Basement Mold Removal in Brentwood, TN

Did the 2010 flood leave a mark on Brentwood basements?

In some neighborhoods it did. About 16.6 inches of rain fell over two days in May 2010. The Little Harpeth River flooded Brentwood's far west side, and Mill Creek and Owl Creek flooded the far east side, both areas made up mostly of subdivisions. Lower levels that took water then and were rebuilt in a hurry can still hide old staining or framing that never fully dried. If yours was finished after that flood and smells musty, a look behind the drywall is worth it. Homes near those three streams should also check their lot on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, as Williamson County emergency management recommends.

Why does my finished lower level smell musty in summer?

Below-grade walls stay cool, and Middle Tennessee summers are humid. When warm air reaches cool concrete it condenses, and drywall, carpet pad and the paper facing on insulation soak it up. Large lower levels with closed-off storage rooms and little airflow are especially prone, and so are spaces where the HVAC supply to the basement was closed off to save energy. A hygrometer reading above 60 percent is a sign to add dehumidification; EPA suggests 30 to 50 percent as the target.

What should I expect to pay, and what should I check?

Angi reports a national range of about $500 to $3,000 for basement mold remediation and about $2,250 to $7,100 for foundation sealing. Middle Tennessee quotes vary, and basements with built-ins, tile or custom trim cost more to open up and restore. Williamson County is not one of the counties where the Home Improvement license is required for $3,000 to $24,999 jobs, but $25,000 and up needs a Tennessee contractor's license, and mold remediation is the S-F classification. Check any company on TDCI's Verify a License search.

Brentwood note

Brentwood is about 12 miles from Nashville. Rebuilding after remediation, such as new drywall, framing or stairs, is permitted through the City of Brentwood Planning and Codes Department on Maryland Way, which also runs an online permit portal. Tenants with an unrepaired leak can report suspected property maintenance violations to the city's Codes Enforcement Section through the Citizen Comment Form.