[inscrutable1]

I've been talking to a few companies about inspecting homes for mold and allergens. One company says if they do find mold they will treat it with "bombs" and that I would have to be out of the house while they do the work. The work can take 3-5 hours and I am not comfortable with leaving strangers alone in my house for several hours. Has anyone done anything similar - leaving workers alone in your house for several hours? I'm not sure there is any other way since the company says the chemicals they use to treat the mold can be irritating. The owner said I could stay while they work, but, I should wear a mask all the time they are there working. Ideally, they said I should stay out of the house for 24 hours so that the house can be "sealed off" while the chemicals do their work on the mold.

[craig11152]

Separate from your particular mold issue, in the world of home remodeling it is very normal for workers to have access to homes for 8+/- hours a day week after week. That is how people get kitchens, bathrooms, basements remodeled, additions added to homes etc. Often a coded lock box goes on the door so subcontractors can access too. An entire multi-billion dollar industry depends on people accessing homes when homeowners are not there.
Sure there are rare issues with theft but if it was common the industry would collapse. There is a certain safety in hiring a known established company as they have a track record.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by inscrutable1

I've been talking to a few companies about inspecting homes for mold and allergens. One company says if they do find mold they will treat it with "bombs" and that I would have to be out of the house while they do the work. The work can take 3-5 hours and I am not comfortable with leaving strangers alone in my house for several hours. Has anyone done anything similar - leaving workers alone in your house for several hours? I'm not sure there is any other way since the company says the chemicals they use to treat the mold can be irritating. The owner said I could stay while they work, but, I should wear a mask all the time they are there working. Ideally, they said I should stay out of the house for 24 hours so that the house can be "sealed off" while the chemicals do their work on the mold.

It's very common for workers to be in your home while you are gone. Get references, references, references!! And read up on the company online and with the BBB's website and Angie's List.

Close your doors to the rooms where they don't need to go, hide all electronics or other things that are easy for people to walk away with. Even the most scrupulous company might have a bad egg working for them in this day and age. It also wouldn't hurt to take pictures of your home before they do the work. I've had workers damage things and then claim that it was like that before they did the work.

[inscrutable1]

Hi Craig11152 and Magellan. Both of you offered excellent suggestions about dealing with a reputable company and performing background checks via references, the BBB, Angie's List, etc. I'll certainly take up your suggestions. I appreciate your feedback which makes me more at ease in having my house worked on. Hopefully, my family allergies will settle down as a result. Thanks!