If this had been built correctly, then the exterior face of the blocks would have been coated with a fluid applied waterproofing to seal the blocks.

Quote from @Ryan Normand: Most cabinet guys prefer to put their boxes directly on the subfloor, This creates a problem with overall height, especially when using a thicker floor like wide-plank wood, which is popular now in higher end homes.

Thicker the ISO, better the R value will be. 

It won't be perfect because it will be thicker than the laminate, but it will look 100x better than anything else you can do with plywood stairs. 

So yes, while I think Klaus is a horrible human being from a line of horrible human beings, I absolutely will ride his coat-tail and happily be a Sheppard of sheeple.

Get thicker skin.3.

Make sure you use 100% vinyl; I wouldn't use the vinyl coated sawdust like Pergo in a bathroom. 

Minor repairs, coat of paint and you are ready to go.

It is a little more work but after remediation, and proper ventilation, a good coat of Kiltz or a similar stain-blocker not only hides the stains but does wonders as a future barrier and helps mitigate the smell.

Quote from @Eric Coats: I’ve received a few marketing emails from private lenders with 100% financing and really amazing terms.