SERVPRO of Downtown Columbus, West and Upper Arlington

A 5-star rating across 392 Google reviews tells you that past customers were satisfied, but it doesn't reveal everything about how a mold inspection firm operates. What matters more is understanding potential conflicts of interest. SERVPRO of Downtown Columbus, West and Upper Arlington is listed as a mold inspector, but many inspection companies also perform remediation work. Industry standards flag this as problematic because the same firm has financial incentive to find mold that needs fixing. In Columbus, where humidity averages 70% and rainfall reaches 39 inches yearly, mold concerns are real for homeowners, especially in older homes like the median 1966-built house here. Before hiring anyone, ask whether they inspect only or also do remediation work.

If you want an independent assessment, consider getting a separate mold inspection first (typically $200-$600 in this region) from someone who doesn't profit from remediation. When you do hire a contractor for any mold work, verify they carry IICRC S520 certification, general liability insurance, and pollution liability coverage. Ohio doesn't mandate a statewide mold remediation license, so these credentials become your real safeguard. Ask to see proof of all three before signing any contract.