Sad to say, an inspector told us that our basement has the beginnings of a black mold problem. I heard this can be a catastrophe, costing a fortune. Is there a safe way to handle the problem without getting trapped into a complete basement remodeling project?
Wayne L. ~ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hi Wayne, You are absolutely correct, a black mold problem can escalate rapidly and cost a lot for remediation and remodeling. It is very important that you stop the spread of the mold as soon as possible.
Several years ago I had a home under construction and just before it was finished the buyer had to back out due to a lack of financing. My focus shifted elsewhere as I had other homes that were nearing completion, but I had noticed just before I closed the home up that there was what looked like mold on a sheetrocked wall next to a basement window. When I got back to the house a few weeks later that entire room was covered with black mold, all of the walls and the ceiling. What might have been a minor repair became a major and expensive issue.
I would have a mold remediation company come in as soon as possible to remove the molded area. I can’t tell you how much it might cost as I don’t know how extensive it is, but in my area it costs about $3.50 a square foot to remove a sheetrocked wall including the wood framing. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania might be a little more expensive, but I would think it would be worth it to pay the cost now rather than let it turn into a major problem.
It is also important to determine what is causing the mold problem. If that isn’t corrected, the mold is going to come right back. Many times it is just a small exterior leak that is allowing outside moisture in. It could be as simple as a broken piece of exterior flashing or some caulking that has come loose.
After the molded area has been removed you can wait to have new framing, insulation, and sheetrock installed if you want. It might even be a good idea to wait for awhile to make sure the mold doesn’t return. Without a doubt this is all going to cost some money, but catching the mold in the early stages is going to cost much, much less than waiting until later to try to fix the problem.
Mold comp. are trying to put and keep mold in the class of lead and aspestuse mold is not in that cadegory mold is a problum we’ve had all are life but unaware of it mold is in the cadagory of a exspensof cleaning job. you can pay eney price you’re suckerd in to whats demollishion werth whats werring a face mask and gloves werth whats washing wearth wereing the same whats a air cleaner and fan werth. how about blowing it out the window. heres one say you sound scared you’re trapped. know the contrater can lead you into a hire price its black mald!!! black mold is every were but is it at ellavated levals whats elavated 100 ponts hire then out side. small amonts clean up your self or things you can reach if your scard of it wear a perple mask wear gloves larger job hirer someone back to the cost its a free enter prise sistum.what are thay asking in your arera.
Mike, even if what you’re saying is correct, the incredibly poor spelling makes anything you say hard to take seriously.
I have done alot of checking and the price is usually quoted for the area needing treatment. What approximate sq ft are we talking here?
Jim, I agree with your comment. Mike desperately needs to be introduced to spellcheck. Also, I have about 300 sq ft needing cleaned. Can I get a quote? I may attempt it myself after much studying the process and looking up appropriate safety gear.
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