Grand Rapids' West Side covers the neighborhoods west of the Grand River from downtown, including the area around John Ball Park and the zoo. Much of it is older, closely built homes, many over a century old.
Older homes this close to the river can deal with damp basements and high groundwater in wet springs. Small basements with low ceilings, old foundation walls and limited airflow make them hard to keep dry, and mold on stored items and wooden stairs is common.
Call (616) 226-9528Get anything stored in cardboard off the basement floor and into plastic bins, and run a dehumidifier in summer. If mold is already growing on walls or wood, have it removed first.
Common questions
Was the West Side affected by the 2013 flood?
Areas close to the Grand River saw high water during the April 2013 flood. If your home took on water then and the basement has smelled since, it's worth having it checked.
Our basement stairs have mold on them. What causes that?
Wood in a damp basement soaks up moisture. Lowering the humidity and treating the wood usually solves it.
Do you cover the John Ball Park area?
Yes, and the rest of the West Side.