Mold remediation -DIY or hire a pro?

Question

Frank S. · Answer

There is great advice above.

Is a 38k house rented at $650 s good deal? What about Capex?  I don't think it looks good from the get-go, but I don't know your market.

Mold in the basement drywall and insulation requires a gut job or at least removing 24 inches from ther bottom,  maybe more.  Is it a finished basement?  If so,  assume a few thousand dollars in demo and $55 per sheet of drywall painted.  Then, add trim costs. What about the floor condition?

You can clean small areas with vinegar and borax,  never,  ever,  ever use bleach on mold. Mold will react to the attack and release spores.   Then,  concrobium or mold system 1,2,3. Apply with a fogger.

Mold remediation can be very expensive if done by professionals,  but it isn't that complicated if you research.

Good luck,

Vern M. · Answer

@John Warren

is correct. If you aren't compelled to get a specialist, mold is relatively easy to address properly. But it's just a wast of time if you haven't identified the source of the water intrusion. Once you've fixed that, removed all the contaminated stuff, cleaned and prime what you can't remove, then don't forget to get a professional clean on the forced air system.

John Warren · Answer

@Virginia Reasor the main question is where is the water coming from. Mold isn't terribly difficult to fix, and if you are gutting the house and aren't forced to use special mold remediation contractors it might not be too bad. If it is caused by a leaky basement, you might be putting in a $10,000 into water proofing, and then gutting and replacing the rest of the house that was damaged.

I would not personally do that for a $38,000 house unless the house is in a desirable area and could be worth substantially more/rent for substantially more.