Mold Scams to Avoid & How to Pick a Great Mold Pro

Despite a few bad apples we’ve probably all run across at some point, most people don’t go around purposely scamming others.

But aside from the most obvious scams that we’re all mostly aware of and avoid — like that Nigerian Prince who keeps promising you $10M, if only you’ll send him your bank account details — the mold remediation industry can be hard to navigate and it has a few cautions of its own.

Here’s what to look out for and how to avoid accidentally hiring a mold removal company whose work you might have to pay to fix later — whether in continued health problems, or actually substandard work that never addresses your actual mold problem.

Mold Remediators in Florida Have to Be State-Licensed

When hiring a mold remediation pro in Florida, make sure they’re reputable and experienced, and that they follow industry-standard safety protocols.

Some key factors to consider include:

1. Certifications and Licensing: Check if the company is certified by industry organizations such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They should also be licensed to perform mold remediation work in Florida.
2. Insurance: Ensure the company has liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to protect against any accidents or damages that might occur during the remediation process.
3. References and Reviews: Look for companies with positive reviews and ask for references. Contact past clients to inquire about their experiences.
4. Detailed Plan and Estimate: A professional company should provide a detailed plan for how they will address the mold issue, including the methods and equipment they will use. They should also provide a written estimate outlining the costs involved.
5. Safety Measures: The company should use proper safety gear and containment methods to prevent the spread of mold during the remediation process.
6. Post-Remediation Testing: After the remediation, the company should offer or recommend post-remediation testing to confirm that the mold has been successfully removed. It is impossible (and unnecessary) to remove every single mold spore, but it is very possible and very important that spore counts are brought down to certain acceptable levels.

Red Flags & Scams to Avoid

• People Who Test For AND Remove Mold: This is not only a red flag, but is illegal in Florida, because it puts you as a customer in a hard spot, “Mr. or Mrs. Jones, You have X amount of mold. And I can get rid of it all! Sign here.” Well, wait a minute, what test by whom says I have X amount of mold, or that that amount of mold is dangerous? And what person or company is going to come in and independently verify what you’re saying? If you’re not convinced you truly have a mold problem, seek a second expert opinion.
• People Who Treat Mold Like It’s ‘No Problem’ or Not Potentially Harmful to You: Books have literally been written about “mold professionals” who treated mold like it was no big deal, and seriously harmed their clients in the process—such as by not sealing off the part of the house where mold was being removed from, or just painting over mold. These are huge red flags!
• Hurricane Hustlers: Florida has had a few instances where, after a hurricane, a person decides they’re going to make a quick buck by helping others solve their mold problems. They might then paint over the mold, or treat it with bleach—and both of those are horrible solutions to a mold problem, and will not handle one. If you’re contacted about mold about a hurricane in Florida, be very cautious of who’s contacting you. They may say they’re part of a reputable company: Call the company and verify (and most reputable companies don’t “cold call” over mold problems, even after a hurricane.
• Suspiciously Low Prices: Be cautious of bids that are significantly lower than others. This could indicate a lack of experience or that the company may cut serious corners.
• Pressure Tactics: Avoid companies that try to pressure you into signing a contract quickly or use scare tactics to exaggerate the mold problem. Yes, mold can be and often is a problem, but a) it’s unlikely to kill you, and b) a good, honest conversation about it should result in understanding, not fear.
• Lack of Transparency: Any reluctance to provide credentials, insurance proof, or references is a red flag. People or companies you hire should have plenty of social proof and positive reviews.
• Payment in Full Upfront: It’s normal for companies to require a deposit, but you should not pay the full amount until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
• Unnecessary Services: It might be hard to tell what you actually need to handle your mold problem, versus unnecessary and expensive add-ons and upsells. If you’re pressured into more than you think you really need, getting a second expert opinion is usually the best option.

Golden Rules

Three golden rules that will help you avoid being scammed or accidentally hiring a bad mold company are:

1. If it sounds to good, cheap, or fast to be true, it probably is. Avoid it, or get a second opinion.
2. If you feel you’re being scared, scammed, or pressured into acting or acting now, it’s almost always safest to walk away and seek a second opinion.
3. The only real and valid urgencies involved in mold removal are:
   • A. Homes should be dried out fully and as fast as possible to prevent mold (24-48 hrs max). That includes spills, leaks, roof runoff, after floods or hurricanes, etc., etc.
   • B. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone who is immunocompromised should be moved out of moldy rooms or homes basically as fast as possible.
   • C. Not putting off needed mold removal or mold remediation for too long.

We hope these suggestions will help you find an honest, qualified, and ethical mold remediation company and would be very happy to help you if you choose Mold Solutions to care for the health and happiness of your household.

There are many, many such professionals in Tampa Bay, but a few bad apples can cause a world of hurt and harm.