S520IICRC mold standard we follow
Mold remediation · By appointment
Tested before. Tested after.
Independent lab testing before we scope. Independent lab testing before we close. Honest scopes.
S520IICRC standard
48hrLab turnaround
2testsBefore and after
Inspection · Lab-tested
48hrTypical lab turnaround for air test
2testsBefore and after — required for closeout
0Tear-out of materials that don't need it
Scope of work
Six steps. One standard.
01
IICRC S520Air-quality testing
Spore counts before we start so the scope is based on data, not guesses.
02
IICRC S520Source identification
Find the moisture source first. Killing mold without fixing the cause means it comes back.
03
IICRC S520Containment
Negative-pressure barriers and HEPA filtration so spores stay in the work zone.
04
IICRC S520Source removal
Affected materials removed and bagged at the containment line. Honest scope, no over-demolition.
05
IICRC S520Antimicrobial treatment
EPA-registered products on what stays. Drying logs maintained until target is met.
06
IICRC S520Post-clearance testing
A second air test confirms the work. You and your carrier get the lab report.
S520 levels
How big is big enough for containment?
L1
IICRC S520Limited (< 10 sq ft)
Small contained area. Standard PPE, basic containment, surface cleaning.
L2
IICRC S520Moderate (10–100 sq ft)
Plastic barriers, negative pressure, HEPA scrubbing. Required for visible growth in a single area.
L3
IICRC S520Extensive (> 100 sq ft)
Full containment, full PPE. Engineering controls and worker training per IICRC S520.
Our process
Walk. Test. Contain. Clear.
Visit 1
Walk and test.
On-site inspection, air sample collected, moisture readings logged. No scope without data.
Lab
Results in 48 hours.
Independent lab returns spore counts. We share the report with you in plain language.
Work
Contain, remove, treat.
Containment built, source removed, surfaces treated. Daily moisture and humidity logged.
Clearance
Re-test and close.
Second air sample taken after work. Closeout when counts match outdoor baseline.
“The team ran an air test before they touched anything. No over-demolition. The lab said our levels were back to baseline.”
David K. · Beverly · Mold remediation
Frequently asked
What homeowners ask us most.
Do I really need an air test before the work starts?
Yes. Without a baseline air sample, there's no way to verify the remediation worked. The pre-test sets the standard the post-test has to beat. We won't scope a job without lab data.
What's the difference between L1, L2, and L3 containment?
Limited (L1, under 10 sq ft) uses standard PPE and surface cleaning. Moderate (L2, 10–100 sq ft) requires negative-pressure plastic barriers and HEPA filtration. Extensive (L3, over 100 sq ft) requires full engineering controls and IICRC S520 worker training. The level decides the cost — not the other way around.
Is mold actually a health risk?
For most healthy adults, mild exposure causes respiratory irritation but isn't dangerous. For people with asthma, allergies, immunocompromised conditions, or infants and elderly residents, mold can trigger serious health effects. We treat every job like it matters because for some occupant, it does.
What does mold remediation typically cost?
L1 jobs (under 10 sq ft) run $500–$1,500. L2 jobs $2,000–$6,000. L3 jobs vary widely with scope. Health-effected occupant cases sometimes qualify for homeowners insurance coverage; we'll confirm with your carrier before scoping.
How do I prevent mold from coming back?
Find and fix the moisture source first — that's the only durable prevention. Run dehumidifiers in chronically damp basements. Replace leaking pipes, broken roof flashing, or grade issues that send water toward the foundation. Mold treatment without source repair just buys time.
Are your technicians IICRC-certified?
Yes — every technician on a mold job holds individual IICRC S520 certification, and the firm itself is IICRC certified. Certifications are renewed annually. Ask for cards on site if you want to verify.