Moldy Old Home

[patvetzal]

Kids have finally found a house in their price range almost BUT the realtor says it is being sold for the land value only because of mold. It is probably 100 years old and bound to have some issues, but who actually decides that you cannot live in a moldy house?
In my day we would have gutted it, repaired the cause of the mold then re insulated, drywalled and moved in for 20 years or so.....Not like it was a grow operation...

[trimmer21]

If it wasn't a grow-op,then,what you've described can still be done,but,it will depend on the type and extent of the mould and who happens to know about it. Lots of rehab jobs are completed by homeowners,but,it's really important that they keep their business to themselves. Municipal building inspectors are required by law to watch for health and safety standards and buildings with mould problems are at the top of the list because of the perilous dangers to human health that mould can cause.

[yellow dog]

Call someone such as Belfor Restorarion or WinMar for a quote on mold inspection and samples taken , analyzed in a lab and steps taken for remediation. This will give you everything that is needed to be done before you should move in.

I do this on a regular bases with various properties and it the best way to determine what you are dealing with(mold spores). At least then you have a map outlining corrective measures that need to be done before moving in. WELL WORTH THE MONEY !

[oldbill]

You should be able to treat and seal but if the listing is for land value only they may have trouble with financing unless the loan is coming from the bank of mom and dad. Regular banks don't like buying bad houses or empty land.

[poltrojan]

buy the land, destroy the old house. get a small business architect and build a small dream home.

[LowbanksArcher]

buy the land, destroy the old house. get a small business architect and build a small dream home.

You read the part where he said "in their price range" right?

[patvetzal]

The original old house should be restored, there is a coach house out back to live in while they do this....

[gooseman]

If you gut the house and restore it to today's standards of insulation and vapour barriers replacing and wood that needs it. No need to get the expensive restoration company's in as they work with insurance company's and charge way too much for what they do. If your not afraid of a little work and long hours it can be very satisfactory doing a project like this. But remember get the proper safety gear. Wearing a properly fit respirator is mandatory when it comes to mold removal. Don't cheap out and get the disposable paper masks but the cartridge fitted ones and wear it. If you don't you might not get to see and enjoy the finished project.
Perfect if the place has a coach house to live in as this will save money. Just make sure they realize this is not a weekend adventure but will take awhile to achieve and they must work together as a team to accomplish a goal. Best of luck to them

[patvetzal]

We restored a Victorian House in Whitby once....Took 27 years to do it right....but that was mostly before this kid was around...LOL