DIYbanter - View Single Post - How to handle the mold problem in the basement?

wrote:
I just found a quite serious mold problem in my unfinished
basement---after peeling off the plastic covers and isolations (the
first owner or the builder covered the isolation with the plastic
sheets), I found an area of 10ft. X 5ft size on the wallboard are
dark-black with several small spots rotten...I guess it's so-called
black mold due to the long-time dampness. It's my first time buying a
house and I feel very panic and depressed...would you please tell me
how to do next? Contact my insurance company first? or find a mold
cleanup company to have a free estimate first?

Since the bad situation and it involves some vertical supporting
wooden poles for the first floor, I don't think the mold cleanup
would do the work...maybe those wallboard and poles should be
replaced---it's the huge work I think, which kind of company should I
turn to? A construction company? I really don't have any experience
about this issue. Please teach me. Thanks a lot in advance. - Mike

I at least partly agree with Speedy. Don't panic, and don't trust most
mold companies. Mold is normal and most molds are harmless. Do as Jim
suggested and do your research. Keep in mind there will be some conflicting
information. Consider the sources.

Before committing yourself to spending a lot of money call your
insurance company and investigate the possibility that the prior owner may
be responsible.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit