Below are a some critical steps to help you select the best mold removal contractor:
1) Define the work to be completed:
Before getting quotes from a contractor, establish the scope of work to be done. For example, do you want the contractor to just remove the mold, or do you want him/her to also fix the underlying water problem that is causing the mold? Whether you are doing part of it yourself or not, remember that fixing the underlying moisture problem is essential; otherwise, you are likely to be calling the contractor again to remove more mold.
This step is important so that you can get multiple bids from contractors based on the same job.
If you are having a difficult time defining the work that needs to be done, and you don't know anybody experienced enough to guide you, here is a sure method to get you the guidance you need:
Use separate contractors for defining the work and the actual work. For example, call up a contractor to take a look at the situation and give you a assessment of the work to be done, telling him/her up front that you will not be hiring him for the actual work. You just want a consultation.
This takes away the contractor's conflict of interest of telling you what is needed, knowing that they are going to get all the business that he/she just recommended.
This may cost a little extra for the consultation, but for the piece of mind that you are getting an honest opinion with no self-interest attached, it will be well worth it.
2) Getting an Estimate. Once you are comfortable with the job that needs to be accomplished, type up an outline of the job. For example, a basic description might be like this:
Once you have the outline, you are ready to distribute it to the various specialists in your area.
So now that you have your outline, you can call up the contractor and ask if they would be willing to give you a price based on the work needed. They will likely want to stop out and assess the problem themselves, which is fine. If you followed step one above, you will already have a non-biased opinion on the scope of work, and will be able to detect if the contractor is trying to upsell you on non-needed tasks.
At this point, give the contractor your description of what you think needs to be done. The contractor may have a different opinion on what ought to be done, and at this point you will need to use your best judgment whether to go along with him/her or to stick to your scope. Remember if you change your scope of work, you will want to make sure you are still comparing the other estimates on the same thing.
Go ahead and tell the contractor that you are gathering multiple quotes on the same work, and then ask him/her to submit their quote in writing.
3) Hiring the Contractor. Once you've compared the contractors and have received their prices, its time to choose. Whenever you are having somebody work on your home, you want to make sure you select the best contractor for the price. There are volumes of home repair horror stories from folks who just went for the lowest price. Here are some things to be mindful of when making your selection:
A down payment may be required, but do not pay for the whole job up-front.
Once you are comfortable with your selection, call up the contractor and notify them that they've got the job!
This proven method will help give you assurance that you have chosen the right contractor to remove mold in your house or apartment.
Happy cleaning!
1) Define the work to be completed:
Before getting quotes from a contractor, establish the scope of work to be done. For example, do you want the contractor to just remove the mold, or do you want him/her to also fix the underlying water problem that is causing the mold? Whether you are doing part of it yourself or not, remember that fixing the underlying moisture problem is essential; otherwise, you are likely to be calling the contractor again to remove more mold.
This step is important so that you can get multiple bids from contractors based on the same job.
If you are having a difficult time defining the work that needs to be done, and you don't know anybody experienced enough to guide you, here is a sure method to get you the guidance you need:
Use separate contractors for defining the work and the actual work. For example, call up a contractor to take a look at the situation and give you a assessment of the work to be done, telling him/her up front that you will not be hiring him for the actual work. You just want a consultation.
This takes away the contractor's conflict of interest of telling you what is needed, knowing that they are going to get all the business that he/she just recommended.
This may cost a little extra for the consultation, but for the piece of mind that you are getting an honest opinion with no self-interest attached, it will be well worth it.
2) Getting an Estimate. Once you are comfortable with the job that needs to be accomplished, type up an outline of the job. For example, a basic description might be like this:
- Apply detergent or bleach product to mold area, scrub mold from surface. (Remember not to mix bleach with anything that contains ammonia!)
- Sanitize and wipe down all exposed surfaces in the work area.
- Repair dripping faucet and pipes near the bathtub.
- Properly dry work area.
- Clean up area
- All work to be completed in same day
- Make a follow-up inspection in 14 days to ensure problem is fixed. Area should be free of moisture, mold, and mold odor.
- Along with the quote, submit 3 references from previous customers
- Along with quote, submit proof of insurance document
Once you have the outline, you are ready to distribute it to the various specialists in your area.
So now that you have your outline, you can call up the contractor and ask if they would be willing to give you a price based on the work needed. They will likely want to stop out and assess the problem themselves, which is fine. If you followed step one above, you will already have a non-biased opinion on the scope of work, and will be able to detect if the contractor is trying to upsell you on non-needed tasks.
At this point, give the contractor your description of what you think needs to be done. The contractor may have a different opinion on what ought to be done, and at this point you will need to use your best judgment whether to go along with him/her or to stick to your scope. Remember if you change your scope of work, you will want to make sure you are still comparing the other estimates on the same thing.
Go ahead and tell the contractor that you are gathering multiple quotes on the same work, and then ask him/her to submit their quote in writing.
3) Hiring the Contractor. Once you've compared the contractors and have received their prices, its time to choose. Whenever you are having somebody work on your home, you want to make sure you select the best contractor for the price. There are volumes of home repair horror stories from folks who just went for the lowest price. Here are some things to be mindful of when making your selection:
- Call their references.
- Consider other 3rd-party endorsements, such as the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any information on the contractor.
- Check to see what warranty, if any, is provided with the work.
- Did they submit proof of insurance?
- Does the quote cover all of the tasks?
A down payment may be required, but do not pay for the whole job up-front.
Once you are comfortable with your selection, call up the contractor and notify them that they've got the job!
This proven method will help give you assurance that you have chosen the right contractor to remove mold in your house or apartment.
Happy cleaning!
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