The Homeowner's Guide to Mold

Introduction.

Why Is Mold Such a Concern Today?

Is Your House Making You Sick?

Protecting Your Home’s Value.

How Th is Book Will Help You.

Chapter 1: What Is Mold & Where Does It Come From?

Facts & Hype.

Understanding How Mold Grows & Spreads.

Does My Home Have a Dangerous Type of Mold?

“There Was Mold, but We Bleached It Out. Don’t Worry!”.

Chapter 2: How Mold Can Affect Your Health.

Risks to People.

Risks to Pets.

Th e Infamous “Black Mold”.

How Mold Gets Into Our Bodies.

Chapter 3: Does Your Home (or One You Plan to Purchase) Have Mold?

Looking for Mold.

Asking the Right Questions.

Water Inspection Guidelines.

Mold on the Home’s Exterior.

Chapter 4: Mold Testing.

After Your Inspection.

If You’re Considering Mold Testing.

Before Testing.

Th e Home Test Kit.

Types of Mold Spore Testing.

Reading the Microbiology Reports.

Chapter 5: Mold Cleanup Principles.

Goals of Mold Cleanup.

How Big Is Your Mold Problem?

Mold Caused by Flooding.

Chapter 6: Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor.

Industry Standards.

How to Select a Qualified Mold Remediation Contractor.

How to Recognize & Avoid Con Artists.

Th e Importance of Being Informed.

Chapter 7: Insurance Coverage.

What Most People Th ink… and Are Wrong.

What Happens If I Make a Mold Claim to My Insurance Company?

Th ings to Remember Prior to Making a Mold Claim.

What Can Go Wrong with Your Mold Claim.

Public Adjusters/Appraisal.

Know Your Rights.

Chapter 8: Your Home’s Contents.

It Looks Clean.

What If Your Mold Remediator Suggests You Handle the Contents to Save Money?

Cross-Contaminating Your Home.

Packing Out Your Furniture.

Items That Tend to Attract Mold.

Chapter 9: What to Expect from Your Mold Remediator.

Th e Right Steps in the Right Order.

What to Expect During the Remediation Process.

Common Remediation Methods.

Do-It-Yourself Mold Remediation.

Chapter 10: Mold-Resistant Construction Methods & Materials.

Mold-Preventing Construction Methods—Basic Principles.

Proper Handling of Construction Materials to Prevent Mold.

Mold-Resistant Construction Materials.

Chapter 11: Maintenance Tips for Preventing Mold.

Appendix.

A: Questions & Answers About Mold.

B: Health Eff ects from Exposure to Specific Types of Household Molds.

C: Typical Costs for Mold Remediation & Testing, and Mold Remediation Construction Methods.

Resources.

Glossary.

Bibliography.

Index.