SERVPRO of Hockessin / Elsmere

A 4.9-star rating across 69 Google reviews tells you that past customers were satisfied, but it doesn't tell you everything. It doesn't reveal whether the inspector who looked at a home was truly independent, or whether they had a financial stake in finding (or not finding) mold so they could sell a remediation job. That conflict of interest matters in Wilmington, where older homes built around 1953 are common and the humid climate - averaging 67% relative humidity - creates real conditions for mold growth. SERVPRO of Hockessin / Elsmere is listed as a mold inspector in the area, so it's worth asking upfront about their inspection practices and how they handle the independence question.

Before you call anyone, know that Delaware doesn't require a specific mold remediation license, which means you need to do extra homework. Check that any inspector or remediation company holds a general contractor's license from the Delaware Contractors Licensing Board and carries liability insurance. Even better, ask whether they hold IICRC S520 certification, which is the industry standard for mold inspection and remediation. Since a standalone mold inspection typically costs $200 to $600 in this region, it's reasonable to get a clear answer in writing about whether the person inspecting your home will also be the one trying to sell you the fix.