First things first. Fixing mold problems at #34

Once we closed on the property and got into the house, we knew the first thing to do was to address the mold problem in the basement - exciting!  I am not an expert on mold, but I do know it needs moisture to thrive and the basement had lots of it.  The basement also had lots of wood and no circulating air... perfect if you're mold!    

I'm not going to tell anyone to do this themselves, because certain types of mold can be harmful to your health.  I however, chose to risk it and kill it myself. :)   I actually took many precautions including a suit and mask and even eye protection. I used different concoctions which I mixed and sprayed and scrubbed based on extensive research and depending on the surface involved.  I won't put these recipes here because I don't want anyone to blame me for their mold illnesses, but some batches had hydrogen peroxide, some had borax, some used bleach and some used vinegar - do your own research or even better, call a pro.

First things first, find out where the water's coming in and stop it.  The main culprit here was a hole in the ally's sidewalk where water from the neighbors gutter was pouring into and finding it's way into my basement. This had been going on for years!
I pulled up the loose top cement layer and poured a soupy mix of mortar in there so it would hopefully follow the path of the water and fill in the small areas.  I then packed the hole with 35 gallons of stone and dirt and other matter. I packed in there with a broom handle and patched it with cement.  This will do the trick, but is still a temporary fix since all the sidewalks will be fixed in the summer and this area will require trench drain.

Second thing is to get a dehumidifier in the basement running 24/7 - done.  Water was dripping against the front of the building from the front gutters which were leaking from 2 small holes.  These were sealed with gutter sealant .  Problem fixed - sort of. Since this house is over 200 years old, the front basement will need to be monitored over time to see if there are more areas of water infiltration.

The back basement will also need a sump pit and pump as it seems to fill from below ground.

ally with water poring into hole

ally from opposite end

Ally after holes were filled and patched

   

The new project for 2015!

Front

Here it is.  Renovation 2015!  I say that with enthusiasm because I love buying and renovating investment properties.  I have seen almost everything, and always plan on surprises when deciding to buy, but this one has already proven to be a leaning experience. In future posts, I'll post more on the condition and what's being done to fix the place.

Back Yard

Purchased at the end of 2014, number 34 was an estate previously owned by a woman that lived lived there for almost 70 years.  Her name was Gerty, so, as well as #34,  we have been referring to the place as, "Gerty's house."

The right side has 2 existing apartments and a small office.  The left side had been used as a 4 bedroom house and will be converted into 2 units, each having 2 bedrooms and 2 stories. The back half of the yard will be made into a gravel parking lot with 8 spaces and the other half of the yard will be an outdoor living space for tenants. The office will be my new work digs.

In addition to the main building, there is an old barn at the back of the property.  It will stay as-is for now and be fixed up later.  What's another year after sitting for 200!

Barn