I recently took possession of a new home and found some mold behind the baseboard, along with rotted drywall. This section spans a few feet, and since we haven't pulled up the flooring yet, I'm worried there might be more mold under the LVP planks, especially based on a plumber friend's advice. I'm looking for guidance on whether to handle this ourselves or bring in a mold remediation expert from the beginning. What factors should influence this decision? At what point is a remediation service worth the cost? Additionally, any tips on choosing the right company or red flags to watch for would be appreciated. Lastly, should I be concerned about possible contamination in the HVAC system if the situation turns out to be worse than it seems? We want to ensure everything is safe and up to standard, especially considering the water leak issues we discovered linked to a sewer line. I'd also like some clarity on what I can expect from the sellers regarding this mold issue. Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
I think you should try lifting the flooring to see what's actually going on underneath. It's entirely possible the mold is localized to that one spot. If it turns out to be more extensive, you can always call in professionals later. Just remember, while mold isn't great, it's often not as catastrophic as people think. It can sometimes just be a minor issue that you can handle.
Ultimately, mold thrives on moisture, so your primary task will be identifying any leaks or water sources. Once you fix that, you can just replace the affected materials. Be cautious of mold testing services because they often find mold regardless of severity—most types aren't harmful. Focus on preventing moisture, and you'll be in a good position.
We had a mold company come in to handle our situation, and the most important thing is to first locate and fix the source of the moisture. After that, remove any damaged materials like drywall or flooring. When we did it, they had the doors wide open with fans to ventilate the area while spraying a natural enzyme that tackles mold spores. It can be done as a DIY, but it's critical to do it thoroughly to ensure safety.
If you're comfortable with home repairs, you might want to handle the mold removal yourself. Just understand that mold remediation just means cleaning up mold, treating the area, and fixing the leak that caused it. You could save a lot of money by doing the demo work yourself first, and if the issue is bigger than you can manage, then hire a pro. Also, keep in mind that mold isn't hazardous waste—it just needs proper handling, which is often overstated by companies looking to upsell.
Definitely wear protective gear while demoing! Checking the mold can get messy and harmful for your lungs.
Sounds like you might have been charged for extra services you didn't need—I've heard that happens a lot!