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Contamination Restoration & Remediation​Managing Your Restoration BusinessAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Inspection, Indoor Air Quality, and Pre-Remediation

Matt Cook discusses inspections, IAQ, and building stronger partnerships with inspectors

By Kayla McGowan
August 19, 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Ask The Expert. This week, we’re joined by Matt Cook, Director of Business at HomeTeam Inspection Services. On this episode, we discuss pre-remediation, indoor air quality, inspection data, and how restorers and inspectors can work together more effectively.

On this episode we discuss:

  • Pre-remediation starts at the inspection stage. That’s where inspectors identify issues, verify, and send samples to the lab. Restorers often miss opportunities when they fail to fully define the problem early.
  • For mold and indoor air quality jobs, restorers should pay close attention to the HVAC performance, filtration, dehumidification, moisture issues, and ventilation. This data helps restorers identify issues that extend beyond what they see with their eyes.
  • A multi-inspector model provides another set of eyes, improves the inspection’s quality, and significantly reduces the inspection time.
  • Restorers should build relationships with inspectors, real estate agents, and other local partners before they need them. Building trust gives restorers an advantage by creating a referral source and callbacks when issues arise.
  • While AI and remediation tools are improving speed and affordability, Matt stresses that technology is only there to support day-to-day operations and not replace experienced professionals. Trust, communication, and human interaction create the best customer experience.

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KEYWORDS: HVAC indoor air quality inspection restoration business growth

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

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