hvsteve wrote:

We had a furnace disaster that put four or five inches of hot water
into our basement. The place was filled with stored items. The water
was there for a day or two before being discovered. We cleaned up and
threw out a lot of wet stuff but some months have gone by and we have a
serious mold problem. We just had a specialist come in and we agreed
that he drywall has to be removed and the place cleaned up. For a clean
up,decontamination and sealing the walls we are looking at $23,000.
Does this seem out of sight?

We also realize we have to throw out most of what is left down there. I
have a large record collection and realize the cardboard jackets,though
looking fine,probably have to go. Are the vinyl records inside also a
lost cause,or can they be cleaned?

I don't think anyone on here can judge whether that is a fair price
without seeing the scope of the job. But...if the 23K were coming
out of *my* pocket, I would have *my* atty writing the contract, not
theirs.

It would cover in detail the scope of work and standards of mtl
and workmanship. Stipulate contractor's insurance coverages.
Completion date with penalties. And a guarantee of mold remediation,
including after-completion mold testing. Mold still present
at "X" level, no payment.

State whether contractor is responsible for city permits/inspection
and completion to Code requirements.

23K is a lot of money if they are going to be there like 1 week
and just slap a pickup truck load of drywall on.

Jim