The Key to Fighting Mold

The Key to Fighting Mold

Let’s say you suspect mold in your home or have already spotted it. Most people have some idea about this issue and have likely tried to address it somehow. Unfortunately, these efforts don’t always yield lasting results because eliminating mold requires addressing its root causes, not just surface repairs.

Here are the two most common scenarios I see:

1. Hiring builders for a local fix. One of the most common solutions is to bring in builders for a quick fix. They’ll often propose a solution that seems to handle the issue. And while builders are great at what they do—construction and repairs—they generally don’t conduct a thorough inspection to find the root cause of the mold.

2. Full renovation with design and project work. A more comprehensive, and often costly, approach is a full renovation, starting with design and ending with a complete rebuild. People save up for this, hiring a designer first and then a builder to execute the project. And while the result looks impressive, without a preliminary diagnosis and elimination of moisture sources, the mold can return.

Why is a professional diagnosis the first step?

My main advice: start not with repairs, but with a professional inspection to identify moisture and the sources of mold.

Many clients come to me after they’ve already invested in a renovation, only to find the mold problem still persists. This is frustrating and can erode confidence in taking the next steps, especially since significant time and resources have already been spent. However, identifying the root cause can save on future repairs and offer the most effective solutions.

A proper diagnosis requires specialized equipment and expertise: for example, measuring moisture levels, analyzing ventilation, and detecting potential leaks. My inspections are thorough, sometimes taking an entire day. Based on the findings, I create a detailed report covering over 90 parameters about the condition of the space. This not only highlights current issues but also provides recommendations for builders and designers, ensuring the repair is truly effective.

If a full renovation is the goal, my company can provide a complete engineering project, making it easy for builders to follow and deliver high-quality work. It’s up to the client to choose what best suits their needs. Some people want a local, budget-friendly solution to the moisture and mold issue, which I address in my diagnosis. Others want a long-term, quality fix that’s also visually appealing.

In these cases, a professional diagnosis with an engineering project is the best approach—it will also significantly reduce costs for a full renovation. Don’t give mold a chance to return—start with the right step!

P.S. Never do drywall like this!