Client Overview

Crawlspaces are one of the most complex and overlooked components of residential construction — heavily influenced by geography, climate, and workmanship. The crawlspace assembly is frequently overlooked and under-estimated as a source of contaminants, moisture and pathway for cross-contamination of living spaces.

In this case, a mold discovered by a pest inspector triggered a cascade of events: homeowner fear, unfocused mold remediation, associated cost escalation, and looming class action litigation against the well-respected, local builder.

Initial Response by Builder: Escalating Chaos

• Builder initiated remediation on the initially identified 65 homes with visible mold growth
• Homeowners were displaced for up to 35 days during mold removal
• Remediation protocols were intrusive and excessive

Legal action loomed on the horizon fed by unfounded health concerns, homeowner inconveniences and intrusive program protocols. The builder’s frustration escalated as did homeowner outrage.

BHS was engaged by the Builder to offer a second opinion on the program in place and quickly become deeply involved in a situation analysis and re-definition of the overall approach and program parameters. Remediation and clearance protocols were excessive. BHS replaced the entire original team.

BHS Engagement: Redefining the Strategy for the Builder

BHS’ cost-effective, physician-led remediation plan included:

• Complete redesign of remediation protocols allowing homeowner occupancy during remediation versus forced relocation
• Revised clearance protocol to 24 hours versus 5 days of additional relocation
• Individual residence risk analysis and physician – homeowner meeting in the home prior to start
• Daily remediation oversight by BHS physician & Building Scientist to reassure both the builder and the homeowner

Outcome: Efficient, Scalable Remediation

• 90% of 250 homeowners remained in their home during remediation
• Full remediation turnaround time cut to 5 days (vs. 35) — an 85% reduction
• Remediation scaled from 1 home per week to 5 homes
• Crawlspace restoration included complete redesign & upgrade
• Quality assurance revealed 95% of original 65 homes failed to meet BHS’ standards — and were corrected

Lessons Learned

As a result of BHS’ collaboration with the builder’s operations team, new home construction procedures were amended to prevent recurrence in new homes under construction, including:

• New, thicker vapor barriers, caulking, and final high-clean debris removal became standard
• Amended construction sequencing protocols and crawlspace protection
• BHS developed an exterior homeowner inspection checklist
• Quarterly post-remediation inspections for one year showed no fungal regrowth

Why It Matters

Homeowner complaints tied to health risks cannot be treated like warranty calls. They carry emotion, urgency, and reputational consequences. Builders must recognize:

• Crawlspaces can be key contributors to negative IEAQ conditions in the home
• Mold remediation mismanagement can escalate into costly consequences
• Physician-led remediation creates occupant trust