Living with low quality air is an unacceptable situation for any home owner. That air may not only make you uncomfortable, but can also contribute to significant illness if mold is the cause of the quality decrease. Hiring a mold remediation contractor to remove the offending spores is an important step, but you also need to make sure you're engaged in the whole process.

That process starts with a mold inspection to determine the scope of the problem and the best corrective actions to take. Below, you'll find a guide to some questions you should be sure to ask during your mold inspection to guarantee that you have a firm grip on the details and the things you need to do to address the situation.

Ask About Your HVAC System

Mold can grow rapidly under the right conditions, so when you start the remediation process, it's vital that you don't take any actions that can allow the problem to reassert itself. Unfortunately, air that's held at a certain temperature may contribute to those conditions, and your HVAC system may be responsible for distributing an infestation.

Talk to your inspector about whether your heating and air system is part of the problem with your mold situation. Figure out whether or not the system can be safely operated during the removal process and, if not, consider temporarily relocating so you can stay comfortable.

Ask About Protective Measures

In the most extreme cases, exposure to certain kinds of mold can have immediate health consequences. You need to be prepared to limit your exposure as much as possible, and your remediation contractors will likely take strong steps toward that goal.

These protective measures can include the wearing of protective gear or even isolating an entire area in your home. Ask your inspector about the steps that will be necessary, and make sure that you don't violate those protocols once they're established.

Ask About Salvaging Possessions

One of the most difficult challenges after a mold infestation is coping with being forced to get rid of items that may have once held intense sentimental value. In some cases, items can be cleaned and kept, but in others, your possessions will sadly have to be disposed of. Ask your inspector about the extent of the mold problem in your storage areas such as an attic or a garage, and use that information to determine the risk that you might be losing an item that you care about.