Honest Remediation Recommendations

What Happens When I Find Mold?

Here's a question I get a lot: "If you don't do remediation, what happens when you find a problem?"

Fair concern. You're paying for an inspection, and if something turns up, you want to know you're not just getting handed a problem with no guidance.

Let me walk you through exactly what happens after I find mold — and how I handle referrals in a way that keeps me honest.

Step 1: You Get the Full Picture First

Before I recommend anything, you get a complete written report with:

• Lab data. Actual spore counts, species identification, comparison to outdoor baseline levels.
• Scope of the problem. Where the mold is, how extensive, what caused it (moisture source identification).
• Severity assessment. Not all mold problems are emergencies. Some are minor and some need immediate attention. I'll tell you which category you're in.
• Remediation protocol. A written document specifying exactly what work needs to be done, so you can compare quotes from remediators who all bid on the same scope.

That protocol is yours. It's the blueprint for fixing the problem. Any reputable remediation company should follow it — and if they want to deviate, they need to explain why.

Step 2: I Provide a List of Reputable Remediators

I maintain a list of remediation companies I've worked with or know by reputation. When you ask for a referral, I'll give you 2-3 names.

But here's the important part:

I don't receive referral fees. I don't have preferred vendors. I don't benefit financially from any company you choose.

Why not? Because the moment I accept $200 for a referral, my incentives shift. Now I have a reason to find more problems — because more problems mean more referrals, which means more money in my pocket.

I designed TrueSight to eliminate that possibility entirely.

What I Look For in a Remediator

When I recommend a company, I'm looking for:

• Proper certifications. IICRC certification in mold remediation at minimum.
• Insurance. Workers' comp and liability coverage are non-negotiable.
• Willingness to follow the protocol. If they want to do more (or less) than the written scope, they should explain why in writing.
• Track record. Companies that have been in business, have satisfied customers, and haven't generated licensing complaints.
• No conflicts with me. I specifically avoid recommending anyone I have a financial relationship with.

I'll also tell you if a problem is small enough to handle yourself. Not every mold issue requires professional remediation. Sometimes the answer is "clean it up, fix the leak, and move on with your life." I'll tell you when that's the case.

Step 3: Post-Remediation Verification

After remediation is complete, someone needs to verify the work was done correctly. That's called post-remediation verification (PRV), and it's another area where conflicts can occur.

Here's the thing: the remediation company should NOT do their own verification. That's like grading their own homework.

I offer PRV as a separate service. When you hire me to verify remediation, I'm checking the remediator's work — and they know I have no reason to rubber-stamp a bad job. My verification means something because I'm independent.

Why I Do It This Way

I used to work on the remediation side of this industry. I've seen how the game is played.

I've seen inspectors recommend $15,000 remediation jobs that could have been handled with $500 in targeted work. I've seen remediation companies sign off on their own "clearance testing" without actually running lab samples. And I've seen homeowners caught in the middle, paying for work they didn't need or discovering the job wasn't done right after they'd already paid.

When I built TrueSight, I built it specifically to avoid every conflict I'd seen in the industry:

• I don't do remediation. I can't.
• I don't accept referral fees. Ever.
• I provide written protocols so you can shop quotes fairly.
• I offer independent PRV so verification is actually verification.

Is this the most profitable way to run the business? Probably not. But it's the way that lets me sleep at night.

What If You Already Have a Remediator You Trust?

Great. Use them.

My job is to give you accurate information about what needs to be done. If you already have a relationship with a remediation company you trust, that's fine with me. Just give them my protocol and have them bid on that scope.

I'm not trying to insert myself into your contractor relationships. I just want to make sure you have honest data before you spend $5,000.

The Bottom Line

When I find mold, I don't leave you hanging. You get:

1. A detailed report with lab data
2. A written remediation protocol (scope of work)
3. Referrals to reputable remediators (if you want them)
4. Independent post-remediation verification (if you need it)

And at no point do I profit from the problem I found. My money comes from the inspection. Everything after that is about helping you solve it.

That's how honest referrals should work.