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

Mildew has been around a long time, but it is only a recent problem. It
is in the air everywhere, and will grow when/where conditions are
right. Don't panic. Look for the reason you wall is wet and rotten,
and correct the moisture problem. Got a crack in outside wall?
Downspout dropping water at that location? Yard not sloping AWAY from
wall? Leaky window? Leaking pipe or plumbing fixture? Outside wall,
right? Then the "poles" are not likely load-bearing, which makes it a
simpler solution. That is important, and you need to make sure. A
reputable, licensed general contractor, or a good handyman might be
appropriate. Talk to neighbors you know and get references for someone
who has done good work. Then get written bids which specify problem,
corrective steps, materials, cost, payment schedule.

If you are totally unfamiliar with building methods and components, get
a book at the library about remodeling and just read up on basic stuff.
You will probably be relieved and probably have something with a
fairly simple solution. There may be minimal moisture, just have had it
trapped for a long time by the plastic cover. Basements are not
"finished", by custom, for a good reason

)