Who to call to evaluate mold/mildew in house?

[LouLou]

My parents live in an old farm house built in the 1800s with horsehair plaster walls etc. It is a very nice house and well maintained but it has fieldstone foundation and a basement with an odor. I don't feel very well when I visit them. It's hard to explain just more irritation, cough and congestion.

I finally got up the nerve to tell them. They took it very well and agreed they'd like to fix what is bothering my lungs. I explained I didn't know exactly what it was or what the fix would be and that I would need to bring in an expert to evaluate their situation.

What sort of expert should I call into their home? I want to do this once and be done with it, not be the annoying daughter that keeps bringing in costly inspectors, etc. I don't imagine there is a fix (other than tear down) but at least then we'll know what we are dealing with (and maybe they'll decide to move to a new construction condo

 

[LouLou]

My parents live in an old farm house built in the 1800s with horsehair plaster walls etc. It is a very nice house and well maintained but it has fieldstone foundation and a basement with an odor. I don't feel very well when I visit them. It's hard to explain just more irritation, cough and congestion.

I finally got up the nerve to tell them. They took it very well and agreed they'd like to fix what is bothering my lungs. I explained I didn't know exactly what it was or what the fix would be and that I would need to bring in an expert to evaluate their situation.

What sort of expert should I call into their home? I want to do this once and be done with it, not be the annoying daughter that keeps bringing in costly inspectors, etc. I don't imagine there is a fix (other than tear down) but at least then we'll know what we are dealing with (and maybe they'll decide to move to a new construction condo

 

[LouLou]

My parents live in an old farm house built in the 1800s with horsehair plaster walls etc. It is a very nice house and well maintained but it has fieldstone foundation and a basement with an odor. I don't feel very well when I visit them. It's hard to explain just more irritation, cough and congestion.

I finally got up the nerve to tell them. They took it very well and agreed they'd like to fix what is bothering my lungs. I explained I didn't know exactly what it was or what the fix would be and that I would need to bring in an expert to evaluate their situation.

What sort of expert should I call into their home? I want to do this once and be done with it, not be the annoying daughter that keeps bringing in costly inspectors, etc. I don't imagine there is a fix (other than tear down) but at least then we'll know what we are dealing with (and maybe they'll decide to move to a new construction condo

 

[LouLou]

My parents live in an old farm house built in the 1800s with horsehair plaster walls etc. It is a very nice house and well maintained but it has fieldstone foundation and a basement with an odor. I don't feel very well when I visit them. It's hard to explain just more irritation, cough and congestion.

I finally got up the nerve to tell them. They took it very well and agreed they'd like to fix what is bothering my lungs. I explained I didn't know exactly what it was or what the fix would be and that I would need to bring in an expert to evaluate their situation.

What sort of expert should I call into their home? I want to do this once and be done with it, not be the annoying daughter that keeps bringing in costly inspectors, etc. I don't imagine there is a fix (other than tear down) but at least then we'll know what we are dealing with (and maybe they'll decide to move to a new construction condo

 

[LouLou]

My parents live in an old farm house built in the 1800s with horsehair plaster walls etc. It is a very nice house and well maintained but it has fieldstone foundation and a basement with an odor. I don't feel very well when I visit them. It's hard to explain just more irritation, cough and congestion.
<br />
<br />I finally got up the nerve to tell them. They took it very well and agreed they'd like to fix what is bothering my lungs. I explained I didn't know exactly what it was or what the fix would be and that I would need to bring in an expert to evaluate their situation.
<br />
<br />What sort of expert should I call into their home? I want to do this once and be done with it, not be the annoying daughter that keeps bringing in costly inspectors, etc. I don't imagine there is a fix (other than tear down) but at least then we'll know what we are dealing with (and maybe they'll decide to move to a new construction condo

 

[kitomd21]

I haven't used this site personally, but it gives you a directory of inspectors...hope it helps...

certifiedmoldinspectors.com/

 

[kitomd21]

I haven't used this site personally, but it gives you a directory of inspectors...hope it helps...

certifiedmoldinspectors.com/

 

[kitomd21]

I haven't used this site personally, but it gives you a directory of inspectors...hope it helps...

certifiedmoldinspectors.com/

 

[kitomd21]

I haven't used this site personally, but it gives you a directory of inspectors...hope it helps...

certifiedmoldinspectors.com/

 

[kitomd21]

I haven't used this site personally, but it gives you a directory of inspectors...hope it helps...
<br />
<br />certifiedmoldinspectors.com/
<br />

 

[JazzysMom]

If you have a Country Public Health Nurse within your Social Services area I would start there. You might want to contact your building inspector &/or code enforcement officers in your area to see if they have recommendations on who to contact.

The old houses are great, but it will probably cost a pretty penny to solve the problem.

I am guessing the basement has a dirt floor. That can be "easily" fixed, but the stone foundation is tricky.

 

[JazzysMom]

If you have a Country Public Health Nurse within your Social Services area I would start there. You might want to contact your building inspector &/or code enforcement officers in your area to see if they have recommendations on who to contact.

The old houses are great, but it will probably cost a pretty penny to solve the problem.

I am guessing the basement has a dirt floor. That can be "easily" fixed, but the stone foundation is tricky.

 

[JazzysMom]

If you have a Country Public Health Nurse within your Social Services area I would start there. You might want to contact your building inspector &/or code enforcement officers in your area to see if they have recommendations on who to contact.

The old houses are great, but it will probably cost a pretty penny to solve the problem.

I am guessing the basement has a dirt floor. That can be "easily" fixed, but the stone foundation is tricky.

 

[JazzysMom]

If you have a Country Public Health Nurse within your Social Services area I would start there. You might want to contact your building inspector &/or code enforcement officers in your area to see if they have recommendations on who to contact.

The old houses are great, but it will probably cost a pretty penny to solve the problem.

I am guessing the basement has a dirt floor. That can be "easily" fixed, but the stone foundation is tricky.

 

[JazzysMom]

If you have a Country Public Health Nurse within your Social Services area I would start there. You might want to contact your building inspector &/or code enforcement officers in your area to see if they have recommendations on who to contact.
<br />
<br />The old houses are great, but it will probably cost a pretty penny to solve the problem.
<br />
<br />I am guessing the basement has a dirt floor. That can be "easily" fixed, but the stone foundation is tricky.
<br />
<br />

 

[Melissa75]

I called someone out of the yellow pages when I was being harassed by relatives to check whether my worsening health had to do with my 82 yr old house. The guy came, looked at the walls and held up to all the walls and ceilings a humidity measuring device that can be bought at Home Depot for $30. He said that I should buy a dehumidifier for my basement if I planned on spending any time at all down there. Otherwise my house was better than fine. Many of the ceiling are original plaster which is more mold resistant than new drywall (except bathroom grade drywall). He also said that I should run an AC or dehumidifier in the house during the summer especially if I go away for a few weeks and the house gets into the 90's or higher since more heat brings out more moisture in the air. Then he charged me $0 because he was so darn nice. Oh, and he also mentioned that the bathroom I was having renovated had some mold on the NEW plywood my contractors were bringing in. WTF. I almost popped the vein in the middle of my forehead. Half of it was covered with drywall already and my contractor claimed it was tar. I gritted my teeth and let it go.
Eventually, I tiled my basement and bought a dehumidifier. Big improvement there.
Your parents house probably does have issues. Don't think you are imagining it. However, I wouldn't count on new construction being better. Newer, more insulated homes are more likely to have mold. Also, new products gas off VOCs for a few years.
I no longer stay at my mom's house: visible mold on the basement walls, 30 yr old rugs and carpets, two long hair cats. I even drive her from VA to stay at my house in NJ!
Good luck.
---------
Melissa, 33 yrs, bronchiectasis.

 

[Melissa75]

I called someone out of the yellow pages when I was being harassed by relatives to check whether my worsening health had to do with my 82 yr old house. The guy came, looked at the walls and held up to all the walls and ceilings a humidity measuring device that can be bought at Home Depot for $30. He said that I should buy a dehumidifier for my basement if I planned on spending any time at all down there. Otherwise my house was better than fine. Many of the ceiling are original plaster which is more mold resistant than new drywall (except bathroom grade drywall). He also said that I should run an AC or dehumidifier in the house during the summer especially if I go away for a few weeks and the house gets into the 90's or higher since more heat brings out more moisture in the air. Then he charged me $0 because he was so darn nice. Oh, and he also mentioned that the bathroom I was having renovated had some mold on the NEW plywood my contractors were bringing in. WTF. I almost popped the vein in the middle of my forehead. Half of it was covered with drywall already and my contractor claimed it was tar. I gritted my teeth and let it go.
Eventually, I tiled my basement and bought a dehumidifier. Big improvement there.
Your parents house probably does have issues. Don't think you are imagining it. However, I wouldn't count on new construction being better. Newer, more insulated homes are more likely to have mold. Also, new products gas off VOCs for a few years.
I no longer stay at my mom's house: visible mold on the basement walls, 30 yr old rugs and carpets, two long hair cats. I even drive her from VA to stay at my house in NJ!
Good luck.
---------
Melissa, 33 yrs, bronchiectasis.

 

[Melissa75]

I called someone out of the yellow pages when I was being harassed by relatives to check whether my worsening health had to do with my 82 yr old house. The guy came, looked at the walls and held up to all the walls and ceilings a humidity measuring device that can be bought at Home Depot for $30. He said that I should buy a dehumidifier for my basement if I planned on spending any time at all down there. Otherwise my house was better than fine. Many of the ceiling are original plaster which is more mold resistant than new drywall (except bathroom grade drywall). He also said that I should run an AC or dehumidifier in the house during the summer especially if I go away for a few weeks and the house gets into the 90's or higher since more heat brings out more moisture in the air. Then he charged me $0 because he was so darn nice. Oh, and he also mentioned that the bathroom I was having renovated had some mold on the NEW plywood my contractors were bringing in. WTF. I almost popped the vein in the middle of my forehead. Half of it was covered with drywall already and my contractor claimed it was tar. I gritted my teeth and let it go.
Eventually, I tiled my basement and bought a dehumidifier. Big improvement there.
Your parents house probably does have issues. Don't think you are imagining it. However, I wouldn't count on new construction being better. Newer, more insulated homes are more likely to have mold. Also, new products gas off VOCs for a few years.
I no longer stay at my mom's house: visible mold on the basement walls, 30 yr old rugs and carpets, two long hair cats. I even drive her from VA to stay at my house in NJ!
Good luck.
---------
Melissa, 33 yrs, bronchiectasis.

 

[Melissa75]

I called someone out of the yellow pages when I was being harassed by relatives to check whether my worsening health had to do with my 82 yr old house. The guy came, looked at the walls and held up to all the walls and ceilings a humidity measuring device that can be bought at Home Depot for $30. He said that I should buy a dehumidifier for my basement if I planned on spending any time at all down there. Otherwise my house was better than fine. Many of the ceiling are original plaster which is more mold resistant than new drywall (except bathroom grade drywall). He also said that I should run an AC or dehumidifier in the house during the summer especially if I go away for a few weeks and the house gets into the 90's or higher since more heat brings out more moisture in the air. Then he charged me $0 because he was so darn nice. Oh, and he also mentioned that the bathroom I was having renovated had some mold on the NEW plywood my contractors were bringing in. WTF. I almost popped the vein in the middle of my forehead. Half of it was covered with drywall already and my contractor claimed it was tar. I gritted my teeth and let it go.
Eventually, I tiled my basement and bought a dehumidifier. Big improvement there.
Your parents house probably does have issues. Don't think you are imagining it. However, I wouldn't count on new construction being better. Newer, more insulated homes are more likely to have mold. Also, new products gas off VOCs for a few years.
I no longer stay at my mom's house: visible mold on the basement walls, 30 yr old rugs and carpets, two long hair cats. I even drive her from VA to stay at my house in NJ!
Good luck.
---------
Melissa, 33 yrs, bronchiectasis.

 

[Melissa75]

I called someone out of the yellow pages when I was being harassed by relatives to check whether my worsening health had to do with my 82 yr old house. The guy came, looked at the walls and held up to all the walls and ceilings a humidity measuring device that can be bought at Home Depot for $30. He said that I should buy a dehumidifier for my basement if I planned on spending any time at all down there. Otherwise my house was better than fine. Many of the ceiling are original plaster which is more mold resistant than new drywall (except bathroom grade drywall). He also said that I should run an AC or dehumidifier in the house during the summer especially if I go away for a few weeks and the house gets into the 90's or higher since more heat brings out more moisture in the air. Then he charged me $0 because he was so darn nice. Oh, and he also mentioned that the bathroom I was having renovated had some mold on the NEW plywood my contractors were bringing in. WTF. I almost popped the vein in the middle of my forehead. Half of it was covered with drywall already and my contractor claimed it was tar. I gritted my teeth and let it go.
<br />Eventually, I tiled my basement and bought a dehumidifier. Big improvement there.
<br />Your parents house probably does have issues. Don't think you are imagining it. However, I wouldn't count on new construction being better. Newer, more insulated homes are more likely to have mold. Also, new products gas off VOCs for a few years.
<br />I no longer stay at my mom's house: visible mold on the basement walls, 30 yr old rugs and carpets, two long hair cats. I even drive her from VA to stay at my house in NJ!
<br />Good luck.
<br />---------
<br />Melissa, 33 yrs, bronchiectasis.