A sensible order of operations for contents

Settle the contents plan before demolition starts, not halfway through.

  1. Inventory and photograph

    List each significant item in and near the affected area, with photos showing condition before anything moves.

  2. Separate unaffected from affected

    Items with no visible growth and no odor can often be moved out first to a clean, dry room outside the work zone.

  3. Isolate affected items

    Pieces with visible growth are bagged or wrapped where they sit, so they do not carry spores through the house.

  4. Decide who treats what

    Ordinary furnishings may be cleaned by the remediation contractor; fine art, antique textiles and rare books usually go to a specialist.

  5. Return items after clearance

    Bring contents back only after the room is clean, dry and, if you chose to test, has passed post-remediation checks.

How different materials usually fare

Material
Framed works on paper
Typical outlook
Growth may be on the mat, backing or the work itself; needs careful opening
Who usually handles it
Paper conservator or framer experienced with mold
Material
Oil and acrylic paintings
Typical outlook
Surface growth may be removable; canvas backs and stretchers need checking
Who usually handles it
Paintings conservator
Material
Hand-knotted or antique rugs
Typical outlook
Often cleanable if dried quickly; foundation fibers can rot if wet long
Who usually handles it
Specialist rug cleaner
Material
Books and documents
Typical outlook
Can sometimes be dried and cleaned; heavily affected volumes may need freezing first
Who usually handles it
Book or archive conservator
Material
Upholstered furniture
Typical outlook
Depends on how deep the growth goes into padding
Who usually handles it
Remediation contractor or upholsterer
Material
Hard furniture, sculpture, glass
Typical outlook
Usually cleanable with HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping
Who usually handles it
Remediation contractor

Insurance and valuation

High-value contents are often scheduled separately on a homeowner's policy or covered by a dedicated fine art policy. Coverage for mold damage to contents varies, so read the mold language and talk with the agent or broker who placed the policy before items are discarded. Keep photographs, appraisals and conservator reports together.

If an item has to be cleaned off-site, ask for a written receipt listing each piece and its condition when it leaves the house. That record helps if there is a dispute later, and it keeps a household with many rooms and many items organized.

Questions to ask the remediation contractor about contents

  1. Will contents be moved before containment, and by whom?
  2. Where will items wait during the work, and how will that room be protected?
  3. Which items do you clean yourselves, and which should go to a specialist?
  4. How will you document the condition of each piece before and after?

General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.