What to ask, and why
Should odor be treated over a mold problem?
No. If an inspection finds active mold or a leak, remediation or repair comes first. Deodorizing over it brings the smell back.
My crawl space has bare dirt. Is that the problem?
Often. Exposed soil releases moisture into the air under the house, and a vapor barrier is usually part of a lasting fix.
Is any of this covered by insurance?
If the odor followed a sudden covered water loss, related work may be. Gradual humidity or seepage usually isn’t.
Will a dehumidifier alone fix it?
It prevents new odor. It won’t pull out what has already soaked into carpet, insulation and stored items.
How do I know what I’m paying for?
Ask for a written quote before work starts that says what gets treated and which conditions need correcting first.