Basement odor in house

[Majan pirayan]

Hello!

I recently bought a house and during my first visit, I noticed that my clothes smell a lot like the basement after being there. The house is older, from the 70s with a crawl space that is supposed to be well-maintained (has a dehumidifier installed, etc.) Could it be that there is a need to seal around the floor gaps? I see that tiles are laid in some places and it almost feels like there's a draft from the gap between the floor and the wall. From the crawl space, I guess?

There was an inspection before the sale that didn't indicate mold, etc., but it still makes you a bit worried. Who can I contact that can measure and give wise advice regarding the smell, the crawl space, and the bathroom's condition?

Grateful for any advice // House Rookie

 

[fatsuG7]

In the 70s, pressure-treated wood was used in sill plates. When it comes into contact with moisture, it emits a smell that can resemble mold. You may therefore need to replace sill plates.

 

[Majan pirayan]

In the 70s, pressure-treated wood was used in the base plates. When it comes into contact with moisture, it emits a smell that can resemble mold. You may, therefore, need to replace base plates.

Thanks for the input, I'll read up on what it involves👍 could it be because the house has been standing a bit too cold for a while?

 

[Jonatan79]

There are many reasons, including due to a cold house without ventilation and trapped moisture. Then the stench settles in the surface layers, ceiling, walls, sometimes furniture and insulation.

 

[SågspånPappspikEternit]

In the 70s, pressure-treated wood was used in the sill plates. When it comes into contact with moisture, it emits a smell that can resemble mold. So you may need to replace sill plates.

Did they also cast in pressure-treated sill plates in the foundation wall of crawl spaces, then? I thought it was only in houses with slabs.

 

[Majan pirayan]

I will examine the whole thing more closely 🙏