FAQ
FAQ
Have a question? Check below for the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
This service is performed prior to the start of a mold remediation project with the purpose of gathering data to confirm or deny the presence of mold. If a mold issue is discovered to exist, the data gathered is used to develop a mold remediation protocol (work plan) for the mold remediation contractor. The protocol dictates the scope of work, containment requirements, cleaning methods, and the clearance criteria that will be used to deem whether or not the remediation is successful. This inspection will usually take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the scope of any problem areas and the size of the property.
Our mold inspection pricing is based on the size of the areas to be assessed. Commercial properties and larger residential inspections or areas outside our typical service area may incur an additional charge.
- Limited mold inspection, specific assessment area(s), etc. up to 2,000sf inspection area: $895
- Limited to specific area(s) and/or properties under 2,000SF. Includes two (2) mold samples.
- Mold inspection, whole house inspection, areas over 2,000SF: starting at $1,000
- Inspection of areas exceeding 2,000SF, whole home inspections, etc. Based on square footage to be assessed.
- 2,001-2,500SF = $1,000.00
- 2,501-3,000SF = $1,145.00
- 3,001-3,500SF = $1,290.00
- 3,501-4,000SF = $1,435.00
- 4,001-4,500SF = $1,580.00
- 4,501-5,000SF = $1,730.00
- 5,000SF+ = Quotation Required
- Inspection of areas exceeding 2,000SF, whole home inspections, etc. Based on square footage to be assessed.
- Commercial mold inspection: Quotation Required
All inspections will include a visual inspection for microbial growth, areas with elevated moisture, indications of past/present moisture intrusion; thermal imaging; moisture measurements; temperature and humidity readings; identification of affected and damaged areas; particulate air samples; mold samples (bulk, swab or surface, and airborne, as required); mold sample laboratory analysis; written assessment report with photos, findings and recommendations; written mold remediation protocol in accordance with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Mold Assessors and Remediators Administrative Rules.
This service is performed after the mold remediation has been completed. The State of Texas requires that a project meet three criteria in order to be deemed a successful remediation:
- Visual – no visible mold or wood rot;
- Procedural – verify that the mold remediation protocol was followed as written; and
- Analytical – has the work area been returned to a normal fungal environment?
The post remediation clearance inspection will include a visual inspection of the remediated areas; moisture measurements; temperature and humidity readings; particulate air samples; mold samples (bulk, swab or surface, and airborne, as required); mold sample laboratory analysis; written assessment report with photos and findings; Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (if eligible).
Our post remediation clearance inspection pricing starts at $775 and is dependant on the number of samples required to meet the state mold statute testing requirements. Commercial properties and larger residential inspections or areas outside our typical service area may incur an additional charge.
Payment is due when services are rendered. NTX Enviro accepts checks, Zelle, Apple Pay, as well as all major credit cards.
Payment is due when services are rendered. The balance of any amount which remains unpaid more than thirty (30) days after it is due to NTX Enviro shall accrue interest until paid at the maximum amount allowed under Applicable Law. However, in no event shall this interest provision be construed as a grant of permission for payment delays.
Our time on-site is usually between 2 to 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the project. The goal while on-site is to gather as much information as possible so that we can prepare a specific, detailed scope of work (remediation protocol) tailored to your specific project. This allows the mold remediation contractor to have the quantities of material requiring cleaning and/or removal and will aid in getting you an accurate estimate to complete the work.
All NTX Enviro services are conducted by a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (license MAC1317). The Texas Deparment of Licensing and Regulation license search is available here.
The Texas Administrative Code chapter 78, rule §78.40 requires persons licensed under the mold statute to obtain commercial general liability insurance in the amount of not less than $1 million per occurrence and to maintain the coverage for the term of the license. NTX Enviro has commercial general liability insurance in place in accordance with the statute requirements.
The below information below is from the Texas Attorney General website.
Mold Remediation
Not all water and mold damage is covered by your residential property insurance policy.
Most of the homeowner’s insurance policies sold in Texas are known as HO-A policies. In general, HO-A policies only cover sudden and accidental water leaks and do not cover damage resulting from continuous or repeated leakage. Many do not cover remediation of mold; those that do generally have a cap on coverage.
CLUE Database and the Effect of Filing Claims
Some homeowners who have filed claims for mold or water damage later experience difficulty in renewing or obtaining new insurance coverage for their homes. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for possible assistance if you have difficulty finding an insurer. Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (“CLUE”) is a national database that tracks claims filed on properties. The database tracks both the claims history of your house and on claims filed by a homeowner. In general, property claims filed with insurers are recorded in the CLUE database. In some cases, insurers may have reported inquiries about how to file a mold claim, even when no claim was made. Home buyers may request a building’s CLUE report. Claims on your property may prevent potential buyers from obtaining homeowners insurance. This in turn may limit your ability to sell the property. Therefore consider carefully whether to file repair claims on your home. Under federal law, you can challenge incorrect information in your CLUE report. If you are denied homeowners coverage because of a CLUE report, you are entitled to receive the report free. Contact the Equifax Insurance Consumer Center at (800) 456-6004. You do not have to report mold problems to your insurance company if you pay for the remediation. However in order to accept a claim, your policy may require you to report water damage to your insurance company within a set time (generally 30 days) after you discover or should have discovered the damage.
Making an Insurance Claim
In general, your insurer must begin an investigation within fifteen days after you file a written claim. The company may ask you for more information, and has another fifteen days after you send the information before it must accept or reject the claim. If the company agrees to pay the claim, it must do so within five days. If the company rejects the claim, it must give you the reasons in writing. It is common for an insurance settlement check to be made out to both the homeowner and the mortgage company. Some mortgage companies will endorse the check to the homeowner, leaving the homeowner to arrange for remediation. Otherwise the lender usually uses the insurance checks to pay the contractor, with an inspector monitoring the work and releasing payments. Consult with your mortgage company about how involved it will become with the remediation work. If the company oversees the work, you should still understand who is responsible for ensuring the job is done properly, and the extent of your liability. Remain active in this process. Remediation is more than just repairing damage caused by mold. It involves the process of evaluating the situation before repair work begins. It also involves removing and cleaning items contaminated with mold, treating potentially affected areas, and ensuring that mold does not reoccur.
Choosing a Mold Assessor and Remediator
All non-exempt mold assessors and remediators must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Be wary of possible conflicts of interest on the part of companies that provide multiple services. A person may hold licenses, but may not do both jobs on the same project. In addition, a person may not own an interest in both firms that do the assessment and the remediation on the same project. Keep in mind there are exceptions to the licensing requirement. Review all bids with your insurer to determine which costs will be covered. If your lender is involved in the process, make sure the bid specifications and payment schedule meet the lender’s requirements. Check with TDLR to see if the contractors are properly licensed, and whether any complaints have been filed. Also do your homework on the company’s reputation. Some insurers may have a list of recommended mold specialists, but you must choose the contractor. Your insurer is prohibited from requiring you to use a specific company, but may assist you with your selection and with getting remediation work done in a timely manner. After the contract is signed, licensed remediators are required to give you a Consumer Mold Information Sheet prepared by TDLR. Under state law, a mold assessment must be done before remediation begins. Check your insurance policy to see if the remediation settlement should include the assessment cost. The assessor must prepare a work analysis for each project, and give the client a copy before remediation begins. The analysis must state:
- which rooms or areas are to be worked on;
- the quantities of materials to be removed or cleaned onsite;
- the proposed method of remediation for each area; and
- the proposed clearance criteria for determining when remediation is complete in each area.
The licensed remediator must then produce a plan with instructions for each aspect of the project. The remediator must give the owner a copy of the plan before work starts, and keep a copy at the job site. The remediator must also notify TDLR about the project at least five days before work begins, except in emergencies. Within ten days after completing remediation work, the remediator must give the property owner a certificate of mold remediation. The certificate must include a statement from a mold assessor that the contamination has been remediated in accordance with the clean-up plan. The certificate must also show if they fixed the underlying cause of the mold. Remember that the certificate only applies to mold removal – it does not cover other types of water damage repair. Remediators must keep a record of all jobs they did over the last three years. This record must include before and after photos of the contamination scene, the written contract for remediation and all job related invoices. The remediator is required to give the homeowner a copy of all photos included in the project record. Property owners should keep copies of the mold assessment, remediation contract, remediation certificate, photos and other related materials on file. If owner sells the property, he or she must give the buyer a copy of each remediation certificate issued on the property.
Some Exceptions
The process above does not apply to the following actions, when not done specifically as part of a mold assessment/remediation:
- routine cleaning
- real estate inspections
- repair or replacement of plumbing, ventilation, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, air ducts or appliances
- use of construction materials during the building phase of raising a structure
Questions and Complaints
If you have questions or complaints about the license status of a mold assessor or remediator, contact TDLR. Call (800) 803-9202 for more information. We also accept complaints against mold assessors and mold remediation contractors, including matters related to warranties. You may also want to discuss the matter with a private attorney.
The inspection report and remediation protocol are typically available within 1 to 2 days after the inspection.
The Texas Department of Insurance Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation is available to a client who uses a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant to provide a written remediation protocol and post remediation clearance in conjunction with having the remediation work performed by a licensed Mold Remediation Contractor. If you sell your home within five years of the remediation work, you are required to inform the potential buyer on the disclosure section that there was mold damage. The Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation is your proof that you had it taken care of professionally.
Section §78.150 (listed below) of the Mold Assessors and Remediators Occupational Code, item (d) states: If a property owner sells the property, the property owner shall provide to the buyer a copy of each Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation issued for the property under this section during the five years preceding the date the property owner sells the property.
A Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (CMDR) is a form created by the Texas Department of Insurance to provide homeowners and any potential future buyers of the property with a level of assurance that identified mold issues have been eliminated. The certificate is proof that the mold has been removed and the cause of the mold is fixed. If you don’t have a certificate for the repairs or remediation, an insurance company can deny you coverage in the future based on past mold damage claims. If you sell your property, the law requires that you provide the buyer with a copy of all certificates you have for that property.
You can review the Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation at the following link:
Receiving a certificate documenting that the underlying cause of the mold was remediated is an advantage for a homeowner. This certificate prevents an insurer from making an underwriting decision on the residential property based on previous mold damage or previous claims for mold damage. If you sell your property, the law requires that you provide the buyer a copy of all Certificates of Mold Damage Remediation you have received for that property within the preceding five years. Some banks and insurance carriers require a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation after mold remediation has taken place.
Under the code of ethics in the Rules, to the extent required by law, licensees must keep confidential any personal information about a client (including medical conditions) obtained during the course of a mold-related activity. Further, you may be able to negotiate a contract to include language that other personal information be kept confidential unless disclosure “is required by law.” However, licensees are required to identify dates and addresses of projects and other details that can become public information.
Yes. A homeowner can take samples for mold or clean it up in the home without a license. An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an owner of a residential property is not required to be licensed, unless the property has 10 or more residential dwelling units. For non-residential properties, an owner or tenant, or a managing agent or employee of an owner or tenant, is not required to be licensed to do mold assessment or remediation on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant, unless the mold contamination affects a total surface area of 25 contiguous square feet or more.
Sec. 1958.102. EXEMPTIONS.
(a) An owner or tenant, or a managing agent or employee of an owner or tenant, is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold assessment or mold remediation on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant. This exemption does not apply:
(1) if the managing agent or employee engages in the business of performing mold assessment or mold remediation for the public;
(2) if the mold remediation is performed in an area in which the mold contamination affects a total surface area of 25 contiguous square feet or more; or
(3) to a person who is exempt under Subsection (e).
(b) An employee of a license holder is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold assessment or mold remediation while supervised by the license holder, as provided by rules adopted under Section 1958.101.
(c) A person is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold remediation in an area in which the mold contamination affects a total surface area for the project of less than 25 contiguous square feet.
(d) A person is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold assessment or mold remediation in a one-family or two-family dwelling that the person constructed or improved if the person performs the mold assessment or mold remediation at the same time the person performs the construction or improvement or at the same time the person performs repair work on the construction or improvement. This exemption does not apply if the person engages in the business of performing mold assessment or mold remediation for the public.
(e) An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an owner, is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold assessment or mold remediation on a residential property owned by that person with fewer than 10 dwelling units. This exemption does not apply if the managing agent or employee engages in the business of performing mold assessment or mold remediation for the public.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Mold Assessors and Remediators Administrative Code can be found in its entirety here:
Texas Administrative Code – Mold Assessors and Remediators
Texas Occupations Code – Mold Assessors and Remediatiors Law
Per the Mold Assessors and Remediators Rules of the Texas Admin Code, Section 78:
78.150. Photographs; Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation; Duty of Property Owner.
(a) Not later than one week after completion of a mold remediation project, the licensed mold remediation contractor or company shall provide the property owner with copies of required photographs of the scene of the mold remediation taken before and after the remediation.
(b) Not later than the 10th day after the project stop date, the licensed mold remediation contractor or company shall provide a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation to the property owner on a form adopted by the Texas Commissioner of Insurance. The Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation must include the following:
(1) a statement by a licensed mold assessment consultant (not the licensed mold remediator) that based on visual, procedural, and analytical evaluation, the mold contamination identified for the project has been remediated as outlined in the mold remediation protocol; and
(2) a statement on the certificate that the underlying cause of the mold has been remediated, if the licensed mold assessment consultant determines that the underlying cause of the mold has been remediated so that it is reasonably certain that the mold will not return from that same cause.
(c) Copies of the completed certificate shall be retained in the business files of the assessment consultant/company and the remediation contractor/company.
(d) If a property owner sells the property, the property owner shall provide to the buyer a copy of each Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation issued for the property under this section during the five years preceding the date the property owner sells the property.
Per the Mold Assessors and Remediators Rules of the Texas Admin Code, Section 78:
78.92. Civil Liability Exemption for Certain Property Owners or Governmental Entities.
(a) A property owner is not liable for damages related to mold remediation on a property if a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation has been issued under §78.150 of this title (relating to Photographs; Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation; Duty of Property Owner) for that property and the damages accrued on or before the date of the issuance of the Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation.
(b) A person is not liable in a civil lawsuit for damages related to a decision to allow occupancy of a property after mold remediation has been performed on the property if a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation has been issued under §78.150 of this title for the property, the property is owned or occupied by a governmental entity, including a school, and the decision was made by the owner, the occupier, or any person authorized by the owner or occupier to make the decision.