Update on Yippie's Mold Ridden Home - Sad but worth reading

[yippie]

Since 2005, I am still battling my builders and their insurance company. To refresh your memory, there was a number of builders defects on my house. Mainly, no moisture barrier on part of the south side, second and first floor of my home. And again other defects such as no insulation in the attic and more.

It is located approximately 1500 feet from the Gulf of Mexico in Crystal Beach, Destin. This defect, of course, was not discovered until the 2005 hurricane season after two years of horrid storms and nothing drying anywhere. Mold, mold everywhere.

I have worked with my builder and his insurance company to no avail for a year, then as they continued to delay and delay. After I complained to the Okaloosa / Walton builders associatio, I received an e-mail from one of the partners of he building company that I was a back stabbing... and they were never going to step foot on my property again.

At this time, I was forced mitigate my damages as best as I could, and tried to repair the house, financing the entire venture to the tune of several hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I filed a lawsuit over a year ago, which delay after delay has been a common problem.

The court system does not work here. The game is not to do the right thing, but to see who can make the other person go broke first.

In 8 days, I basically lose my home. Not because of non payment, the payments are current, but because now my insurance has non-renewed my policy and there is no one who is wiling insure a damaged non- repaired house. The bank is not wiling to continue to carry a mortgage on a property that is not worth the collaterial and not insured on top of it.

I have spent thousands of dollars trying to repair my home. Nothing seems to work, too many defects, code violations, etc. The mold continues to return for one reason or another, relating to the building defects of the house.

On top of it all, I am allergic to mold and I have now life long debilitating illnesses like diabetes, neuropathy and many more from living in the house as long as I did. This has limited my ability to work long hours and limited my ability to get out of bed each morning welcoming a new day. Sometimes, I don't even want to wake up and feel the constant agony each day. Even my pet was ill. At this time, I can no longer afford to seek expert medical care. It is very expensive to travel to receive care.

I am not independently wealthy and could not pick up and move out of my house and cannot afford to be doing it now. However, also, I cannot afford the financial burden of paying two mortgages, utilities, etc on a house that no one lives in and rent, utilities on a rental house to be healthy in.

Finally at the first part of December I abandoned the house and everything in it, including everything I had assembled as a symbol of my lifelong accomplishments. It is very hard to leave your life behind, very emotional. After 4 months, I am facing financial ruin. It is heartbreaking to me and would be to you if this happened to you.

This has become a very hard time for me because I have worked very hard, and been honest, and upstanding in the community regarding my business and as a resident. I can't believe this is happening to me, or to anyone. And I would not wish this on my worse enemy.

If only my builder would have stepped up to the plate and fixed the problem he caused, this would not have been a problem. Life would have gone on, not depression and an unsure futurel The lifelong problems I am facing possibly would not have been an issue.

But, the builder, who is still building houses, has changed his tune and is denying everything. He has insurance that pays for legal expenses. HOW can you deny a house built against code, especially one with NO MOISTURE BARRIER. I had walls which crumbled in my hands, construted of OSB or a similar material with NO MOISTURE BARRIER. Just vinyl siding nailed right on these walls.

Had they only come up to the plate, admitted the mistake and done what it takes to fix the problem.

Why are people like that anymore. What happened to integrity? What happened to honesty. What happened for caring for others? How can some people sleep at night.

Walking through the grocery story or any store for that matter would be helful.

Thank you for taking your time to listen to this story, but remember. The same thing could happen to you and you may be facing the same uncertain future I am.

I will welcome any comments and answer any questions posted here.

[Jdarg]

Yippie, I don't have any "professional" type comment, but I am very sorry this happened to you and the system seems to have failed you. Are you going to stay in the area, and have you found a healthier place to live?

[yippie]

Yippie, I don't have any "professional" type comment, but I am very sorry this happened to you and the system seems to have failed you. Are you going to stay in the area, and have you found a healthier place to live?

I am staying in the area, but in a healthier house to iive in. Thank you so much for your comments. Please help me get the word out any way you can. Thanks.

[TooFarTampa]

Yippie, how awful. I know there are some builders out there who are very honest, but as in anything, there are others who are not, and that's why they invented code inspectors. Did the county sign off on your house? Did code enforcement fail you too?

Also, did you have the house built custom, and if so, did you hire your own inspector to take you through the process?

This kind of thing may sound incredible, but it can and does happen. On a building and remodeling site I frequented for many years, there was a woman whose house had to be demolished because of mold. She spent a lot of time educating others on what can go wrong during the building process.

I am sorry you are going through this. I hope you find some peace (and, obviously, resolution if you can).

[yippie]

Yippie, how awful. I know there are some builders out there who are very honest, but as in anything, there are others who are not, and that's why they invented code inspectors. Did the county sign off on your house? Did code enforcement fail you too?

Also, did you have the house built custom, and if so, did you hire your own inspector to take you through the process?

This kind of thing may sound incredible, but it can and does happen. On a building and remodeling site I frequented for many years, there was a woman whose house had to be demolished because of mold. She spent a lot of time educating others on what can go wrong during the building process.

I am sorry you are going through this. I hope you find some peace (and, obviously, resolution if you can).

Thank you too far tampa. It was a spec house. I bought it in good faith. Yes code enforcement failed me too.

The public needs to be educated on this problem. It is like pandora's box. Unfortunately, I am already ruined. Hopefully this will help people in the future.

[Miss Kitty]

Did you have legal representation? So sorry for all your troubles.

[TooFarTampa]

Thank you too far tampa. It was a spec house. I bought it in good faith. Yes code enforcement failed me too.

The public needs to be educated on this problem. It is like pandora's box. Unfortunately, I am already ruined. Hopefully this will help people in the future.

I guess at the time, given all the construction going on, there were as many "drive-by inspections" going on as drive-by appraisals. This was a major problem in the Orlando area and I'm sure many others during the boom.

This kind of thing is less likely to happen at this moment, given that there is much more time for inspectors to do the proper oversight. Logic tells us that in 2004-05, a lot of things fell by the wayside, but that is no excuse. You would think someone would have to be accountable. I know there are two sides to every story, but it is obvious that something went terribly wrong. Please keep us updated on your case.

I wonder if there are others out there with similar issues. Again I am so sorry for your troubles.

[yippie]

I wonder if there are others out there with similar issues. Again I am so sorry for your troubles.

Thank you. YES, there are plenty of others out there with similar issues. Unfortantly, many of them will no know it until it is too late.

Did you have legal representation? So sorry for all your troubles.

Yes, but that is expensive as well. In my opinion, the legal system just doesn't work here unless you are a good ole boy.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back in.

Please help me get the cat out of the bag. Tell everyone you know about this situation. I am only one out of a lot of people who may not know until it is too late.

I am dealing with structural builder defects myself that should have been easily caught by the County and my property inspector as well. Nothing as drastic as yours, but still a large unexpected expense and fustrating. I would tell anyone to hire an engineer vs. property inspector and make sure they rip off siding, roofing and give a full detailed engineering report.

Yes, the city inspection department went as far as to tell me they were not my safety net. I'm sorry, but as far as I am concerned they are by accepting the responsibility of inspecting for minimum code standards.

Godspeed to you and thank you for telling your story. I hope that others take heed. I know your efforts will not be in vain.

Please, again help me get the word out. Unfortunately, Kurt felt I was spamming the board by posting this at every subject. I respect his opinion, but I don't feel like it was spam.

This situation has ruined my life and I no longer have a quality of life and never will. Please help me get the word out. This could happen to you, it could happen to your friends and neighbors. It is not an unusual problem in this area.

[30A Skunkape]

Bad construction is an epidemic in our subdivision which I think bloomed in the 2004-2005 period. It seems that following every major rain event a dumpster appears in front of a house which is then filled with wet sheetrock, insulation, etc. A builder who lived across the street and moved urged the most thorough of home inspections be performed prior to buying one of the houses that went up during the boom-often times the focus was on project completion over quality construction.

Yippee, sorry to hear of your tragedy. Just curious, did somebody tell you the mold gave you diabetes?

[yippie]

Bad construction is an epidemic in our subdivision which I think bloomed in the 2004-2005 period. It seems that following every major rain event a dumpster appears in front of a house which is then filled with wet sheetrock, insulation, etc. A builder who lived across the street and moved urged the most thorough of home inspections be performed prior to buying one of the houses that went up during the boom-often times the focus was on project completion over quality construction.

Yippee, sorry to hear of your tragedy. Just curious, did somebody tell you the mold gave you diabetes?

Inflammation causes diabetes. Mold causes inflammation. Since I got out of the house, the glucose levels have been much better, but the neuropathy caused by it is the most painful thing I could imagine anyone ever going through life with. i will not live another 40 years in this condition. Sometimes I just wish i would never wake up and it would all be gone. Each step is agony, sitting is agony and laying down is worse. Sometimes I just scream with the pain. I pray, but nothing happens. When I work, I just cry with pain. I can't begin to tell you the agony each day is for me. I was such a vibrant active person, now I don't know if I can walk to the car from my front door.

[Beach Runner]

Yippie, I am so sorry to hear this.

A friend of mine had a mold problem at a home he owns in Seacrest. He had to tear out all of the sheetrock in the house. He is blessed enough that he was able to afford it. Apparently his insurance paid for some of it.

[yippie]

Yippie, I am so sorry to hear this.

A friend of mine had a mold problem at a home he owns in Seacrest. He had to tear out all of the sheetrock in the house. He is blessed enough that he was able to afford it. Apparently his insurance paid for some of it.

I tore down 18 walls, subflooring , replaced the HVAC system and tore out ceilings. Tore outer walls, to the tune of over $300,000.00. There was mold everywhere. I could afford it at the time, but my insurance isn't paying any of it and the builder still will not step up to the plate. That is all it would have taken.

It all came back, the mold. You can't get rid of it.

[Beach Runner]

Oh, that is just horrible!

[tebo]

Yep, ATTORNEY is the first word that comes to mind. Good luck Yippie

[yippie]

Yep, ATTORNEY is the first word that comes to mind. Good luck Yippie

Yep, I got one of those and she is a trooper. I owe her a bundle, but she is not pulling off the case.

Just the legal system is broke here.

We have got to find a way to stop the developers from controlling this area.

[John R]

Yippie, I remember some of your posts on this issue in the past. It's amazing things have gone this far without any relief for you. Have you thought of taking this to the ombudsman style TV news segments? I notice you haven't mentioned your builder's name. Are you legally unable to do so? Anyone who reads this should know who to run from.

[yippie]

No, I am not legally bound to mention his name, but I will PM the name to anyone who ask.

Last time I mentioned his name, I got into a spat, for not a better word, with people who know him.

[Diane4145]

RE: your obvious crappy builder's, friends. De nile(denial), ain't just a river, in EGYPT! This gives new meaning to the phrase, system sucks! If you get an inspection, you have leverage! His days, have to be numbered! My prayers are with you, Yippie! Hey everyone, let's all get Yippie to send his name to us and spread the word!Please send mine, Yippie!

No, I am not legally bound to mention his name, but I will PM the name to anyone who ask.

Last time I mentioned his name, I got into a spat, for not a better word, with people who know him.

[spinDrAtl]

I agree with John R, the tv investigative reporter type thing sounds like a possible idea.

[hnooe]

No, I am not legally bound to mention his name, but I will PM the name to anyone who ask.

Last time I mentioned his name, I got into a spat, for not a better word, with people who know him.

30A is a small town, literally and virtually. PM is the best method to handle this type of thing-that is one lesson I learned here. Hope the "M" problems gets resolved for you--I have been there with a rental unit I had in ATL--Hazmet suits, clorox and all!

[yippie]

I am amazed at how anyone wants to ruin someone's life by not doing the right thing.

If only the builder had stepped up to the plate over 2.5 years ago, made the repairs bad workmanship, whoever working under him doesn't matter, I would not be losing my life in 6 days.

Why are some people so cruel and insensitive? What has happened to this world? What made it such a *****y place to live?

Reminds me of these partial lyrics.

It's a hard road that we follow
The saddest cities, and the darkest hollows
People cross this world
Over and then back again
Never even one time lift their eyes
Or think of what they say

[florida girl]

6 days! Wow! That's terrible! Channel 13 requests problems to solve, I'd check there. I knew mold is a problem that is often overlooked. I hope you have made your piece. B*tth**ds are everywhere, you must forgive him.

[Will B]

Here's a plan that Clark Howard has mentioned in the past...

Find homes that your builder is showing / selling. As long as you do not distort the truth or make false statements, you can picket in front of his property / neighborhood.

If anything, it will make people question him as a builder...

[Smiling JOe]

No, I am not legally bound to mention his name, but I will PM the name to anyone who ask.

Last time I mentioned his name, I got into a spat, for not a better word, with people who know him.

WoW!
While I don't recall the builders' name, I seem to recall that one of the owners of the company posted in reply to your ranting about the lack of water vapor layer. I think you are taking the high road, and cannot say that I would do the same, given the circumstances. I'd plaster the builders' names everywhere and invite people to come look at the house they built without the basics. In addition, I'd find a lawyer who loves money and willing to do the leg work in exchange for a higher payout. I don't like lawyers, unless they are on my side, and even then it's questionable (other than in social settings -- I do know a few pretty cool lawyers), but I'd be suing the pants off the builders and I'd go after the County, for inaccurate inspections if the water vapor layer is on the checklist as approved.

I'll share this with you, the legal system is broken everywhere. I have a friend who was sued by his neighbor, who is trying to blame something on my friend, which is not my friends fault at all. I won't go into details, but the case has been dragging on for over a year, and they were supposed to go to court last week, but it was post-poned yet again, because the case in front of them was going to trial instead of pleading out, so they are shafted for another month with mounting legal fees. His latest bill for the month from his own attorneys was a surprising $16,000, mostly ludicrous charges, like rehearsing for trial and the partner's billing for oversight of the rehearsing for trial. (It's no wonder why lawyers are so disliked). The plaintiff's (new and hungry) attorney is working without charging the client unless they win. It is highly likely that my friend's builder's insurance company and my friend, will be out more money from legal fees than they would had they settled for the amount of damages being sought.

I believe I told you once before about the guy I talked to who had big vinyl stickers of a lemon, on the back half of both sides, and the back glass of his Jeep Cherokee. When I talked to him, he had just pulled up to park on the wide sidewalk in front of Walmart on a Saturday afternoon. I couldn't help but to ask about the lemons. I knew he wasn't selling lemonade. He told me that his car repeatedly "breaks down" on the right of way, in front of the dealer where he bought the car.

Good luck with your situation. It sounds like a nightmare, but hang in there. Keep us posted on the outcome of the lawsuit.

[Smiling JOe]

From Panama City News Channel 13 (www.wmbb.com)





Have a problem and it seems like no one can help? Then put News13’s Problem Solver to work for you. We do more than just report problems, we work hard to help find solutions. News13’s Jerry Brown uses his journalistic experience to get you answers. See what Jerry has done for other Panhandle residents who needed help. Click below for past and present Problem Solver Stories.

jbrown@wmbb.com

[florida girl]

Do you have a family or friends to help you?

[yippie]

Do you have a family or friends to help you?

No.

[florida girl]

Surely there is someone here that could step up? Any compassionate volunteers?

[elgordoboy]

Have you followed up on the Jerry Brown suggestion? They call for details from both sides when deciding what to pursue. An avenue worth exploring I think. It sounds like you are very depressed (the never waking up thing--been there) and I am really, really sorry for you. I know it may seem insurmountable and it truly is a horrble thing to have happen but getting proactive again and living your life is a good revenge. If you cannot find any satisfaction from the builder or legal system my advice is to put it behind you and resume living. Easy for me to say I know, and I hope I never face similar circumstances.

[florida girl]

6 days is not very long, prioritize carefully!

[yippie]

Have you followed up on the Jerry Brown suggestion? They call for details from both sides when deciding what to pursue. An avenue worth exploring I think. It sounds like you are very depressed (the never waking up thing--been there) and I am really, really sorry for you. I know it may seem insurmountable and it truly is a horrble thing to have happen but getting proactive again and living your life is a good revenge. If you cannot find any satisfaction from the builder or legal system my advice is to put it behind you and resume living. Easy for me to say I know, and I hope I never face similar circumstances.

I believe Jerry Brown received an e-mail from one of you great folks who is a godsend.

As for the other things, I don't know how to do that anymore. I am trying my best, the depression is horrible, but the pain is worse. If only it would go away. It is crippling.

When we were kids, we were cruel to call people names if they didn't look right, talk right or walk right. I will never do that again and each day, I am aologizing for ever have done that.

[Diane4145]

Hopefully, the Calvaries a coming!!!Please keep us posted, Yippie!

From Panama City News Channel 13 (www.wmbb.com)





Have a problem and it seems like no one can help? Then put News13’s Problem Solver to work for you. We do more than just report problems, we work hard to help find solutions. News13’s Jerry Brown uses his journalistic experience to get you answers. See what Jerry has done for other Panhandle residents who needed help. Click below for past and present Problem Solver Stories.

jbrown@wmbb.com

[SHELLY]

Yippie,

I'm sorry you are going through this mess. I too get pizzed off by folks who take advantage of others for monetary gain. If what you say is true, and I have no reason to doubt you, you've been screwed over by this builder and word will get around that his product and service are inferior.

It saddens me that there's nothing we can do or say that will change your current situation; but I want you to know that I care--along with many, many others--about your welfare and safety.

Please try to get to a place where you can heal and regain your strength--that house is not a reflection of you and your spirit. Look into the stories of the successful survivors of Katrina for strength.

All of us can offer up prayers, advice and encouragement--please keep trying to help us to understand by continuing to post your feelings and your needs. People out here do care.

.

[yippie]

I know this thread has gone on forever, and thank you for all your support, but something so funny happened last night. I thought I would tell it to bring a little humor into a bad situation.

I was soooooo tied last night, I laid down and finally went to sleep. Around 4 am, I was awoken by something that sounded like someone using a weed eater.

I was so angry, working myself up to go outside and scream at this ridiculous person taking care of a lawn in the middle of the night.


THEN............I............REALIZED............. That was no weed eater, evidently I was so tired, I was SNORING!.. LOL.. Oh well, now I know my snores sound like a weed eater!

[seaside2]

[yippie]

I feel like sh*t. I am screwed and the builder continues to build homes below minimum substandard houses for unsuspecting consumers like you and me.

I am really bummed and not handling the situation very well. Not very well at all.

Thanks all you peepes for your support, I really need it, however, I will not forget the support and if you need me, I will drop everything to help you!

Many regards.

[SHELLY]

I feel like sh*t. I am screwed and the builder continues to build homes below minimum substandard houses for unsuspecting consumers like you and me.

I am really bummed and not handling the situation very well. Not very well at all.

Thanks all you peepes for your support, I really need it, however, I will not forget the support and if you need me, I will drop everything to help you!

Many regards.

Yippie,

To hell with the builder....what are you planning on doing next?



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[Diane4145]

Bless your heart, Yippie! That really is hilarious, though my heart still breaks, for you! I can't imagine investing in your home and trusting your builder, only to be screwed!What goes around, comes around! I'm highly allergic to mold, myself!

I know this thread has gone on forever, and thank you for all your support, but something so funny happened last night. I thought I would tell it to bring a little humor into a bad situation.

I was soooooo tied last night, I laid down and finally went to sleep. Around 4 am, I was awoken by something that sounded like someone using a weed eater.

I was so angry, working myself up to go outside and scream at this ridiculous person taking care of a lawn in the middle of the night.


THEN............I............REALIZED............. That was no weed eater, evidently I was so tired, I was SNORING!.. LOL.. Oh well, now I know my snores sound like a weed eater!

[Rita]

Yippie,

To hell with the builder....what are you planning on doing next?



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Yippie, Listen to SHELLY! Some of your health problems may lessen once you're out of the toxic environment and then you can work on finding a way to move on with your life. Maybe it's not worth continuing to fight. Maybe just let your lawyer handle it from now on? I don't know ..... I would just hate for you to continue to constantly worry about this. Don't let the builder do that to you also.

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[Rita]

Yippie,

To hell with the builder....what are you planning on doing next?



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Yippie, Listen to SHELLY! Some of your health problems may lessen once you're out of the toxic environment and then you can work on finding a way to move on with your life. Maybe it's not worth continuing to fight. Maybe just let your lawyer handle it from now on? I don't know ..... I would just hate for you to continue to constantly worry about this. Don't let the builder do that to you also.

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[yippie]

Yippie,

To hell with the builder....what are you planning on doing next?



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I don't know yet.

Bless your heart, Yippie! That really is hilarious

somethow I am missing the humor in this. Clue me in please.

[SHELLY]

somethow I am missing the humor in this. Clue me in please.

Diane was alluding to your story about the weed eater.

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[yippie]

Diane was alluding to your story about the weed eater.

.

Oh, Sorry. I guess I am a bit touchy lately. I apologize.

[4robbins]

What kind of testing do they do for mold during a home inspection?

[waterst1]

Yippie my sister is going through the same thing with her house in Michigan. She has been sick for 3 years ever since she bought the house. I think she bought one of those air cleaning machines from Sharper Image and put it in her bedroom just to improve the air while she sleeps and that helped, but those machines are expensive. The mold in her house is airborne. When she bought the house, the inspector didn't find anything of course. I have been trying to find out if there is some kind of equipment (that is affordable) that measures airborne mold on a daily basis so she can keep a watch on whatever it is that is happening.

[Smiling JOe]

What kind of testing do they do for mold during a home inspection?

It is a separate inspection, and you want a certified mold inspector to conduct it. They take air samples at different locations inside the house, as well as outside the house. The outside samples give them a base. Send off the samples to a lab, and results are returned. FYI - most every house has mold, but in varying degrees. Sounds like Yippie has it bad. A good home inspector should be able to detect signs of mold, to determine if an actual mold test is needed, but remember the word, "good." The inspector I most often use, is also a mold inspector.

[scooterbug44]

Yippie my sister is going through the same thing with her house in Michigan. She has been sick for 3 years ever since she bought the house. I think she bought one of those air cleaning machines from Sharper Image and put it in her bedroom just to improve the air while she sleeps and that helped, but those machines are expensive. The mold in her house is airborne. When she bought the house, the inspector didn't find anything of course. I have been trying to find out if there is some kind of equipment (that is affordable) that measures airborne mold on a daily basis so she can keep a watch on whatever it is that is happening.

Has she looked into getting her heating/cooling ducts cleaned? It's a good hiding place for mold if it is airborne.

[seaside2]

Mold is everywhere, just to varying degrees. It nees the right temperature, right moisture and right amount of light (or lack thereof) to flourish. AC ducts are a popular place, around leaking or sweating pipes in walls, inside wall cavities where the inside humidity level differs significantly from the ouside humidity level, etc.

SJ is spot on with regard to a certified mold inspector. The person has to know what they are doing and ensure that the samples are acquired, handled and tested properly.

A home without a proper exterior vapor barrier can be a real problem, but based on my understanding, reading and some firsthand knowledge, the most virulent cases involve a water leak of some type (Pipe, roof, windows, etc) where there is a more constant source of water to sustain mold.

[yippie]

What kind of testing do they do for mold during a home inspection?

There are various ways. One being the air sampling, another by drilling hold in the wall and sucking air out of them, (Not affective way because you only ge the air from that is trapped between tow studs. Sometimes where you can see the mold they conduct swab test and other times they want to cut out pieces affected areas.

It is a separate inspection, and you want a certified mold inspector to conduct it.

There is no such thing as a certified mold instectors in Florida. You are a carpet cleaning one day and the next you are a mold expert. They attend a weekend class.

Yippie my sister is going through the same thing with her house in Michigan. She has been sick for 3 years ever since she bought the house. I think she bought one of those air cleaning machines from Sharper Image and put it in her bedroom just to improve the air while she sleeps and that helped, but those machines are expensive. The mold in her house is airborne. When she bought the house, the inspector didn't find anything of course. I have been trying to find out if there is some kind of equipment (that is affordable) that measures airborne mold on a daily basis so she can keep a watch on whatever it is that is happening.

Tell her to get out and leave everything behind. Those air filters don't work, trust me

Has she looked into getting her heating/cooling ducts cleaned? It's a good hiding place for mold if it is airborne.

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Yes, we replaced the entire HVAC system, ducts are all.

A home without a proper exterior vapor barrier can be a real problem, but based on my understanding, reading and some firsthand knowledge, the most virulent cases involve a water leak of some type (Pipe, roof, windows, etc) where there is a more constant source of water to sustain mold.

There were no leaks until the walls that were built out of the OSB type product, with no moisture barrier rotted on the second floor.

I am not talking about a little mold, I am talking about a house that needs to be torn down.


Here is what the AC looked like-

http://destindir.com/abrahamresidencce8-30air.pdf

That was only part of the 200,000 trying to fix the house.

[ASH]

Link didn't work for pic.