For most, water damage is seen as just damage that can be easily repaired. However, some are not aware that it can cause molds which, in turn, can cause serious health issues. Often, these damages are remedied by the least best solution possible, and that is why the wellbeing of the occupants is massively compromised.

There are times the water damage is isolated enough to overlook a mold remediation. Others perform repairs themselves not knowing that it can make matters worse as opening up a wall without taking proper precautions can aggravate the problem.

Acquiring a qualified specialist, who fully understands the complications and potential hazards of improper remediation can be sometimes difficult. Below are a few questions you may want to consider before hiring a water damage and mold removal expert.

1. Should I consider mold to be a potential health hazard?
   Being a specialist in water damage and mold removal, even though they are not health practitioners, they should be able to understand the toxicity of indoor water damage. The term “Mycotoxin” should also be familiar with their line of work since they are secondary metabolites of molds that have adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops, and they result in illnesses.
2. Do they document their work?
   Certified specialists document all work by having digital photos. Hence, you can safely say that they are making proper preparations to remedy the problem. Digital photos should be available to the client after every completed work as a sign of efficient work ethic.
3. Do they contain the working area properly?
   If you see that the contractor is negating the need for containment, you should dismiss them at once. They regularly use plastic sheeting to avoid cross contamination. Negative air machines (NAMs) should be HEPA filtered and exhausted outside.
4. Should I be insured?
   There are some contractors who operate without any type of insurance, and this may result in cutting down costs. However, acquiring an insurance policy may help ease the expenses when such adversary happens.
5. Do contractors wear protective gears?
   This is a no-brainer. Yes, they should wear proper hazmat suits, safety glasses, and respirators. Additionally, disposable shoe covers is a must and should be worn on site as foot traffic is a major cause of cross contamination.
6. How do they dispose of waste material?
   All waste material should be disposed of immediately after removal. To minimize potential breakage or leakage, the route should be as short as possible. When contractors double bagged items, this is to avoid cross contamination from the first bag, and that says a lot about their work ethics.

Should these questions, for instance, dismiss your questions or demean your concerns, it might be wise to look elsewhere. Keep in mind that you should not be afraid to ask all the questions that you could possibly think of.

Your health should never be compromised. Do not forget to listen to your instincts as you seek the wisest decision for the health and wellbeing of your loved ones.