Basement Mold Removal in Nashville, TN

First, figure out where the water is coming from

Basements are less common around Nashville than crawl spaces, but older homes and houses built into a hillside often have one, and they collect water in several ways. The fix depends on which one you have.

What EPA says about moisture

EPA's guidance is short: control moisture and you control mold. Dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent and ideally between 30 and 50 percent, and fix the water problem or the mold returns. Do not paint or caulk over mold. A basement hygrometer costs little and tells you whether you are in range. Metro's Mold, Moisture, and Your Home handout gives the same advice and adds that removing mold matters more than identifying it.

Finished basements

When a basement has drywall, carpet and padding, mold is often behind or under the finishes before anyone sees it. Porous materials that are moldy usually have to be thrown away. Expect the company to contain the area, cut drywall a foot or more above the visible damage, pull carpet and pad, clean the framing and slab, and dry everything before it is rebuilt. Ask whether rebuilding is in their scope or yours. Replacing supporting walls or altering load-bearing framing needs a Metro Codes permit.

Check the flood risk on your lot

If your home sits near the Cumberland, Harpeth, Mill Creek or another creek, look up the property before spending money on finishes. Metro Water Services points residents to FEMA flood maps and Metro's Parcel Viewer, and its Development Services Division can provide the flood zone and elevation information on request. Metro also notes that properties outside the mapped flood area are not guaranteed to stay dry. Many Nashville basements took water in the May 2010 flood, when the Cumberland crested at 52.55 feet.

What it may cost

Angi reports national ranges of about $500 to $3,000 for basement mold remediation and $2,250 to $7,100 for foundation sealing. Middle Tennessee prices vary with how much finished material comes out, access, and how much drainage or waterproofing work is needed. Jobs of $3,000 or more in Davidson County need a company with the state Home Improvement license, and $25,000 or more requires a Tennessee contractor's license; mold remediation is the S-F classification.