Mold remediation checklists

Before you hire. Confirm whether your state licenses mold work — Florida, for instance, issues separate mold assessor and mold remediator licenses through the DBPR, while many states issue none. Ask for general liability insurance, references from jobs of similar size, and whether they follow ANSI/IICRC S520.

Reading the quote. Look for affected square footage, the specific materials being removed, the containment method, the number of air scrubbers and dehumidifiers and for how many days, whether build-back is included, and what happens to the price if the area turns out to be smaller than estimated.

At completion. Walk the space. No visible growth, no musty odor, documented moisture readings on the affected materials, containment removed cleanly, and a written scope of what was actually done. If you are paying for clearance testing, have someone independent do it.

Ongoing. Keep indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent, per EPA guidance, and treat any new leak as a 24-to-48-hour drying deadline.

How to choose

Insurance and references, every time

Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and two references from jobs of similar scope, not similar cost.

Square footage on the quote

If it is not there, ask for it in writing before you sign. It is the only fair basis for comparing bids.

Containment described, not assumed

Plastic barriers, negative air, HEPA filtration. The quote should name them.

Moisture readings at handover

Ask for documented moisture content on the affected framing or subfloor, not just a visual sign-off.

Humidity target after the job

Below 60 percent relative humidity, ideally 30–50 percent, is the EPA's prevention benchmark.