Real Estate Consultant · Louisville, KY · Member since 2016 · 30 posts · 8 votes
Hi all, I'm working on my first deal, a buy and hold off Algonquin. We knew going in it had mold in the crawl space and got a remediation quote before making our offer. As a matter of course we're getting three quotes and each one is more than the last. I want to be sure of course that we completely resolve the issue, both with remediation, and making sure the cause is addressed (a tub leak being at least one of the offenders). And I want to be sure the company doing remediation is reputable and following best practices. There are a number of companies certified by the IIRC here in Louisville so besides checking references and talking with some of them, it would be a huge help to hear if any of you have experience with one. If you can share any mold remediation work you've had done and let me know if you do or don't recommend the company you used (also, how much it cost, for comparison purposes), I'd appreciate it, thank you!
Real Estate Agent · Louisville, KY · Member since 2014 · 124 posts · 56 votes
6y
@Dana McMahan ohh you have to love crawlspaces, pretty much always bank on issues like this with crawlspaces. Obviously stopping the water source is important, but also conditioning the space is truly the only way to prevent it from coming back in the future since crawlspaces are open to the exterior elements. This route costs significantly more but is not a temporary fix either...just something to consider when getting prices is the actual scope of the work to be completed.
The 2 I rely on usually are AquaLock and Black Diamond. I know there are a handful more but in my experience for the cost vs. scope vs. warranty, these 2 are the best in the business plus they are very reputable. They are usually booked out 2-3+ weeks though.
Ice Blasters is another remediation company, but keep in mind they are usually only removing the mold and not addressing the core issues - water intrusion and unconditioned space. I would NOT use someone like the "Crawlspace Doctor" either - wayyyy too expensive. Best of luck!
Investor · Shepherdsville, KY · Member since 2016 · 87 posts · 48 votes
6y
I had the Crawlspace Doctor do a crawl space for me this year. Total encapsulation and sump pump install. They were the cheapest and did great work. I have dealt with Aqualock before and they are good also.
Real Estate Consultant · Louisville, KY · Member since 2016 · 30 posts · 8 votes
6y
I ended up hiring Highland Pest Control. I checked to see who's a member of Louisville homebuilder's association and they were the only remediators there. So far it's been a great experience, they're very professional, not fear mongering, and they've addressed all my concerns. The price is in line with two of the three other bids. (Black Diamond was almost three times as much as the other three.) I'll report back after they're done.
Real Estate Agent · Louisville, KY · Member since 2014 · 124 posts · 56 votes
6y
@Dana McMahan appreciate the update on this, I'll have to add them to my list for future reference! Thank you
@Fredie Robinson glad to hear you had a good experience with Crawlspace Doctor. I was basing my review on the fact that a buyer had sent them out for a 2nd opinion on a deal where I was representing the seller. They ended up recommending a total encapsulation for the crawlspace and provided a quote - however the crawlspace was already encapsulated (aka they didn't actually look at the space). So maybe just caught them on a bad day!