SNAFU Major

The Mold

When 1.3 inches of rain came through our roof and first floor walls on August 15, the general contractor, Michael Palmentiero (Touch of Class Home Improvements), assured us repairs would be made within a week. 130 days and many leaks later with still no repairs, we began to seriously worry about mold. After a scathing Professional Engineer’s report, the project manager (MyHome) agreed to have the new construction tested by an industrial hygienist. That report found mold growing on the newly-installed framing, insulation and sheetrock. No tests were performed on the first floor because water damage was extensive and mold growth was assumed. 

May 20, 2009 - Mold growing on a soiled facemask left by MyHome, LLC, workmen under our bedroom floor boards.

Insulation tested positive for elevated levels of mold spores (2.4 million CFU/g)

{Click any photo to enlarge}

MyHome ignored their industrial hygienist’s recommendations for the second floor and dismissed as "too severe" NYC mold remediation guidelines for the first floor. The general contractor’s insurance company made a lengthy inspection for mold, but declined to share its results. Our own specialist documented mold colonies growing throughout the first floor, which were confirmed four months later by an expert sent by MyHome’s attorney. While originally claiming the mold would simply “resolve itself,” MyHome’s latest claim is that these conditions were pre-existing. Even on the new construction.

Aug. 16, 2008 - Rainwater continuing to drain through dining room ceiling one day after 1.3 inch storm. 

Far right - water seeps through seams in the living room ceiling.

Aug. 20, 2008 email from General Contractor assuring water damage will be repaired promptly.

April 14, 2009 - Mold and staining on living room ceiling.  Click here for other photos of first floor water damage.

Far right: First floor strut exposed by electrician.  Area tested positive for spores, conidiophores and hyphae of Aspeergillus and Penicillium. 

Feb. 27, 2009 email from Project Manager claiming mold issues will simply "resolve themselves" once the building is sealed.  

Mold growing on the inside of OSB siding exposed to rain and snow. 

Sample taken Sept. 29, 2009.  More

Mar. 24, 2009 - MyHome's counter-proposals (in red) to our proposals (black font) to make repairs.

Full proposal

Mold Inspections

• Geo-Environmental Co., Inc. - Jan.30, 2009 (MyHome, LLC)

• Olmsted Environmental Services, Inc. - May 19, 2009 (Homeowners)

• RTK Environmental Group - Oct. 7, 2009 (MyHome, LLC)