I've been having a running argument regarding salvaging our real plaster walls vs. ripping out and putting in sheetrock.

The walls have a few small cracks here and there and there was no insulation between them and the exterior wallboards other than tarpaper. Mold on the walls was next to zero.

I hate that so much history and craftsmanship is being lost so would prefer to salvage, but what about mold issues between the walls, re-wiring and adding insulation.

Thanks for any advice!

You hit the nail on the head. Mold and electrical are the real issues.

As far as the mold. You can cut out a small section on the inside of a closet and see for yourself. Check between the plaster and lathe boards and then between the lathe boards and the studs. If you have mold in there, the only way to remove it is by gutting or tenting the house. I would have to guess that you do have some degree of mold in there as did everyone else. If you do not have any, you should be O.K.

The electrical is going to cost some money any way. Most Lakeview homes were total rewires because the water level was so high. And it is a lot easier to rewire a gutted hose as opposed to fishing wires through walls and ceilings.

We would be glad to look at your home and talk about options with you. As always, our estimates are free and we are local, La. licensed and fully insured General Residential Contractors.

Thanks,

Steve Drake
Restore-Tech, LLC
985-869-7838