How to Hire a Mold Remediation Contractor (Checklist)

Mold remediation is an unregulated industry in most states — anyone can call themselves a mold professional. That makes vetting critical. Here’s what to look for and what to ask before signing a contract.

Credentials to Require

IICRC Certification. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification offers the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) and Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) credentials. These indicate real training. Ask for the certificate number and verify it at iicrc.org.

State licensing. About a dozen states require mold remediation contractors to hold a specific license — Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, and New York among them. Check your state’s contractor licensing board to confirm requirements and look up license status.

General contractor license and insurance. Even where mold-specific licensing isn’t required, the contractor should carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) and workers’ compensation. Get the certificate of insurance, not just their word.

No conflict of interest. A major red flag: the same company should not do both the mold testing/inspection and the remediation. That’s a clear financial conflict. Use a separate certified industrial hygienist (CIH) or independent inspector for testing. A serious contractor will also be able to reference the EPA’s mold remediation guidance when describing their containment, removal, and clearance approach, not just their own house style.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. Are you IICRC-certified? Which credentials do your technicians hold?
2. Do you have a state contractor license? Can you provide the number?
3. What does your containment protocol look like? (Expect: plastic sheeting, negative air pressure, HEPA filtration.)
4. How do you determine the scope of the project? (They should explain moisture assessment, not just visual inspection.)
5. Do you provide a written scope of work before starting? (Require this.)
6. What does post-remediation verification look like? Do you perform independent clearance testing?
7. Do you have references from similar jobs in the last 12 months?
8. What is your warranty? (Some contractors offer 1-year workmanship warranties.)

Red Flags

• Offering a quote without inspecting the property in person
• Recommending remediation without testing (if scope is unclear)
• Pressure to start immediately without time to compare bids
• Unusually low bids — proper containment and disposal have real costs
• Offering to do both the testing and the remediation
• No written contract or scope of work

Understanding the Contract

Before signing, confirm the contract includes:

• Detailed scope of work — exactly what materials will be removed and what areas will be treated
• Containment plan — how they will prevent spore spread to other areas
• Disposal method — contaminated materials must be bagged and disposed of properly
• Payment schedule — avoid paying more than 10–20% upfront
• Timeline — clear start and estimated completion dates
• Post-remediation testing — whether it’s included or who arranges it

After the Job

Independent post-remediation air testing is strongly recommended. Hire a separate industrial hygienist to conduct air sampling after the work is complete and before reconstruction begins. Results should show spore levels comparable to or lower than outdoor air. If the contractor discourages clearance testing, treat that as a serious red flag. Our guide to mold clearance testing explains what the test includes, what passing looks like, and why you should make it a condition of final payment.

Find certified mold remediation contractors in your area to compare quotes and credentials.