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 main source of revenue is to carry out mold clean-ups and their “FREE” inspections are a foot-in-the-door to market their clean-up services. Might there be a conflict of interest here??
Some even offer a follow-on inspection that “guarantees” their work. BUT by whom?? Someone 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 mold,” really mold? If so, is it in the occupied space? Is it capable of releasing spores into the air – THE exposure route for health impact? OR is it mere staining perhaps “in the grain of the plywood” with little chance of spore release? Did the person who indicated you had a “problem” that needed remediation have inspection credentials? Or did he/she have mold remediation credentials? There is different training and certification for each! Remember the 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 installed upside down (true) with the kraft paper facing the occupied space. It was drawing moisture from the basement floor resulting in black-colored mold on the paper. NES’s analysis concluded the discoloration was not moisture-related; it was staining from the black adhesive used to glue the fiberglass to the paper.
- Sawdust in the husband’s woodworking shop was infested with mold. NES determined the basement was very dry due to the operation of two dehumidifiers. There was insufficient moisture to activate any mold spores that might be there. The workshop was merely dusty needing only common vacuuming.
- The white material in a band along the front wall was mold growth. NES identified the white material as efflorescence, i.e., residual minerals from water passing through the concrete (i.e., white crystals left behind by after the water evaporated and easily flecked off). No cleanup needed.
ESTIMATED COST from that “FREE” inspection – $9,000.00.
ACTUAL COST from NES‘s mold/moisture inspection – $300.00 plus a few hundred dollars for a contractor to clean up the sawdust.
BOTTOM LINE – Consider an independent environmental professional for these inspection services. Nauset Environmental Service is known for our independent, science-based evaluations which focus on reducing negative health impacts, NOT marketing for aggressive clean-up activities. Check out our professional credentials on the tab above and request a menu of services and prices.
