Do research before hiring a pro to clean up mold

The recent winter storms caused many homeowners to experience burst pipes, and in this situation, unfortunately, some may soon be dealing with mold in homes. Our humid climate is susceptible to mold in general, and according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), molds are a natural part of the environment. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur resulting in damage, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered.

How can you tell if you have mold in your home? The EPA states that if your home smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, if water stains are present, or if you know there has been water damage, there could be mold present in your home. Mold may be hidden in places such as the backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the topside of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. When contemplating the cleanup of mold, you need to verify the extent of the problem and will likely need to contact an expert. The Better Business Bureau of Houston and South Texas warns consumers to research carefully when choosing a professional to clean up mold and heed the following tips:

Work with your insurance company. An insurance agent may be able to recommend a reliable and reputable remediation company, and you should also contact them first to determine what your insurance policy covers and the process for filing a claim.

Check the company’s history with the Better Business Bureau. You can review the company’s complaint history and details at BBBHouston.org to determine if they have a track record of responding and resolving BBB complaints.

Obtain at least three bids. Don’t simply hire the first business that contacts you or one that offers the lowest bid; evaluate the services and offerings of at least three businesses and then make your decision.

Verify the company’s license. In Texas, mold remediation contractors must hold an active license with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, if their services involve removing more than 25 contiguous square feet of mold.

You may view the status at this website, www.tdlr.texas.gov, or call 800-803-9202. The license information should also tell you how long the contractor has been licensed to perform work. A licensed individual or business is required if you want your home to receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation, after the mold has been removed.

Make sure the business has extensive experience in cleaning up mold. Ask for references from the business and contact these clients for more reference. Also, ask family and friends if they have worked with mold remediation experts in the past and had a favorable experience. If the business is drying out your home as well, make sure they are properly recording moisture readings in your home each day for dry out logs, which are often required.

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit for honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call

713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.