The problem of mould growth in homes and businesses is a worry in the UK nowadays as it can lead to various health issues like allergies and breathing problems. When people find or suspect mould in their living spaces or workplaces they usually choose to hire experts to handle the issue. Choosing a firm that specialises in mould testing instead of one that offers mould remediation services as well may impact the method of remediation and mould removal significantly.
You know the old adage to "Never ask a hairdresser if you need a haircut" or "Don't ask a used car salesman if now is the right time to buy a car". In both examples the answer will be a resounding yes because it clearly benefits them! With mould testing it is important to understand that these inherent conflicts of interest are also present with companies who offer mould testing and remediation services. Choosing an independent testing company that doesn't profit from the test outcome has benefits that make it a wiser decision in the end.
Make sure to check out our blog below to learn why it's so important to work with an independent professional when addressing mould issues in your home.
👉 OBVIOUS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
When using mould remediation and testing company for your property it's important to be mindful of conflicts of interest that could arise in the process. A company that profits from removing mould may be inclined to discover more mould than is truly present in order to increase their revenue stream. This could possibly lead to removal efforts based on inflated reports or even unethical practices such, as altering test results to secure bigger projects. This process also works the other way – a mould remediation company which tests after the work may be tempted to ensure that no mould is found. Maybe they open a window for while before testing or test while the fog is still in the air…? Maybe...maybe 🤔
When a mould testing company operates independently they are motivated to provide assessments, without any bias since their primary objective is to give an honest evaluation of the situation. They have nothing to gain from inflating the figures, as you have already paid for their time. This means you can trust that the results will accurately represent the condition of your property.
👉 ENSURING RESULTS ARE ACHIEVED
The effectiveness of mould testing greatly depends on maintaining impartiality throughout the process. It's important to note that companies that provide both testing and remediation services may have a tendency to interpret results in a way that benefits their business. On the hand independent testers focus is on assessing air quality surface samples and moisture levels without any potential conflicts of interest.
When you choose a testing organisation to evaluate the situation for mould contamination you can have confidence that the results are impartial and trustworthy. This allows you to make decisions about next steps. If mould is discovered then you can proceed by contacting remediation firms for estimates. Make comparisons to ensure you receive high quality service without paying more, than necessary.
Once a mouldy property has been remediated an independent mould testing company can provide an impartial clearance check by testing for mould a few days after treatment. Testing for mould on the day of treatment is the standard method used by remediation companies but this is open to fudging.
👉 TRANSPARENT EXPENSES
Opting for a company that offers both testing and remediation services may seem convenient initially but could end up costing more in the long run. Some remediation firms entice clients with cheaper testing as a marketing strategy only to hike up prices for their remediation services. Considering that the first evaluation might not be entirely reliable or impartial, you may end up bearing the cost for treatments which might not have been suggested had a genuinely independent assessment been carried out from the beginning.
When collaborating with an assessor for mould assessment services you will receive a fixed price for the testing and evaluation of moulds. When remedial actions are required it is then possible to go out to the market without being tied to one single remediation provider.
👉 CLEAR INFORMATION
When dealing with mould issues having the correct information is crucial. A detailed assessment conducted by a mould testing specialist provides in depth insights, into the extent and severity of the problem. This enables homeowners and business owners to make decisions independently without being swayed by companies pushing their remediation services.
Having a report in your hands makes it easier to decide whether you need assistance with resolving any problems or if basic enhancements such as improving ventilation and reducing humidity would be enough, before exploring specialised treatments. This approach helps you steer clear of excess costs and also saves you time and energy along the way.
>>>Click here to view a sample Ministry of Mould report🔎<<<
👉 LACK OF TRAINING
The person carrying out the testing for the remediation companies can often be the technician carrying out the mould removal. This person may lack training in testing methods compared to specialised testing surveyors whose primary focus lies in conducting thorough environmental assessments.
👉 VERIFICATION OF MOULD REMEDIATION
This is perhaps the number one reason to use an independent mould testing company, particularly for commercial customers. If a company carries out both the necessary remedial works themselves and the verification testing afterwards then there is such a clear bias and potential for abuse that it is hard to see how this could ever stand up in court. For a commercial company, such as a social housing provider, there is simply no way that verification carried out by the remediators would be robust enough evidence for a judge. The verification testing by remediators is nearly always carried out on the same day as fogging when the mould is obviously gone. Independent testing can be carried out days or even weeks after remediation to ensure that the problem has actually been resolved long term.
Bringing in a tester, for a follow up assessment of the treatment ensures that the mould problem is fully resolved, providing you with peace of mind that your remediation process has been undertaken with due care and attention. If the verification testing finds mould, then the remediator can be contacted for a revisit to tackle the problem again.
👉 CONFLICT CONSIDERATIONS
When mould issues escalate and result in conflicts between landlords and tenants or issues with property sales it is very helpful to acquire an independent mould assessment report. Ministry of Mould have worked with many landlords and tenants who use our services to clarify an argument either way. Sometimes the tenant or the company staff have a valid concern and our mould testing helps persuade the building owner to take action. Sometimes the landlords believe the tenants are exaggerating or worrying unnecessarily and our testing service can help to put them at ease.
It is worth noting that insurance companies and legal professionals tend to have faith in an evaluation conducted by a neutral third party rather than a report carried out by a company with a personal stake in the results.
Making sure a property is mould free is important for landlords who want to show the condition of their property or for homeowners dealing with insurance claims and individuals involved in property transactions, like buyers and sellers seeking an assessment before closing the deal.
👉 HEALTH IS A PRIORITY
Exposure to mould can pose health risks for individuals with health issues or weakened immune systems as well as those with allergies. Tests can effectively evaluate air quality and levels of mould to assist property owners in addressing issues efficiently without causing disturbances or requiring interventions.
A company focused primarily on remediation is likely to push their service as the solution to all problems. However, mould is generally a complex issue with multiple causes and solutions. Some of the solutions use toxic chemicals and others are gentler on the human occupants. An independent company, like Ministry of Mould, is better placed to advise you on the methods which suit your health best.
Excessive use of chemicals and unnecessary treatments can have an impact on the environment. When homeowners choose to conduct tests it enables them to discover more gentle and environmentally friendly approaches for addressing mould problems. Some remediation companies might heavily depend on treatments that may not necessarily be the best approach for effectively managing mould over time. A great example of this is a reliance on mould fogging when often simply purging the property with fresh air morning and evening can dramatically reduce the number of mould spores in the air.
Final Thoughts on Why Choosing an Independent Mould Testing Company is a Smart Decision.
Choosing a company to perform mould testing shows a dedication to transparency and cost effectiveness while ensuring accuracy at every step of the process. It might appear convenient to hire firms that offer both testing and treatment services together; however the potential for conflicts of interest resulting in unnecessary work and higher costs should not be ignored.
When you opt to collaborate with a testing specialist instead of managing it internally you can rest assured that the assessment of your property will be fair and objective. This empowers you to make informed decisions on how to address any issues and undertake necessary remediation measures effectively. Independent testing offers homeowners, landlords, businesses and prospective property buyers dependable information to address mould related concerns comprehensively and ethically.
Ensuring the health of both yourself and your property and finances is crucial when deciding to conduct mould testing as it helps protect your wellbeing and the value of your assets. Select an expert who focuses on honest advice rather than potentially unnecessary treatments.