Amongst mold
professionals there are wide differences of field behavior and qualifications
generating bias and a high risk for conflict of interest.
Michigan Mold Inspectors and Mold Remediators, Conflict of Interest
Located in Birmingham and serving Southeast
Michigan
Telephone: 248 321 4437
The conflict of interest is an important factor in any field of service.
Based on practical observations the American Society of Home Inspectors has set
in the code of ethics that a home inspector may neither repair himself nor refer
his friends to correct the defects he finds on a house to avoid conflict of interest.
In the much newer occupation of mold inspections and remediation,
no organization stepped forth to impose such requirements.
Mold is a versatile life form that can be found everywhere; it is easy
to show the presence of mold in any house or building. The evidence of mold through
laboratory testing does not necessarily mean there is a mold problem on site.
Mold remediation correctly done, involves a high cost,
hence, these are very tempting jobs. Currently, some state governments are considering
legislation concerning a mold inspector who establishes the extent of a mold problem,
and then proceeds to be the remediator himself.
The brief descriptions of the services provided by mold
inspectors and remediators will help visitors understand the
origin of bias and emotional motivation behind it.
What is the Service of Mold Inspectors
The mold inspectors service entails the following aspects:
- Inspection of premises and collection of pertinent data
- Collection of samples for laboratory studies, if needed
- Interpretation of laboratory results
- Determining if there is a mold problem and the extent of the problem
- Determining structural and/or ambient causes of mold growth
- Making the proper recommendations
What is the Service of Mold Remediators
Mold remediators carry out the remediation following the guidelines set by EPA, OSHA, and AAIH.
Mold remediation means removing the mold and any compromised
construction materials, and correction of structural flaws linked
to mold growth. Remediation is a complex process and should be
conducted by well qualified personnel.
The mold remediation is described in more detail on the
remediation page of this website.
Because mold spores are not visible and their spread through
the house is difficult to determine, the cost of remediation projects
varies tremendously from company to company.
Remediation efficiency or clearance inspections and testing should be done before the remediator applies any protective coating.
A third party, mold inspector, is engaged to test remediation efficiency for
public schools and buildings. Residential or private building owners
should also
engage a third party for this evaluation.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality website
recommends to readers to use contractors for the purpose of mold
remediation. It is my personal field observation that construction
contractors are not suitable for such projects. To avoid
inefficiencies, incomplete removal, spreading the mold to other
locations, and a wide variety of future complications, I recommend
the use of qualified mold remediators.
The Need for a Second Opinion
- Because mold is present almost everywhere, the evaluation of a problem is difficult and very subjective
- There are no clear guidelines for what is a small, medium, or large remediation project
- Cost estimates vary tremendously from one remediator to another
- Many homeowners know little about mold or are misinformed; money hunters have well prepared
slogans and offer free inspections. A true professional will always charge a fee for his work.
The second opinion consultation could help the homeowner avoid paying
too much or hiring non-qualified people.
Thank you for reading this website.
