Post-Remediation Clearance Testing in New Caney, TX

Water got in during the May 2024 flooding. How do I know the cleanup worked?

That's exactly what the clearance visit is for. New Caney is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, about 30 miles from Houston, that grew up along Caney Creek. When heavy rain flooded the Lake Houston area in May 2024, New Caney residents were pointed to the Montgomery County Disaster Recovery hotline. In a house that took water, the consultant comes back after removal and confirms the work area shows no visible mold or wood rot, that the remediation contractor followed the protocol, and that the clearance criteria were met. Those criteria may include moisture readings on framing and subfloor, which matters when a flood soaked materials low on the walls.

Can the remediation company just tell me it passed?

No. Texas law bars the same company from assessing and remediating one project. The remediation contractor does the removal under a work plan; the mold assessment consultant, a separate company, writes the protocol and comes back for the post-remediation assessment. A consultant who did not prepare the protocol before work began cannot declare clearance, so if you are lining up a job now, hire the consultant first and keep them through the finish. Check both companies on TDLR's license search.

Who handles permits when I rebuild out here?

Because New Caney is unincorporated, construction permits go through the Montgomery County Permit Department under Environmental Health, which keeps a separate East Montgomery County phone line. County rules say substantially damaged structures in the floodplain require a Development Permit, and county floodplain regulations aim in part to make sure buyers learn when a property is in a flood hazard area. Ask the county what your repair needs before the drywall goes up.

One local note

The Montgomery County Public Health District does not list mold or housing conditions among the complaints it takes, though after Harvey its storm resources page pointed residents to mold removal tips. For the paperwork side, expect before-and-after photos and the CMDR from the remediation contractor within 10 days of the project stop date, and keep them with your clearance report.