What Should I Know Before Hiring A Mold Assessor?
Updated: Feb 22, 2019

A mold assessor is responsible for evaluating the presence of mold on a property and devising a plan of action for getting rid of the mold. In the state of New York, property owners are not required to have mold cleaned up. However, if you decide to hire a mold assessor, he must be licensed by the New York State Department of Labor.
The licensed mold assessor carries out tasks as defined by the New York State Law, Article 32, which was established in January 2016. Below is the list of duties required during a mold assessment:
Conduct a complete visual inspection of the property to assess the amount of mold growth, all areas that are contaminated and locate the original source of mold contamination.
In addition to a visual inspection, the moisture meter might be used to test humidity levels. This is important, since moisture is the primary reason for mold growth to begin.
Occasionally a surface sample of a mold-infested area is obtained for lab testing. This testing determines the mold species.
Communicate with the property owner in regards to his findings during the mold assessment. The property owner will also be advised on the New York Mold Law and educate him/her on the basics of mold.
A mold remediation plan is established by the mold assessor, which will include the following:
Detailed listing of all areas that have mold, including the location of the original source (if determined).
The plan of action that will be implemented to remove the mold.
A list of all materials, equipment, and chemicals that will be used during the phases of mold removal, cleaning, and disinfecting.
Environmental Protection Agency data regarding the products being used.
Details of all protective wear that will provided to the abatement workers for cleanup procedures.
The estimated length of time the project will take.Cost estimate.
The mold assessor will also provide another inspection following the completion of the mold remediation and provide final reports.
Mold Sampling
Mold sampling is not often recommended during a mold assessment because there are no state rules that require it. Also, because mold is a natural occurrence, it will be present on most any surface sample. While mold does cause health issues and allergic reactions for some individuals, for the most part people are not affected. Therefore, unless there is specific information linking a person’s allergies to a single mold species, the mold sampling is not very worthwhile.
Purpose of the Mold Remediation Plan
The mold remediation plan consists of verifying all areas that have mold and details of how to safely and effectively remove the mold. Ideally, before the mold remediation plan begins, repairs should be made wherever necessary so the mold issue does not reoccur.
After the initial mold assessment, the property owner should receive a copy of all documentation from the mold assessor and have questions answered. He will offer recommendations of how to proceed and who to contact, should the property owner choose to make repairs and have the mold professionally cleaned.
