The answer is NOT a warranty! [was: When do you follow...]

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People: this thread of conversation is making me ill.

Q: What if the reason the kids in your child's 5th grade class are getting sick is NOT the leaky roof, water stains on the carpet, or condensation on the windows? If your background as a consultant or contractor is limited to water damage and microbial growth, you have a nice shiny hammer. But not all indoor air quality problems are nails! Stop being so myopic!

We must take a step back, people, and see the larger picture. The foregoing scenario -- far more common than you might think, based on this thread -- are the primary reason an experienced consultant with a broad technical background must be involved. You'll notice that this is the INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY list, not the MOLD list. Good grief!

The whole idea of a warranty is ludicrous. We're not selling Studebakers or toaster ovens. We're talking about peoples' health, their homes, schools, offices and other indoor environments.

This is a professional service. We need to elevate, not degrade, the work we do. The very concept of a warranty is degrading, and adds to the public's perception of this industry as just another commodity.

Do you get a "certificate" or "warranty" from your personal physician, surgeon, attorney, architect, engineer or accountant?

This is not about E & O insurance or dueling credentials. A larger perspective on this industry is needed before it goes any further into the crapper.

Many of us have apparently been invited to get involved in revising the IESO "standard". And as I've said before, it needs A LOT of work. But, adding some type of "warranty" provision is not what's needed. An infusion of science with a liberal dose of common sense -- yes. A certificate or warranty? -- gimme a break!

Wane

<><><><><><><><><><><> Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality MICHAELS ENGINEERING"Real Professionals. Real Solutions."

Phone , ext. 484 Cell Fax

mailto:wab@... On the web at: http://www.michaelsengineering.com

"To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?" - Graham

>> ,> > Go it. That's more of less what we do, but you have stated it more elegantly than I ever could.> > I have a hidden agenda for this train of thought. IAQA is attempting thru IESO to extend their standards regarding testing and other areas and are looking for suggestions. I would suggest that a goal of testing and protocol development is to be able to provide some sort of warranty.> > I was hoping to accumulate some of the dialog on this subject and send it over to IAQA/IESO but most of what has come back is drivel with the exception of your responses. Apparently most IEPs want to be paid as expert consultants but don't actually provide warranties or guarantees for the work backed up by insurance.> > When an IEP provides services that allow them to provide a guarantee and/or warranty then the IEP provides a service that can be explained. And he is adding true value.> > If they can only provide the warranty/ guarantee if they are on-site during some or all of the remediation; or only if they are brought back after the remediation to test and verify that the work was done ... that is a good selling point. However in the case where an IEP does not have insurance that backs up the warranty, this is of no value whatsoever.> > Dueo to the nature of our business here we deal with many people sick from mold. How do you guarantee/ warranty that the place will be free from mold spores, micro-particles and toxins so that they will no longer get sick. Are there other IEPs that will provide such warranties? Under what conditions?>