMER MUST BEWARE.
As a nationally recognized expert in property and mold investigations, I have reviewed several other mold inspection company reports (that are highly ranked by rating agencies) that lack current industry standards. Many of these inspectors have been referred by rating agencies and realtor agents, that are not aware of recommended certifications and experience required of a competent mold inspector.
Here are some tips on making sure your mold inspection company is properly qualified.
1. What should a mold inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable standards of a mold inspection: This typically includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, moisture meter testing, and relative humidity measurements. It may or may not include thermal imaging, photos and a scope of work to explain how to stop the mold and remove the mold safely. In addition, your inspector should also be experienced in other indoor air quality issues that may be a potential health problems: Radon, allergens, VOC's, lead and asbestos. You should be able to request and see a copy of a sample report ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. For a sample report visit my website at: SAMPLE MOLD REPORT.
2. State of the Art Mold Testing:
Current state of the art mold testing should be available for your consideration; such as DNA analysis of the property condition e.g. the Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI), that has been in field for more than 7 years. The cost of this test has been decreased to the point that it is similar to the older and the less reliable approach of air testing. Recent research has also determined that even the best mold inspectors miss 52% of mold problems without the ERMI test. For more information on the ERMI test process visit a description at my website: ERMI
If your mold inspector is not familiar or negative about the ERMI, or other advanced DNA mold based testing techniques, this should be a warning sign to you.
Note that do it yourself mold tests sold at retailers or on-line are not valid or reliable.
2. State of the Art Mold Testing:
Current state of the art mold testing should be available for your consideration; such as DNA analysis of the property condition e.g. the Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI), that has been in field for more than 7 years. The cost of this test has been decreased to the point that it is similar to the older and the less reliable approach of air testing. Recent research has also determined that even the best mold inspectors miss 52% of mold problems without the ERMI test. For more information on the ERMI test process visit a description at my website: ERMI
If your mold inspector is not familiar or negative about the ERMI, or other advanced DNA mold based testing techniques, this should be a warning sign to you.
Note that do it yourself mold tests sold at retailers or on-line are not valid or reliable.
3. Experience in the mold inspection profession.
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. This is a profession where experience counts; mold investigation is an ongoing scientific work in progress.
4. Experienced in residential and or commecial inspection.
Related experience in property inspection and certification by ASHI and or CREIA is a must. Accept no substitutes or excuses. To confirm ASHI or CREIA inspection certification visit: www.ashi.org or www.creia.org.
5. Repairs or remediation based on the inspection.
This is considered at code of ethics violation to offer both inspection and mold remediation. Your inspector should only inspect, that way there is no incentive to find a problem. If you want a referral from the inspector for a remediation company to remove the mold, make sure there is no formal business relationship or kick back.
6. Cost.
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the project site, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the inspection in terms of the investment being made and or health concerns. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality.
Free does not mean free, since these inspections are performed by remediation companies who will up charge on the repair end, or charge high prices for mold testing.
Free does not mean free, since these inspections are performed by remediation companies who will up charge on the repair end, or charge high prices for mold testing.
7. The inspection report.
Ask to see report samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24-48 hours of the inspection or lab sample results. SAMPLE MOLD REPORT
8. Attend the inspection.
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see indoor air quality issues through the eyes of an expert.
9. Certification in Mold Investigation.
There are many questionable "certifications" for mold inspectors. The only nationally recognized true certification group is ACAC; visit www.acac.org to verify that your inspector is a Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC). My experience in California indicates that the overwhelming majority of mold inspectors are not ACAC certified and are poorly trained and qualified for the work they are offering; buyer beware; there is no license or government over site of inspectors or remediators.
10. Continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date.
One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases that involve health concerns. For example the ACAC certification requires at least 40 hours of approved education every 24 months.
Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections, that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.
He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's.
As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com
Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.
About Steve Zivolich
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Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.
Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections, that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.
He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's.
As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com
Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.
