Air Quality Assessment
Thank you to all who helped us recently with asbestos-related questions. Unfortunately, we did not get the house we were hoping to buy, so we are going to plan B, which is to switch our basement-level tv room into a toddler’s bedroom. So here’s our dilemma: We have allergies in our family and the basement…
Thank you to all who helped us recently with asbestos-related questions. Unfortunately, we did not get the house we were hoping to buy, so we are going to plan B, which is to switch our basement-level tv room into a toddler’s bedroom.
So here’s our dilemma: We have allergies in our family and the basement feels ok but a bit musty perhaps. We’d like to get someone to come and “test the air quality” if such a person/thing exists.
We’re also thinking about an air purifier/filter/HEPA device like the rabbit air. Pricey. Is it worth it?
Does anyone have any suggestions, BTDT, or recommendations for making this renovated basement level as clean as possible? People or processes to consider?
(A bit more info: The tv room where our toddler will be sleeping has a full-sized door that leads only to a skylight hatch that can be propped open. This is the only source of air in the basement level.)
Many thanks!
Yes, the egress thing does nix this idea. Thanks to everyone who pointed it out. Pinetree, we actually only have ONE bedroom upstairs (wish we had more) so what is looking like our best option right now is to put a pressurized wall in the middle of it (it is roughly 19 feet by 11.5, so not huge, but definitely split-worthy) and have toddler in front room with windows, and newborn with us for first 6-12 months like you suggested. Then, both kids go in front room. The quotes we got for pressurized wall (with glass panel for light transmission) were reasonable. And then we’ll get an air purifier regardless for the basement. We’re looking at the Rabbit Air, but am not sure what the benefits of something like that over an air exchanger system (humidex) would be. Thanks again to all for your help/suggestions.
Seems like the fire/lack of egress thing nixes it completely. Not to mention all the potential environmental concerns. Plus, if you convert it, you’ll lose the family room. Why is it not an option to put two kids in one room for now? Seems like putting several kids in the same room (or even the same bed) was de riguer for many large families up until the 1950sification of this country. Or keep the newborn in a bassinet in your room (or co-sleep) for the first 6-12 months or so, and then move both kids into the same room.
If you can swing it, break into that other apt. and reclaim it. Screw the nice tenants. Don’t put your child in the basement, alone, surrounded by potential hazards.
Horrifying article. Fungal mat — I want to know more.
Congrats on new baby. I concur with what Denton has said. If there is mold in the basement, it is no place for a baby. If there is mold present, an air purifier is not a solution. You can bring in the mold experts to test. It is pretty pricey — $950 to $2,000. Chances are if the rooms are below grade, it is a problem, and you don’t need to test to know that.
Not sure how many bedrooms you have above grade, but if you (parents) are not already sleeping in living room, you should consider it. With the right furniture (no more than cost of mold inspectors!) this can be a very nice solution. Helps greatly to have door that closes, of course.
I don’t think this is a good idea for a toddler to be placed in a basement….
isn’t your boiler located in the basement?
and the first human to be in contact with said boiler is your toddler???? scary stuff
SO that means if the boiler has a leak of Carbon Mon or gas leak or ignites, then your toddler is the in harms way…
I would suggest you SLOW DOWN and try and take the emotion of the new arrival out of the equation. Rule is no construction within 3 months of delivery. The January date is just a suggestion, anything will and does happen.
Pile them all into your bed, banish the Hubby to basement (cellar) and worry about the logistics when the weather is warmer.
Congrats on the new arrival.
Can you partition the large bedroom (does it have 2 windows)?
Re radon, can get free radon test kits from a NYC or NYS govt office. Not likely to be a problem in Brooklyn but worth testing as downside is big (cancer). Air exchanger would help lower risk (given you are frequently replacing the air in the space).
Yes, these are all good concerns. Believe me, I don’t want to put our toddler in the basement either. We have a duplex apartment with the lower level below ground. There is a large bedroom on the ground floor, and what currently serves as a tv room on the basement level. We have a second child coming in January, so the issue is logistical more than anything else. The only other option for us at this point is to rent a two-bedroom and rent our current apartment out. Otherwise, the option is to break through and take over an apartment above us (we own a 4 family) but then we lose another rent and kick out nice tenants.