Mold Removal in Bothell, WA

Where Bothell sits

Bothell is a Northshore city about 14 miles northeast of Seattle, at the north end of Lake Washington and counted as part of the Eastside. The city lies in both King and Snohomish counties, so county services depend on the address. Downtown Bothell, Canyon Park, North Creek and Thrasher's Corner are tied together by I-405, SR 522 and the Bothell-Everett Highway.

The river is calm; the houses are the issue

The Sammamish River runs through Bothell on its way from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington, and the Sammamish River Trail follows it. King County says that from Woodinville downstream to Lake Washington the river generally stays within its banks. That's good news, and it means the moisture behind most Bothell mold is inside the building envelope.

The median house or condo in Bothell was built in 1989, and the median apartment in 2002. Homes from that era are now at the age where original roofs, window seals, water heaters and supply lines start to fail. Common trouble spots:

1. Attics where a bath fan duct has come loose and warm, wet air condenses on cold roof sheathing
2. Crawl spaces with torn vapor barrier or poor drainage after heavy rain
3. Exterior walls behind failed window flashing, often found as soft drywall below the sill
4. Apartments with bedrooms closed up all winter and furniture pushed against cold outside walls

The Washington Department of Health says sampling is usually unnecessary when you can see or smell mold. Spend the money on finding the water.

Permits, rentals and Public Health

Building permit applications go online through the City of Bothell Community Development Permit Center, which runs Building Services and Permit Services. Rebuilding framing or walls after removal may need one; electrical permits come from L&I.

Renters should know how the city works: Bothell's Code Compliance Division handles unsafe structures and Building Code violations, but it does not enforce tenant/landlord disputes and points renters to the Attorney General's landlord-tenant resources and RCW 59.18 first. Give the landlord written notice of the leak or moisture problem; for most conditions, state law gives the landlord 10 days to start repairs.

Public Health - Seattle & King County consults on indoor air quality and mold concerns for the King County side of the city.

Before work begins

Washington has no license or certification for mold work. Companies doing repair work must be registered with L&I, and the Verify a Contractor tool shows registration, workers' comp status and any bond claims. When you call, you'll be connected with an independent local company. Ask for the scope and price in writing, and pay as phases are finished rather than all at once.