About Mold Remediation

Introduction
There are times when mold testing is unnecessary because the problem is so obvious that the first step is mold removal. In such instances, hiring a mold remediation company is the priority instead of having testing done. That makes financial sense, too, because those hundreds of dollars spent on testing could be applied to solving the problem.

Credentials
In such instances, you want to hire a company that is credentialed, experienced, affordable, and responsive. By credentialed, we mean the company should be a CSLB Licensed Contractor and IICRC Certified Firm. By experienced, we mean the company should have been in the mold industry for at least 10 years because repair methods evolve over time. Having longevity is one part of the equation but knowing the latest and greatest repair methods also matters.

Low-price guarantees can make projects affordable, but a “race to the bottom” pricing strategy could compromise quality. Remember: all companies must pay for overhead, fixed expenses, variable expenses, labor, materials, and taxes. So, there is only so low a company can go before they lose money on a job. Be discerning about “free” inspections that can be used as a marketing ploy to get in front of prospective customers first because the actual costs are backloaded into the work estimate.

Responsiveness also factors into the overall value proposition because you may have special needs outside of normal business hours. Deadlines create unique problems that require nimble and efficient solutions. It could take several interviews to determine the right company for your needs. Sometimes the sense of urgency does not afford you the time to interview multiple companies.

Pricing will vary depending on the level of severity from cleaning and restoration to remediation and reconstruction. Oftentimes, you can obtain a free estimate for the scope of work to compare companies inexpensively. Licensed mold remediation contractors can also rebuild the affected area so that you can get back to normal life as soon as possible.

Repair versus Removal
Here is an interesting distinction: mildew repair vs. mold removal. Many older apartments and homes do not have insulated walls. During winter months, the hot (inside) and cold (outside) conflict produces condensation on shared exterior walls that also produces “mildew” on the surface. Essentially, dust buildup met with condensation feeding on the paint layer. In such cases, the wall does not need to be demolished. Instead, it can be superficially treated with wipe down disinfection, mild sanding, and a sealant to encapsulate the surface from reoccurring mildew. However, many contractors will recommend removal because it is more lucrative to perform demolition than cleaning. But that means it is more expensive for the owner because materials must be replaced.

Contrast mildew repair with mold infestation from within the wall and you can understand why removal may be the best option for the situation, particularly if there was a leak from plumbing or an exterior wall as examples. Beware of unscrupulous contractors that redirect or escalate any repair bill from small problems into full-blown water damage restoration for insurance purposes. They know insurance companies have “deep pockets” from which to extract money. Insurance companies are aware of this and pass the added cost on to you in the form of higher premiums or cancellation of your policy.

Get it Done Right!
Whether it is mildew repair or mold remediation, do not forget about occupant safety. Some people have the impression that mildew repair is simply a matter of “sand, primer, and paint.” While that is the crux of the work performed, there are many components that factor into a responsible job completion. Engineering controls set up barriers between work and non-work areas and protect personal contents, i.e., containment. HEPA air filtration collects airborne contaminants and maintains dust control. Dehumidifiers may be needed for excessive humidity or moisture, and personal protective equipment should be worn by workers.

Experienced mold contractors understand the importance of preserving property and protecting occupants. That is why a premium is placed on mold remediation compared to do-it-yourself or otherwise uncredentialed/unlicensed vendors. Setting up adequate containment, using the proper tools and equipment, safely handling debris, and deep cleaning afterwards all contribute to the value embodied in a licensed and certified mold remediation contractor.

These all protect your interests when hiring a licensed and certified contractor instead of your in-house maintenance team and could be the difference between “pass” or “fail” in the eyes of a governmental agency, worse still, a lawsuit! It is one thing to do the work the right way, it is another thing for the Health Department (or judge) to conclude that you were irresponsible and inconsiderate of occupant health and safety while performing the work. This is why paying extra (compared to in-house maintenance) can be worth the investment and prevent further complications later.

With so many unlicensed contractors performing this work and lack of transparent pricing, you will need to compare credentials, experience, pricing, the use of the newest technology for engineering controls, and a commitment to saving you money!

Legal Considerations
The remediation company should be a CSLB licensed & insured contractor and an IICRC Certified Firm because they will be demolishing portions of the property in order to repair it. The State of California requires than any contractor providing labor and materials more than $500 must be licensed by Contractors State License Board (CSLB). These repairs should be performed in accordance with industry standards, and the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the gold standard for mold remediation and water damage restoration both domestically and internationally.

As a licensed contractor, the mold repair company must comply with legal requirements for down payments, payment schedules, lien notifications, and other disclosures that protect you as a consumer. Holding a State license also adds additional cost burdens for compliance that unlicensed contractors avoid paying, making it more expensive for licensed contractors to play by the rules.

Any company performing mold removal that is not a CSLB licensed contractor is breaking the law, so verify the active license on the CSLB website before you sign a contract. If the company is not licensed you should report them for unlicensed activity, which can also be done on the CSLB website.

Conclusion
To conclude, mold problems are real and there many ways to solve a problem. Starting with problem identification, once a problem has been defined, vetting the right company to do the work ensures your due diligence and protects your investment. Once the job has been done right, you have the confidence in knowing that your property value has been preserved and occupant health and safety has been restored.

Mildew repairs, mold remediation, and water damage restoration in Los Angeles can be an expensive endeavor. You want to have recourse in the event something goes wrong! Only hire credentialed companies that can get the job done right. Hiring right the first time could set you up nicely with a “go-to” licensed mold contractor who can help you during rainy season and the tumultuous times associated with tenant complaints.

About Us
Presto! Restore Rebuild (Presto Resto) is a CSLB General B Licensee and IICRC Certified Firm in the areas of mold remediation and water damage restoration. Based in Pasadena, CA, we service all parts of L.A. County for both commercial and residential properties. We also provide reconstruction services for projects requiring immediate build back to resume tenant occupancy.

Presto Resto offers a low-price guarantee of similarly credentialed companies and offers 50+ years of mold and construction experience that endeavors to save customers anywhere from 10% to 30% on restoration services by hiring them over the competition.

Presto Resto can be reached at (626) 808-6143 or prestorestorerebuild@gmail.com. More information about our services is available online at www.PrestoRestoreRebuild.com.

Thank you for your interest in this article. We look forward to hearing from you.