October 2008
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Finding a pro
Professional mold cleanup involves the same principles as detailed under Getting rid of mold, including containment. But pros have specialized equipment that includes air scrubbers, HEPA-filtered air movers, industrial-strength biocides, and moisture meters, as well as sophisticated test kits to identify the types of mold and their concentrations before and after the job.

An untrained mold-remediation contractor could do more harm than good by spreading mold instead of eliminating it. Here are some tips for locating a qualified one:

  • Contact your state or local environmental protection or public-health department, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency field office, for guidelines and resources if you live in an area directly affected by a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster.

  • Check with your state contractor-licensing board to see if the company you are considering holds a license for mold remediation. Only use a licensed mold remediator with general liability insurance.

  • Contact professional organizations for referrals, such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration.

  • Get detailed estimates. Professional mold cleanup can cost anywhere from $6 to $20 per square foot in the Gulf region most affected by the recent hurricanes, and as much as $20 to $40 per square foot in the southern Florida.

  • Get three references.

  • Check with your local Better Business Bureau, state consumer-affairs department, or attorney general's office for complaints.

  • Don't allow work to start without a detailed contract.