How do you know the mold technician standing at your front door is trained and experienced?

How do you know if his remediation chemicals and work protocols are safe and effective?

How do you know if he will provide the best service and workmanship for your investment?

How do you know you will not be calling yet another remediation contractor next year to perform the same job?

It may be surprising to learn that there are no national standards or minimum qualifications to become a "certified" mold inspector or mold contractor. With no regulations and no minimum proficiency standards, anyone with a clipboard and a business card can market themselves as a "mold professional". Mold certifications can be acquired simply by passing an on-line course or by attending a one day class. For as little as $500, anyone can become an instant "mold professional".

Now is this the type of mold contractor you want in your home?

If your mold contractor is displaying the ARS Certified Contractor logo, then you can be assured you are working with an industry professional who has undergone extensive training over and above all other industry "professionals". In order to become an ARS Certified Contractor, applicants must meet the highest standards in the industry.

We evaluate every applicant before they are accepted into our training program. Contractor applicants must meet strict minimum requirements. This includes documented industry experience, infrastructure, capitalization, insurance and a clean Better Business Bureau and customer satisfaction record. Less than 15% of the contractors in the industry meet our application requirements.

Once accepted into our program, contractors undergo extensive classroom and field training on advanced investigation and remediation protocols. After successfully completing the classroom program, ARS supervisors evaluate contractors in the field to ensure that protocol compliance and project effectiveness are achieved. Only after months of evaluation can a contractor display the ARS Certified Contractor logo.

ARS is the only organization in the industry that provides a customer feedback and conflict resolution service. Customers now have a powerful resource to ensure their remediation project is completed to their satisfaction. An ARS field supervisor will investigate each complaint and work on behalf of the customer to resolve all concerns. Contractors with a poor performance record will be removed from our program.

Look for the ARS Certified Contractor logo and be assured that you are working with the best in the industry.

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Contractor Qualifications - Finding a truly qualified, competent remediator can be a challenge. While many may advertise as such, not all are experienced contractors. A poor remediation job can quickly spread contamination leading to occupant exposure issues and a more expensive cleanup job.

A qualified remediator should be able to document the following:

• Two years minimum industry experience
• Should specialize only in indoor environmental remediation
• Should present proof of professional insurance including Pollution Liability Coverage
• Many states require a Pesticide Applicator License
• Should provide you with a list of clients to contact - minimum of five
• Should possess infrastructure and work out of an office site
• Should have a clean Better Business Bureau record

Comparing Quotes - You should obtain a minimum of two or more quotes for a remediation project in excess of $5,000. When comparing quotes, carefully review the Scope of Work between bids to ensure all contractors are performing the same level of workmanship. Some mold contractors are also construction contractors and will quote a turn-key solution. Keep in mind that destructive remediation will require rebuild. Ensure that the contractor has included the use of a non-leaching mold inhibitor to protect your property against re-growth.

Remediation Chemicals - Many remediation protocols specify the use of biocides, surface cleaners and mold inhibitors. Your contractor should supply you with a list of all chemicals being used, a material safety data sheet and the EPA registration number for any antimicrobial product. If the contractor refuses to provide this information or withholds chemical formulation information, do not employ them. Chemicals can have a lasting effect and it is important to understand exactly the potential exposure hazard associated with them.

Third Party Validation - Any remediation project in excess of $5,000 should be supervised by a third party Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professional. Their job is to ensure the remediation work is performed to industry standards and that your home is safe to occupy once the remediation work has been completed. The third party validator should issue a Letter of Clearance once all work has been completed and inspected.

Workmanship and Product Warranties - The remediation contractor should stand behind their work with a written and binding warranty. If they do a poor job and mold returns, they should be held accountable to remove the re-growth. A minimum workmanship warranty term is one year and product warranties for mold inhibitors can extend to 20 years or more. Check the fine print! Product warranties only cover the product and not remediation work.

Moisture Identification - Mold does not grow indoors unless there is a sustained presence of moisture. Common moisture sources include plumbing leaks, foundation intrusions, roof and window leaks, condensation and poor ventilation. Another common moisture problem is sustained relative humidity caused by an improperly installed or poorly operating air conditioning system.

Improper humidity control is the number one cause for mold growth. Control moisture and you control mold growth. The quicker you identify and respond to signs of water damage, the less likely you will be searching for a mold contractor.

Maintenance - Simple home maintenance can protect your property from expensive water and mold damage. Routine maintenance should include:

• Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts twice a year
• Direct water runoff away from the foundation
• Direct sprinklers away from siding
• Inspect and caulk windows and doors every year
• Replace damaged or rotten wood, check attic for roof leaks
• Clean bathroom fans
• Replace HVAC air filters every 4 months
• Clean and decontaminate HVAC drip pans and coils every 2 years
• Install dehumidification systems in basements and high humidity areas
• Waterproof and dehumidify crawlspaces
• Have an indoor air quality inspector thermal image your home every 5 years

Water Intrusion Response - Many species of mold can begin growing and amplifying within 48 hours of water exposure. If water damaged surfaces can be completely dried out within the 48 hour time frame, the potential for mold growth is minimized. If the dry out process takes longer than 48 hours or water damage is ignored, mold growth is a certainty. A hidden or ignored plumbing or roof leak can lead to ten of thousands of dollars in structural damage and mold remediation work. Time is of the essence.

Water Extraction - Even if you hire a water extraction company under your homeowners insurance policy, demand that a third party mold inspector investigate your property after dry out. Too often, hidden moisture can lead to hidden mold growth that can go undetected long after water extraction activities. Unfortunately, insurers are less likely to cover mold remediation costs after the fact. Get it right the first time!