Wet basement

Post Reply | Watch this Post

Tobi, Bob doesn't answer questions here, so I'll
offer an opinion for what it's worth. Don't consider
this an optional fix. Work out some kind of price
and approach (which should include abating the
current mold/mildew) with the current owner, perhaps
adjust your offer, and make the fix a condition of
sale.

As far as what the fix is, that depends to some extent
on the source of the water; is it from rain or a high
water table, but whatever way you go the approach
should include covering the dirt with polyethelene
sheeting (Tu-Tuff is best) run up the sides of the
foundation, with all seams and edges taped. In fact,
unless there is visible wettness, this alone may be
sufficient.

The stated 25% heat loss due to lack of insulation
sounds like a rather gross exageration, especially
since there are no vents. The largest heat loss tends
to be from warm inside air exiting through the attic.
This in turn pulls in cold replacement air, often
from the crawlspace, which makes the floor feel
cold. You may want to add insulation there eventually,
but always start from the top and work down.

As new homeowners to be, the best thing you can do
is start to learn how a house works (or doesn't) so
that you can make informed decisions. A good place
to start is at www.weatherization.com. You might then
want to read through the "Air Infiltration" and
"Moisture Mold and Mitigation" threads on This Old
House BB (www.pathfinder.com/TOH). Good luck.