I'm considering buying my parents' house in Maryland, which they built in 1970, but I'm really worried about the basement. They've moved into assisted living, and they've offered me a great deal on the house. However, the basement has serious issues like mold, moisture, and bad ventilation. It smells musty, and I'm concerned that the mold could have spread through the ducts into the rest of the house. Is this as dire as I think, or is it manageable?
3 Answers
Check the outside of the house first—make sure the gutters are clean and that the grading slopes away from the foundation. If moisture is coming from rainwater runoff, you might not need all that heavy-duty stuff like French drains. Fixing the exterior could be the key here!
Before diving in, you might want to consult an estate planning attorney, especially to understand any potential attachment issues if your parents' assisted living costs come into play later on. It's wise to get all your bases covered to avoid any problems in the future.
Just to clarify, my dad owns the house outright and is of sound mind, so we're not dealing with any of that.
Good point about consulting an attorney—better safe than sorry!
I recommend getting multiple quotes on the foundation issues first. It's crucial to know the extent of the damage. Don't forget to clean the ducts and consider installing a permanent dehumidifier. Mold remediation products like bioesque or concrobium could help too!
Definitely start with a structural engineer's advice to pinpoint the root of the problems before getting quotes.
My dad swears all of that's in good shape, but it still looks like a disaster down there! By the way, great username!