Month: July 2016

What Is A Mold Assessor

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mold assessor

Mold can be found anywhere, especially in Southwest Florida. It’s muggy, moist, and hot down here. Mold is a health hazard and can cause people to contract breathing problems, depressions and can impair the entire human system and can possibly even lead to death. Some mold can be seen, but some mold is unseen, which is even more dangerous. We could be breathing it. Good thing we have mold assessors. Yes, it’s an actual career.

Mold accessors perform an assessment of mold in a building or home by taking a physical sample and detailed evaluation. They create a detailed evaluation of the building comes from the building’s history and their inspection to figure out where the origin of the mold was, what kind it is and what the extent of the removal will be. Mold can often be a warning sign of structural issues with a building or home, as well, so these issues need to be addressed quickly by a mold accessor.

The mold accessor will address a remediation (removal) of the mold, which involves cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, and other treatments. In Florida, mold assessors need to be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; they also need to possess a state-issued mold assessor license. The state also requires that a mold accessor meets specific educational guidelines and stay current by continuing education credits. Florida mold accessors are also required to have insurance coverage.

Mold accessors need to stay up to date on the latest technologies, codes and approaches to mold assessment and abatement because they are constantly changing. A mold accessor is expected to take at least 14 hours of continued education every two years to keep up with changes.

A great accessor has a full understanding of the full cycle of assessment and remediation with mold. Have you thought about getting your mold assessor or mold remediator license? We can help! There are lots of items to pull together to get your license, we can help you make the process smooth and simple. To contact us, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

All About Being A Home Inspector

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home inspector

As a home inspector, you determine the condition of a building or home (or any structure). You help identify problems, if any, with said structures. You’ve received your license and plenty of training. But, what makes you stand out? What makes you an excellent home inspector? Why should a person hire you over anyone else? Below, we will share some tips and information about what people are looking for when thinking about hiring a home inspector. You don’t only want to be good, you want to be seen as great. Having a reputable reputation can go a long way, and help you get more clients in the end.

  • Like stated before, reputation is key. People will ask friends and family for recommendations for inspectors.
  • Your track record. People will read up on your experience, years in the business, and the numbers of inspections you’ve performed.
  • People tend to look for a person with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structure, not just someone who just specializes in one category.
  • People will check with the state to verify your license or to see if there have been any complaints about you put on record.
  • They will be looking for an inspector who carries insurance.
  • People want an inspector who will deliver a full and completed report with plenty of time to review it.
  • People look for objective inspectors with no connection to a realtor.
  • Price matters. People are willing to pay more for a better qualified inspector, since inspections are so crucial and important.
  • Many people would like to see a sample report.
  • People will read reviews about you online.
  • People do care about the time It takes you to do the inspection. Anything under two hours may seem suspicious to them, because that shows your work isn’t very thorough.
  • People want you to be very upfront with them. Let them know what you will be inspecting.
  • People will want to attend the inspection. Saying “No” is seen by many as a red flag.
  • Plan on being interviewed by the family, person, or business who is thinking about hiring you.

Haven’t gotten your home inspector license yet? Well, we can help with you that process. The process can be tricky with lots of things to gather and write up properly, but we have years of experience helping people get their home inspector’s license in Florida. To learn more or to get help getting your license, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

Hidden Hazards on the Job

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construction hazards

Some occupations out there are known to be a bit more dangerous than others – contractor jobs definitely are one of them.  Much of the work contractors do is, in fact, inherently dangerous. Big machinery. Live electrical wires. Tall ladders. Sharp tools. Potential dangers are bound to be lurking on any job site, inside or outside. Below, we detail what to look out for on the job and keep a critical eye on to prevent injury.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you know you’re entering a seemingly dangerous work site. Upon arrival, check the entire site out and get an idea of where everything is. That way, there will be no surprises.

Things that can be hazardous/Things You Should Check

  • Make sure the floor or ground is solid and sturdy before placing ladders or any heavy equipment on it.
  • Check for mold and asbestos. You don’t want to be breathing in these things while on the job every day. This can cause health problems down the road.
  • Check bushes and greenery for anything poisonous, sharp, or filled with dangerous insects that could hurt you (wasps).
  • Look around for sharp objects sticking out anywhere that can get in the way and be harmful.
  • Watch out for any exposed wiring.
  • Check to make sure fluorescent lamps are intact. Broken lamps can potentially release mercury.
  • Double check on any and all types of underground services that may be around (electrical, natural gas, water, septic, sewer, telephone, cable, and more). You don’t want to be striking into any of these lines and causing any environmental damage, property damage, or self harm.
  • Check for any unstable high objects that could potentially fall down on top of you.

These are just a few hazards, in general terms, that contractors (of all kinds) can face on a daily basis. It’s best to identify all hazards and eliminate them or make them safer situations to the best of your ability. Also, make sure you have a first-aid kit on site in case of an emergency. Not all accidents can be prevented.

If you’re looking to get into the contracting business and need to apply for a license, our team can help you get a Florida’s contractor license. We do all the work for you in a quick, easy process. Click here to learn more and get your license today!

All About Electrical Contracting

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electrical contractor

So you’re interesting in becoming an electrical engineer?  Great! How much have you read up on this profession? What is an electrical contractor? What do they actually do? Here, we will detail the profession to you, and you’ll be able to not only learn about the ins and outs of this career, but be able to decide if this is the right type of contracting work for you.

By definition, electrical contracting is a business that allows for power and light into buildings around the world; it’s a $130-billion-dollar industry (annually). Currently in the United States, there are more than 70,000 electrical contracting firms with more than 650,000 electrical workers.

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, an electrical contractor is defined as a business person or firm that performs construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Outside/Line electrical contractors work on high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. For example, these contractors make sure electricity is working at a power plant. Inside electrical contractors help bring electricity to any structure within a certain property’s boundaries, which can also include outdoor lighting or substations. These type of contractors work on commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. Integrated building systems(IBS)/Voice Data Video (VDV) electrical contractors work on low-voltage installations like climate controls, wireless networks, fiber optics, and security systems.

If that is an electrical contractor, what is an electrician? An electrician is a person who is trained in electrical work and can be employed by an electrical contractor, or be self-employed as an electrical contractor themselves. Most states have different license requirements for a contractor versus an electrician. An electrical contractor also holds required insurances and can employ electric workers. Electricians usually can’t work for the public unless working under a contractor.

Looking to become an electrical contractor? We can help you through the process! We’ve helped many people get their Florida contractors license fast and easy. To contact us, visit here or call 239-777-1028.