Why It Matters

The case studies below illustrate a recurring pattern in hospitality environments:

• Vinyl wall coverings + exterior envelope failure = hidden mold risks
• Deferred maintenance and shortcuts during renovations worsen outcomes
• Independent assessments uncover root causes beyond surface issues

BHS delivers science-driven, health-centered evaluations to support owners, investors, lenders, and operators in making confident, cost-effective remediation decisions.

Case Study: Hotel #1 – Moisture Intrusion

A two-story, older southern hotel was taken over by a management recovery team after the prior operator failed to meet brand compliance and maintenance standards. BHS was engaged to perform a total mold inventory and moisture intrusion assessment.

Key Findings:

• 124 of 154 guest rooms visually inspected
• Intrusive investigations conducted in worst-condition rooms
• Mold concealed by covering existing stained vinyl wallpaper with new material
• Chemical masking odors detected
• Thermal imaging and interviews with housekeeping quickly identified the problems
• Evidence of EIFS façade and roof deterioration, though not a full-building failure

Outcome:

BHS confirmed widespread but hidden moisture intrusion and mold conditions as prior management had addressed the mold problem by alleviating visual evidence; they simply covered the stained, existing vinyl wall covering with new. Recommendations included full remediation and building envelope rehabilitation to prevent further degradation.

Case Study: Hotel #2 – Systemic Failure & Revenue Loss

Overview:

BHS’ team was dispatched to the six-story hotel by the mortgage holder to perform a full building mold inventory and confirm root cause assessments by others based on the unsatisfactory condition of the hotel and loss of recurring, contractual government revenue attributable to the operator’s malfeasance. The revenue decline impacted cash flow and the operation was out of compliance with mortgage terms and brand requirements.

Key Findings:

• 136 of 195 guest rooms inspected; performed intrusive investigations in one de-commissioned room identified as representative of the worst conditions.
• Floors 4–6 had been refurbished without correcting exterior moisture issues
• Refurbished rooms excluded vinyl wall coverings, reducing mold risk
• Extensive mold found behind vinyl wallpaper on lower floors
• Building envelope (EIFS façade and windows) suffered from prolonged failure

Recommendation:

After BHS considered all the occupancy economics and remediation variables, it was our recommendation to close the hotel and perform an accelerated, staged remediation retrofitting all six floors – a recommendation independently echoed by ownership.