How to Choose a Mold Remediation Company – And What to Watch Out For
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already found mold or been told you might have a mold issue. You’ve also probably realized pretty quickly that not all mold companies feel the same.
Some sound alarmist.
Some sound vague.
Some sound cheap.
Some won’t explain anything.
That’s not an accident. Mold remediation is an industry where confusion makes it easy to oversell or underdeliver. Knowing what to look for makes the decision much clearer.
Understanding the Symptoms
The first thing to pay attention to is how the company explains the problem. A qualified mold remediation company starts with conditions, not scare tactics. Mold is almost always tied to moisture. If the conversation never includes where moisture is coming from, how it’s being controlled, or why the mold showed up in the first place, that’s a problem.
Mold is not random. If someone jumps straight to chemicals without understanding conditions, they’re treating symptoms, not causes.
Professional Certifications
Professional mold remediation technicians get training to follow established industry standards. At a minimum, the company should have technicians certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and NAMP (National Association of Mold Professionals). These certifications indicate formal training in proper containment, removal methods, and moisture control, not just surface cleaning.
Don’t Fall for Scare Tactics
Another thing to watch is whether the company relies on fear. Mold can cause health issues, especially for certain individuals, but professionals don’t need to exaggerate risk to justify their work. Statements that immediately jump to extreme outcomes or pressure you to act without understanding the scope are a red flag.
Clear explanations build trust. Fear-based urgency does not.
Premature Pricing
Be cautious of anyone who offers a price over the phone without seeing the site. Mold remediation depends on materials, access, moisture conditions, and containment needs. If someone can give you a firm number without inspecting the area, they’re guessing or planning to change it later.
Paid Inspections
Paid inspections are also worth understanding. A proper inspection takes time, equipment, and experience. A mold remediation company that charges for inspections tends to be more thorough and more honest about what actually needs to be done. Many credit the inspection fee back if work moves forward.
That’s not a money grab. It’s a signal that the inspection has value.
Temporary Solutions
Another red flag is fogging-only or spray-only solutions. Fogging can be one tool in a remediation plan, but it does not remove contaminated materials or address moisture on its own. If fogging is presented as the solution, results are unlikely to last.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Containment is another key difference between professional remediation and shortcuts. Proper mold remediation often involves isolating affected areas to prevent cross-contamination. If a company downplays containment or treats it as optional, they may be increasing the risk of spreading mold to other parts of the structure.
Documentation
A reputable mold remediation company provides clear scopes, explains what is included and excluded, and documents the work performed. This matters for peace of mind, future resale, and insurance conversations when applicable.
Local Experience
Mold remediation is not one-size-fits-all. Building styles, basements, ventilation, and humidity vary by region. A local company working in your area every day understands those conditions better than a rotating crew or call-center operation.
Zeppelin Cleaning Services is a local, family-owned company based in St. Clair Shores with an additional office in Birmingham. Our technicians are IICRC and NAMP certified, and we serve homeowners and businesses throughout Metro Detroit. Call us today at (313) 731-0025 to see if our professional mold remediation services are right for you.