There are companies who offer “FREE” mold inspections – right?? But who are they? and, Why are they “FREE”?
Most (not all) of those companies are mold remediators whose business is to carry out mold clean-ups and their “FREE” inspections are a toes-in-the-door to market their clean-up services. Might there be a conflict of interest here??
Some even offer to have a follow-up inspection that “guarantees” their work was done successfully – BUT by whom?? A person with a business/employment association with the company?? OR An independent professional??
Keep in mind that NES provides independent, professional indoor environmental inspection services, inspections for a fee, BUT have no interest in marketing you additional clean-up services you or your client may not need. NES‘s goal is to provide objective information and perspective that will help you address environmental health issues, NOT mere cosmetics.
For example is that “suspect visible mold,” really mold? Is it in the occupied space? Is it likely to be releasing mold spores into the air – THE exposure route for health impacts? OR is it cosmetic staining perhaps “in the grain of the plywood” with little chance of spore release? Did the person who indicated that you had a “problem” and needed remediation have mold inspection credentials or did he/she have mold remediation credentials – there is different training and certification for each activity! Remember the old adage that “To someone with a hammer, most problems look like nails!”
EXAMPLE – Consider a situation in Osterville in the spring of 2018: A couple with a large, partially finished basement requested a “free” mold inspection from two firms. One firm said they did not have much of a problem, the second firm told them they had all sorts of problems that needed to be addressed:
- The ceiling insulation was in upside down (true) with the kraft paper facing the occupied space and was drawing moisture from the basement floor leading to the black mold on the paper. NES – moisture may pass through the concrete floor but is not drawn by the insulation! NES – the dark discoloration on the kraft paper is staining from the black adhesive used to glue the fiberglass to the paper.
- The sawdust in the husband’s woodworking shop was infested with mold. NES – the basement was very dry because of the operation of two dehumidifiers, hence no odors (i.e. the indication of active mold growth). NES – the workshop was merely dusty, needing vacuuming.
- The white material in a band along the front wall was mold growth. NES – the white material was efflorescence, residual minerals from water passing through the foundation’s concrete (i.e. light, white crystals left behind by after the water evaporated and easily flecked off).
ESTIMATED COST from that “FREE” inspection – $9,000.00 ACTUAL COST from NES‘s mold/moisture inspection – $195.00 plus several hundred dollars for sawdust cleanup.
BOTTOM LINE – Consider an independent environmental professional for these inspection services, such as one by Nauset Environmental Services, Inc., known for our independent evaluation of conditions with a focus on reducing negative health impacts, NOT marketing for any clean-up activities. Check out our professional credentials on the tab above and request a menu of services and prices.
