Real Estate Broker · Nashville, TN · Member since 2016 · 49 posts · 12 votes
When renovating an old house under what circumstances does one strip the walls to the studs? the house smells old and there is water damage in the back wall due to a leaky roof. Contractor suggests tearing our one wall but what about the possibility of insulation holding mold spores?
You would simply remove the insulation too. If you spray it down with bleach (1/2 water, 1/2 bleach) that will kill any mold left. Don't tear out more than you need to. When you tear it out you will see where you need to stop. Using Kilz, the old school shellac based Kilz does a good job of masking odors. Spray it on everthing, wall ceiling and even subfloors if you have them exposed. Make sure it's the Kilz 'original'.
Do not remove anything you do not have to remove. In old homes every wall you open will reveal even more problems than you started with. If it's solid and can be easily repaired leave it alone.