Hiring a mold contractor in Alabama

Hiring for mold work in Alabama is a little different from hiring a plumber or electrician, because there's no state mold credential to check. That puts more weight on the questions you ask and the paperwork you get. This guide covers what the state does and doesn't regulate, what the Home Builders Licensure Board requires once rebuilding is involved, and how to compare quotes from Huntsville-area companies.

What Alabama does and doesn't regulate

The Alabama Department of Public Health's indoor air quality program states there are currently no Alabama laws on mold standards or testing requirements for residential or commercial buildings, and no contractor accreditation or certification for companies doing mold testing or remediation. ADPH also points out that EPA doesn't regulate mold or mold spores in indoor air. ADPH does publish a list of indoor air survey firms, but with a disclaimer that no approval, recommendation or accreditation is implied. Bottom line: a company saying it is "state certified" for mold in Alabama is describing something that doesn't exist.

Where a state license does apply

Mold jobs often turn into repair jobs: new drywall, insulation, flooring, subfloor or framing. The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board says a state-issued home builder license is required when the cost of a residential job exceeds $10,000. Licensed builders must use a written contract that includes the contractor's name, address and phone, a description of the work, start and estimated completion dates, and the total cost. The Board lets consumers check a license at hblb.alabama.gov or by phone. A city business license is not the same thing; it only lets a company operate within that city.

Questions worth asking

1. What's the moisture source and who's fixing it? A good quote names it. If the company only cleans, ask who handles the plumbing, roof or drainage repair.
2. What guideline do you follow? EPA suggests asking contractors to follow EPA's remediation guidance or standards from groups like the ACGIH or the IICRC.
3. How will you contain the area? Plastic sheeting, negative air with HEPA filtration, and an airlock for bigger jobs should be described in writing.
4. What comes out and what stays? The scope should list materials to be removed by room and approximate area.
5. Who rebuilds? If it's a different company, find out who holds the home builder license if the total crosses $10,000.
6. What does "done" look like? EPA's completion criteria: moisture fixed, no visible mold or musty smell, and people able to use the space without symptoms. Ask whether clearance sampling is included or optional.
7. References. EPA advises checking references and confirming the company has real mold cleanup experience.

What drives the price

Every company sets its own pricing, so get the number in writing before work starts. The things that move it most:

• Square footage of growth and whether it's on the surface or inside walls.
• Access: an open basement versus a 16-inch crawl space or a tight attic.
• How much material has to be removed and hauled away.
• Containment level, which EPA ties to area: limited for 10 to 100 square feet, full for more than 100.
• Drying time and equipment days.
• Whether rebuild, crawl space sealing or a dehumidifier is bundled in.
• Lab fees if sampling is included.

Red flags

• Pressure to sign the same day, or a quote that won't name a moisture source.
• A plan built entirely on spraying or fogging with no removal.
• Claims of a state mold license, which Alabama doesn't issue.
• An inspector who finds a big problem and then quotes the cleanup at the same visit. That isn't automatically wrong, but an independent inspection gives you a neutral scope to price against.

For what the work itself should look like, see mold remediation.

Frequently asked