How to Hire a Mold Remediation Contractor You Can Actually Trust (And the Questions You Must Ask First)

By Ava Hartwell

One of the most common and heartbreaking things I hear is this:
“We hired a mold contractor… and everything got worse.”

Mold remediation is not basic demolition or cleaning.
Done incorrectly, it can spread contamination, increase exposure,
and set recovery back months — or longer.

Why hiring the right contractor matters

Mold remediation is not just about removing visible growth.
It’s about controlling particles you cannot see.

Without proper containment, airflow control, and filtration,
remediation work can aerosolize mold fragments and spread them
into clean areas of the home — including HVAC systems.

Mold remediation done wrong doesn’t just fail — it can actively increase exposure.

If you’ve ever felt worse after “cleanup” or renovations,
this may explain why:

Why Mold Keeps Coming Back After You Clean It
.

What proper mold remediation should include

A qualified mold remediation contractor should understand and implement
engineering controls — not just demolition.

Core components of proper remediation

full containment with vapor barriers
isolated work zones
negative air pressure
HEPA air scrubbers exhausting outdoors
worker decontamination procedures
HEPA vacuuming of all affected materials
safe disposal of contaminated debris
moisture source identification and correction

If these concepts aren’t part of the conversation,
you’re likely dealing with a contractor who treats mold
like a cosmetic issue — not a contamination issue.

Ten questions you should ask before hiring a mold contractor

How will you isolate the work area from the rest of the home?
Will you be using full containment with plastic vapor barriers?
How do you establish and maintain negative air pressure?
Where will HEPA air scrubbers exhaust air?
Do you use HEPA vacuums on all exposed surfaces?
How do workers prevent cross-contamination when entering and exiting?
How do you handle debris removal and disposal?
How do you verify the moisture source has been corrected?
Do you follow IICRC or equivalent remediation protocols?
Will post-remediation verification be performed?

If a contractor struggles to answer these questions clearly, that is important information.

Major red flags to watch for

“We don’t need containment for a small job.”
“We’ll just spray something to kill it.”
“Negative air isn’t necessary.”
“You can stay in the house during remediation.”
Unwillingness to explain procedures
No discussion of moisture sources

Mold remediation is not a rush job.
Speed without control often leads to reinfection.

Frequently asked questions

Is mold remediation regulated?

Regulation varies by state. This makes asking the right questions even more important.

Can any contractor do mold remediation?

No. Mold remediation requires specific training in containment and air control.

Should I leave the home during remediation?

In many cases, yes — especially if you are symptomatic or immunocompromised.

Is post-remediation testing necessary?

Verification helps ensure contamination was actually removed, not redistributed.

My bottom line

Mold remediation is not just construction —
it’s environmental control.

The right contractor understands containment, airflow, filtration,
and the seriousness of exposure. Anything less is a risk.

If you want to understand why I approach mold remediation with this level of care,
you can read more about my journey
here.