NEW BUILDER MOLD & MOISTURE MANAGEMENT (NBMM)

Purpose of the New Building Moisture Management (NBMM) Program
  
Over the past several years, the awareness and concern of mold and moisture issues and their effect on structural and health issues have escalated and become a major liability concern throughout the Building Development, Insurance and Mortgage Banking Industries.
  
With the emergence of thousands of lawsuits regarding building defects and health related concerns, as well as billions of dollars of moisture related insurance claims, it is quite clear that immediate action must be taken to create protocol for prevention and control of these serious issues.
  
Environmental Service Professionals (ESP) has created, and is gaining the support of the related industries for, a New Building Moisture Management (NBMM) Program.
  
With the support of the Insurance Underwriting, Mortgage Banking, and Building Industries, collectively, ESP is empowered to work with Non-Profit organizations such as the National Association of Moisture Management (NAMM) to educate and create protocol. ESP also offers to existing homeowners an Annual Mold and Moisture Management (MMM) Program, which is an ongoing inspection/maintenance program for new homes in all 50 states.
  
By addressing this unfulfilled need, the growing liability and health concerns of all related industries can be managed, creating “Peace of Mind” for all involved.

 

The Goals of the Program
  
ESP has created this program to immediately address moisture control and microbial growth issues, thus minimizing liability for the Builder/Developer and Insurance Underwriter, as well as for the Homeowner.
  
The program is designed to uncover and correct any moisture-related issues within the building Subcontractor's warranty periods, which is typically the first two years following the initial purchase of the home.
  
The secondary goal is to create consumer awareness regarding mold and moisture-related issues, including maintenance, annual inspection, and the correct protocol for prevention, detection and remediation of any affected area.
  
ESP believes that with increased consumer awareness and the support of the Insurance Underwriting, Mortgage Banking, and Building Industries collectively, this New Building Moisture Management (NBMM) Program for new construction will become the standard nationwide.

 

The Program Overview
 
The New Building Moisture Management (NBMM) Program will provide protection on several levels.
 
The Basic Protection will include an initial Moisture/Mold Survey and Report Document, which will be provided to both the Builder/Developer, as well as to the Homeowner, prior to the close of the home purchase contract/escrow.
 
This initial survey and report will help to uncover any pre-existing problems at the time of transfer of title, thus minimizing liability for all parties involved.
 
A second survey, a Certified Moisture Inspection (CMI), will be provided in the 22nd month.
 
This second survey will help to uncover any Builder or Subcontractor issues that may need to be addressed or corrected due to faulty construction practices that may have otherwise gone unnoticed until it was too late. This should help raise the level of awareness by the Subcontractors to implement better building/inspection practices prior to completion of the job.
 
It is our intention to obtain specific Subcontractor information and to include a Subcontractor notification of any issues or deficiencies identified on behalf of the Builder. This will add an extra tier of customer service for the Homeowner on behalf of the Builder/Developer, as well as for the Builder/Developer themselves.
 
The program will ultimately begin to repair consumer confidence in the new home development industry, which has declined considerably over the past years.
 
From the third year on, the homeowner will be encouraged to participate in the Annual Mold and Moisture Management (MMM) Program, which will include an annual inspection prior to the property's insurance renewal. This will be highly recommended and specified as standard practice in a Moisture Management control manual for new homes. This manual will be provided by ESP for the builder to give to the new homeowner, and endorsed by the Builder/Developer, Insurance, and Mortgage Banking Industries, collectively.
 
In addition to the Basic Protection, it is highly recommended that the Builder/Developer participate in one of the more inclusive tiers of the ESP’s New Building Moisture Management (NBMM) Program, with higher levels of protection, to include preventative treatment prior to the close of escrow and a five year warranty. Participation in the advanced tiers of the program will solely depend on the individual needs of the Builder/Developer.

 

Description of the Players

  1. Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. (ESP)
    ESP is the only publicly traded company of its kind. As a franchisor, a highly recognized “Best-in-Class” inspection and hygienist consultation company. ESP is at the forefront of creating industry leading protocols to address moisture intrusion issues quickly.
  2. ESP recommended Remediation/Prevention Company
    A progressive remediation company, which employs new technologies for prevention of moisture issues that has passed ESP’s review.
  3. Builders/Developers
  4. Insurance Underwriting Industry
  5. Mortgage Banking Industry
  6. Building Industry Association (BIA)

BASIC PROTECTION     $750.00

 

How the Program Works
 

Prior to the close of escrow/contract period

  • Initial CMI (includes inspection of open walls prior to finish drywall and up to two microbial samples)
  • Detailed Report based on visual inspection and lab results (hard copy and/or electronic copy)

Ø       Reports will be sent to the following parties:

  • Homeowner
  • Builder
  • Insurance Company of Builder
  • Subcontractors, which includes
    • Framers
    • Plumbers
    • Drywall
    • Insulation Providers
    • Roofers
    • A/C Contractor

Ø       Mold and Moisture Management (MMM) manual for moisture related issues in the home (software and hard copy)

Ø       If mold or a moisture issue is detected, recommendations will be given.

Ø       Additional samples, a detailed Certified Scope of Work Document, and/or a Certified Post-Remediation Document will be made available for an additional fee.

 

Ø       Twenty-second month after the close of escrow/contract period:

  • Certified Moisture Inspection (CMI) - includes a thorough point by point evaluation of the current condition of the home and up to three microbial samples
  • Detailed Report based on the point by point inspection and lab results (hard copy and/or electronic copy)
  • Reports will be sent to the following parties:
    • Homeowner
    • Builder
    • Insurance Company of Builder
    • Subcontractors, which includes
      • Framers
      • Plumbers
      • Drywall
      • Insulation Providers
      • Roofers
      • A/C Contractor

Ø       If mold or a moisture issue is detected, recommendations will be given.

Ø       Additional samples, a detailed Certified Scope of Work Document, and/or a Certified Post-Remediation Document will be made available for an additional fee.
 

Every Year Thereafter
 
ESP will maintain a direct relationship with the Homeowner over the Builder's 10-year coverage period by offering an Annual Mold and Moisture Management (MMM) Program.
 
The continuance of this program is optional, but is highly beneficial and will create “Peace of Mind” for the homeowner.
 
ESP will monitor moisture related issues so long as the homeowner participates in the MMM program. The homeowner will incur an additional annual fee of $250.00 to participate in the MMM Program.

 

Go Back

 

| Order Your Inspection | © Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. - 2007