How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost range for mold remediation is $1,125 to $3,439, and the national average cost is $2,254.

• The exact cost for mold remediation services will depend on the location of the mold within the home, the type of mold present, the size of the problem, and the cost of labor.

• A homeowner will want to call a mold remediation professional if they notice signs of mold, such as a musty smell or suspicious growth on walls following water damage.

• While homeowners may be able to tackle very small areas of mold on their own, it’s generally recommended that they hire a professional for mold remediation because of the health hazards it presents.

Mold is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. The hidden nature of the problem, the potential danger of inhaling mold spores, and the unknown factors and expense of removal combine to make mold a very serious problem. There are many elements that affect the overall cost of removal, including the location and type of the mold, the size of the problem, and the kind of remediation that is necessary. Treating mold can be as simple as washing the affected area with bleach or as complex as removing panels of drywall and tile to deep clean beneath the surface. The good news is that regardless of how large a mold problem is, there is a way to correct it. So how much does mold remediation cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, mold remediation will typically cost homeowners between $1,125 and $3,439, or an average of $2,254.

Factors in Calculating Mold Remediation Cost

The largest determiners of the cost to remove mold are the location, size, and type of mold, along with the cost of labor in the geographic area. Mold that is hidden from view or difficult to access will be more challenging to abate, so remediation will be more expensive. Unsurprisingly, large growths will be more costly to remove, as will certain types of mold that are resistant to mold remover, are aggressive spreaders, or are particularly dangerous to inhale.

Mold Location

Homeowners might assume mold can be found only in damp areas, but that’s not always the case. According to David Harley, owner of AdvantaClean of Badgerland, “Mold can actually be found anywhere in the home. [It] simply needs three things to grow: It needs a temperature of somewhere between 40 and 100 degrees, it needs a food source of organic materials such as wood, paper, leftover food, plant matter, etc., and it needs moisture.”

Depending on the mold’s location, homeowners may be able to remove it with vinegar, bleach, or a mold removal spray. Getting rid of mold on a wall can be fairly simple, but concealed or difficult-to-access areas could require demolition or a contractor to crawl through a basement or crawl space. The location will determine the best course of removal and identify the potential need to hire one of the best mold removal companies.

• Air ducts. Air ducts can harbor a surprising amount of mold growth and are of particular concern because they spray the spores all around the home, encouraging growth in other areas. It’s difficult to clean ducts well enough to remove all spores, so professional assistance is important. This can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000. Once the mold has been removed, it’s more economical to schedule regular air duct cleaning once or twice a year to prevent new spores from settling in. Air duct cleaning costs between $268 and $490 on average.

• Attic. According to Harley, mold “might be in your attic; as warm moist air flows up from the living space in winter and condenses on the wood in the attic, it can potentially feed mold.” Attic mold removal has a wide cost range for several reasons. On the one hand, attics are usually open spaces with easy access, which can keep costs below the average range of $1,000 to $4,000. However, attics are also often dark, poorly ventilated, and exposed to dampness from vents and roof leaks. If the mold problem in the attic has been ongoing, removal costs could reach as high as $7,000, in addition to the potential cost of roof repairs to correct the source of the problem.

• Basement. “Basements tend to be cooler and humidity tends to settle in the basement in the summertime, causing condensation on the wood in the basement [and] leading to the potential growth of mold,” explains Harley. For mold growing in a damp basement, it’s a great idea to hire a professional to assess and remove the problem if necessary. This is partly because it can be difficult to find the source of the mold in a basement unless there’s an obvious leak and also because it can be hidden behind paneling or finished walls; a professional will do a better job of determining the larger scope of the growth. In general, professional abatement of basement mold will cost between $500 and $3,000, in addition to the cost of work to waterproof or seal the foundation walls.

• Bathroom. While bathrooms provide the perfect environment for mold growth, the mold that is most likely to grow from day-to-day steam and condensation is usually surface mold that is clearly visible. Because it’s easy to access, it costs less to remove, at an average of $500 to $1,000. Mold that develops behind a vanity or sink or behind or underneath a bathtub (usually as the result of an ongoing leak) can cost as much as $8,000 due to the demolition and reconstruction that will be necessary to reach and remove the mold and to correct the root cause of the moisture.

• Crawl space. Crawl spaces are generally limited in size, which means the overall area to be cleaned is smaller. However, the confined nature of the space can also mean that the remediation takes longer and costs more in labor. The average price to remove mold from a crawl space is between $500 and $2,000.

• Drywall. Abatement of a simple surface-level mold growth on drywall averages around $1,000, but drywall is porous. If the mold growth has been there for a long time, or if the mold grew through the drywall from the back, it’s possible that remediation will require removal of all the drywall and everything behind it; this can run the cost up to $20,000 or more.

• HVAC. The expenses incurred to remove mold from an HVAC system will depend largely upon the kind of system in the home. Mold removal from radiant heating systems, which are mostly enclosed, will range from $1,500 to $5,000. Furnaces and air handlers, with more ductwork, connections, and vents, will average between $3,000 and $5,000. Air-conditioning system, which are constantly extracting moisture from the air and draining it away from the house, will average between $3,000 and $10,000, simply because of the amount of moisture already in the system itself and because of the number of vents, tubes, and ducts involved in the remediation.

• Whole house. If there is a significant whole-house mold problem, usually as a result of a flood or catastrophic water damage, the removal cost is significant. This kind of abatement involves removing and replacing carpet, drywall, fabrics, and furniture and also paying to correct any sources of water damage that are still in existence. The average cost is between $10,000 and $30,000 in addition to costs to replace the removed materials.

Problem Size

The size of the mold problem plays a factor in the cost to remove it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold remediation projects of less than 10 square feet can typically be addressed by the homeowner, as long as the mold was not caused by sewage and the homeowner does not have respiratory sensitivities. The only costs for DIY remediation are mold and mildew remover and protective gear.

If the mold has spread well beyond that size, however, the job can cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, and if the mold is deep as well as spread across a wide surface, the price to remove it can be even higher. This is part of the reason it is so critical to get rid of mold as soon as it’s clear that there’s a problem: Even if the initial problem seems too expensive to fix, it will only get larger and more expensive as time goes by.

Mold Type

While they may look alarming because they spread swiftly on the surface, surface molds (which remain on top of building materials) are easy to remove, usually with cleaners. These molds are less expensive to eliminate and may be a DIY job for a homeowner who is familiar with how to kill mold.

Molds that eat down through the surface and into the core of drywall, wood, and concrete, along with molds that flourish underneath carpeting and behind walls, are more costly to abate. This is because of the difficulty in detecting and locating the problem and the need to remove or replace walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings. In addition, if the mold is identified as black mold or another especially toxic variety, it can be more expensive to remove because of the need for specialists, protective equipment for the technicians, and whole-house ventilation afterward. According to Harley, “The most dangerous mold for you is the mold that causes health issues. Since any mold can be potentially allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic, all mold should be treated carefully and by a professional."

Photo: bobvila.com

Testing and Inspection

In order to assess the extent of a mold problem, a professional will need to inspect the home for mold and possibly run tests to determine what type of mold is present. Many homeowners are not sure who to call for a mold inspection. This service can often be done by a mold remediation company, and the service typically costs between $10 and $25 per square foot.

Some homeowners choose to test their homes themselves using one of the best mold test kits; however, they may still want to confirm their findings through an in-person consultation with a mold specialist. While there is not currently an EPA-approved certification process for mold remediators, it’s a good idea for a homeowner to check a company’s qualifications against state requirements before hiring them. Customers can review their state’s requirements by searching “mold remediation requirements” online, followed by their state name.

Labor

Mold remediation is not a job for a regular handyman, regardless of their skill level. So what is mold remediation, and why does it cost more than standard handyman tasks? Mold removal companies that provide this service use skilled technicians and high-end equipment to ensure that precise and appropriate removal techniques are used and to check the status of the mold growth after removal is complete. The costs for labor will include the time spent on the job but will also incorporate the cost of high-efficiency vacuum equipment and protective gear—ranging from gloves to full-body suits and face masks with respirators—as necessary. Approximately 60 percent of the mold removal cost will be labor, with the other 40 percent accounting for materials.

Photo: bobvila.com

The high labor cost of mold removal doesn’t mean homeowners should automatically jump into removing mold themselves; there is a reason the professional companies use air scrubbers and protective equipment. Mold isn’t a cosmetic problem, and trying to take on a large problem without professional expertise and equipment will most likely spread the mold around the home rather than remove it. That 60 percent of the cost protects the home and its residents by bringing in the expertise of technicians who can safely restore the home to a place where residents can safely breathe. Searching for “mold removal near me” will give homeowners an idea of costs more specific to their region.

Mold Remediation Company

While the average cost of mold remediation is $2,254, the cost can vary greatly depending on which mold remediation company performs the service. Companies may charge anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000 for mold removal depending on the extent of the problem and the removal methods used. For example, ServiceMaster typically charges between $1,200 and $4,500 for mold removal services, while ServPro charges $1,500 to $10,000. Some companies exclusively handle mold remediation, while others include this as an addition to water damage or restoration services. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to check a company’s credentials and reviews before hiring to be sure they are qualified to handle the problem efficiently.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Additional Costs and Considerations

In the process of calculating the cost of mold remediation, homeowners are advised to keep in mind that there are additional costs that can mount up sharply. This includes if there's a need for damage repair or water damage restoration, as well as additional preventive measures to keep mold at bay.

Damage Repair

Sometimes the damage from mold remediation is as simple as scraped or dissolved paint in the area where the mold was cleaned off, and the cost to restore the surface is as inexpensive as a can of paint (but homeowners will want to keep in mind that simply painting over the mold is not an acceptable solution). On the other end of the spectrum, mold removal behind a shower wall can mean that new drywall, tile, and grout must be installed—a much larger and more labor-intensive project. That degree of moisture can also mean there’s rot in the wood studs supporting the wall. It’s important to remove mold from wood as soon as possible to avoid structural damage.

In addition to tackling the surface repair, a mold inspector or remediator will be able to help homeowners identify the source of the mold growth. It’s possible that the mold is the result of damaged or leaking pipes, and if that’s the case, homeowners will need to include in their budget the cost to hire a plumber to repair the leaks prior to closing up the wall. Significant damage resulting from either the water that encouraged the mold growth or from the process of remediation can run between $2,000 and $20,000.

Water Damage Restoration

Whenever mold is found in a home, it’s important for a homeowner to look for leaks, burst pipes, and sources of excess humidity that may be the cause. If there is a larger water damage issue, there is likely also a variety of repairs that will need to be made in addition to mold remediation. This can include fixing plumbing or structural issues to eliminate leaks, or repairing ceilings or drywall that has been exposed to water. On average, water damage repairs cost between $1,200 and $5,000.

Materials and Supplies

Materials needed to repair mold damage generally make up about 40 percent of the total cost of remediation. Drywall (along with tape, mud, and finishing supplies; roofing materials; and foundation sealing material) may be necessary to repair the damage caused by the mold and to prevent future moisture issues. In addition, it may be necessary to replace carpeting, flooring, and soft furnishings if the type of mold in the home spreads to textiles. All of these will increase the total project cost.

Mold Prevention

The key to preventing mold and mildew is for a homeowner to address water damage and humidity levels. Even with professional remediation, mold is practically guaranteed to come back if the conditions that created it are not dealt with properly. The location of mold can provide homeowners with some clues for solving the issue; for instance, mold on a windowsill is an indication that the windows may need to be resealed. Repairing small leaks around the home typically costs about $150; having crawl spaces and basements sealed or waterproofed is another effective preventative measure and costs around $7,000.

Mold Remediation Cost by Type of Mold

There are more than 100 types of mold that commonly grow in homes. Some are mild and easy to clean, while others are aggressive, tenacious, and potentially deadly. Aggressive types of mold can be more expensive to remove, as they cover a wider area and may not respond as readily to traditional mold killers. So what kills mold in the home? Toxic molds require heavy chemicals, expert application, and protective gear for the workers performing the removal, so those removal costs will be higher. The costs of labor and testing in the homeowner’s area will also affect the overall expense based on the type of mold.

Alternaria

Alternaria is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. When it becomes airborne or travels inside a home on the sole of a shoe, it spreads explosively, and in homes with high humidity, it can grow underneath carpets and wallpaper. The price range of removal can be anywhere from $700 to $6,000, depending on the extent of the problem.

Aspergillus

One of the most common indoor molds, aspergillus is the mold upon which penicillin is based, and it’s made up of more than 250 identified species. It is easily spotted, as it starts out as a furry white fungus and then changes color as it grows. While it does grow well in low humidity and can spread to fabrics and textiles, it is usually easier to clean because its visible presence is immediately noticeable. Removal costs range from $700 to $6,000.

Black Mold

Black mold is considered the most toxic household mold. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult molds to remove. It usually looks black or dark green and slightly slimy; it stains surfaces as it grows and is resistant to removal. In addition, it grows in fiberboard, paper, and gypsum board, where it may be difficult to detect. It’s vital to completely remove black mold, but the toxicity of the spores makes removal more expensive: $800 to $7,000 is the average cost.

Victor Coppola, senior building biologist and founder of GreenWorks Environmental, LLC, advises, “If it is properly remediated and the source(s) of moisture intrusion are corrected, then you can be pretty confident that black mold won’t regrow. But as we are dealing with opportunistic organisms, you always need to be monitoring your environment to ensure conditions don’t return that would invite regrowth of the organism.”

Chaetomium

A musty smell, blue-green color, and brown football-shaped spores are the hallmarks of chaetomium, which is a mold often left behind after severe water damage or long-term dampness in a home. It tends to grow in hard-to-see spaces, under carpets, and in air ducts and walls. Some species are carcinogenic. It’s fairly easy to clean when the growth is small (costing in the region of $600), but larger problems can run up to $5,000.

Cladosporium

Common and widespread, cladosporium can grow on almost all household surfaces. It doesn’t usually cause serious reactions in most people, although some may experience minor allergy symptoms. Removal costs between $700 and $6,000 on average.

Fusarium

Fusarium is another fast-spreading mold that exists on nearly every surface. It can cause infections of the fingernails, toenails, or corneas even in healthy individuals, and it can cause systemic septic infections if spores enter the bloodstream. Fusarium is often found near water leaks, and its removal is one of the more expensive projects; homeowners can expect to pay between $800 and $8,000.

Green Mold

Green mold is actually several different molds classed together by color. While green mold can often be seen on foods such as bread or fruit, it can also include cladosporium and aspergillus. Chronic exposure can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma attacks. Remediation costs range from $700 to $6,000 on average.

Serpula Lacrymans

A particularly tenacious type of mold, Serpula lacrymans draws water from sources other than where it lives, so it grows best on dried wood. Also referred to as “dry rot,” it is easily identified by its yellow color. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to remove and can cause terrible and widespread structural damage as it continues to grow. It is not harmful to humans, but it can be extremely harmful to the wood and construction materials in homes. Remediation costs typically range between $800 and $7,000 but can push much higher, depending on the degree of damage.

Ulocladium

Most commonly a symptom of severe water damage, Ulocladium needs a lot of moisture to grow. Identifiable by its brown or gray color and suedelike texture, it spreads very quickly and can usually be found among several other mold varieties. Homeowners will likely pay between $600 and $6,000 for Ulocladium remediation.

White Mold

Also a group of different molds united by coloration, white molds are dangerous because of their ability to blend in with their host materials, thus spreading farther before being discovered. Because they can be harder to locate early on, the problem is usually wider-spread than with most other molds by the time white mold is discovered, and costs tend to skew toward the higher end of the $700 to $6,000 average range.

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Do I need mold remediation?

There are several warning signs of molf for homeowners to consider. Once it’s clear that there’s a problem, it’s time to decide between hiring professional help and tackling the job independently. Unlike many decisions about whether to hire help or not, the decision about whether or not to take on mold remediation has some clear-cut guidelines.

Signs of Mold

Indicators that mold is growing in a home can be subtle or obvious. Being aware of the less obvious signs will make it harder for homeowners to accidentally dismiss them and will allow for a quicker solution to the problem.

• Musty smell. There are many words that can describe the scent of hidden mold, including dank, dusty, musty, earthy, and meaty. The scent can be mild or overwhelming. If it’s overwhelming, homeowners should call for help as soon as possible. But even a mild mold smell that lingers in a room that’s been undisturbed all day or that appears when it’s raining outside can be problematic. That scent might be the best indication that there is a problem, and it makes some investigation worthwhile.

• White, black, or green growths on the walls. There are several types of mold that appear as spots, speckles, or furry islands on walls, ceilings, floors, or fabrics. Again, these shouldn’t be dismissed as onetime aberrations unless the source is very obvious. If a throw pillow was accidentally left out in the rain and then sat on a screen porch for a few days and developed mold, that’s probably not an indication of a widespread problem. But if a window that’s often left cracked develops a spray pattern of gray dots underneath it over time, that’s something to investigate.

• Health issues. Allergy symptoms during the spring and summer are often expected. But if those symptoms arrive at an unexpected time, or they are suddenly experienced over a longer period of time, it may be that mold spores inside the home are causing them and not the pollen outside.

• Recent water damage. Moisture is a boon to mold, so any recent event that would increase the moisture or humidity in a home is a reason to inspect for mold growth. Even if no mold is visible, it’s possible that growth could be forming out of sight, especially if excess water was allowed to stand for a long period of time.

• Warping, peeling, or discolored walls. The longer mold growth goes unchecked, the more damage it can do to drywall. Since drywall is porous, mold can cause the surface to warp and peel over time, and homeowners may notice darkening or discoloration in some areas. For tile floors and walls, darkening grout is another good indication of mold.

Sensitivity to Mold

For homeowners who already know they are allergic or sensitive to mold, any hint of musty smell or physical symptoms should set off an alarm bell. The allergens produced by mold can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe when they’re touched or inhaled, and symptoms may be delayed. Mold can also be a trigger for people with asthma.

If it’s difficult to pinpoint another source of the smell or symptoms, it’s time for a mold assessment. Coppola explains some of the symptoms of mold exposure: “More heightened allergenic-type responses like itchy eyes, runny nose, [and a] dry cough can be very common. But if memory [problems], central nervous system disorders, rapid weight gain or weight loss, or hair loss are the issues, then the more toxic organisms are usually at work.”

Widespread Growth

While most homeowners run across a small patch of mold from time to time and handle it with mold killer or bleach, the EPA suggests that anything larger than about 10 square feet should be professionally evaluated.

Mold in the HVAC System

HVAC systems are particularly prone to mold growth. By their nature, they move air and moisture from place to place in the home through dark, twisty ductwork with lots of crevices. It’s almost impossible for a homeowner to clean the breadth of their home’s ductwork on their own. Keeping the system clean through regular maintenance and cleanings will help prevent mold growth, but once the mold is present there, it’s important to remove it as quickly and thoroughly as possible before the system spreads it to other areas of the home.

Damage

When mold has spread broadly enough to damage building materials or to require removal of carpeting or flooring, professional remediation is recommended. Pulling up a carpet with mold growth in it is likely to spread the spores everywhere and create starting points for new colonies. Mold that has grown deep into walls may require additional treatment of the studs and framing behind the walls; this helps ensure that the problem is remediated before the homeowner replaces materials and can help prevent mold growth in the future.

Mold Remediation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

For homes with less than 10 square feet of mold, the EPA advises that this is a small enough area for a homeowner to tackle with the help of a few mold removal tips so they understand how to remove mold. A notable caveat, however, is if the mold was caused by contaminated water or the homeowner has allergies. In that case, a homeowner will want to search for “mold remover near me” to find mold removal services that can take care of the problem.

In the case of a mold infestation covering more than 10 square feet, or if the homeowner can smell mold but can’t see it, a professional can address the mold problem promptly and thoroughly. There’s a strong chance that the problem runs deeper than expected, and a homeowner may unintentionally make the problem worse by attempting DIY remediation. Professionals are trained to follow subtle clues to locate mold and will find it in places most homeowners wouldn’t even think to look.

For example, mold growth in an HVAC system could be spreading allergens throughout the home completely unseen. A professional is also more likely to be able to find the source of the moisture, and they will have protective equipment for themselves and scrubbers for the home’s air that are more efficient and effective than any available at a home improvement store. Because there are so many varieties of mold with such a wide range of physical effects on both people and building materials, this is a situation where it’s really worth the cost of hiring qualified technicians to fully remove the mold and repair any resulting damage.

How to Save Money on Mold Remediation Cost

The most critical factor in saving money on mold remediation is immediate action. Homeowners who put off mold remediation will likely end up paying more once they finally get a professional in, since the chances are good that the mold has spread. The problem with mold is that even if it isn’t a big deal right now, it will be, and sometimes within only days if it isn’t addressed right away. A small growth is manageable; a large growth can be devastating, not only to a budget but also to the structural integrity of the home and the residents’ health. If any signs of mold are present, homeowners will want to act immediately. Here are several other ways to save money on mold remediation cost.

• Act fast. Make the home inhospitable to mold growth by promptly repairing and cleaning up any leaks or water damage.

• Assess the damage area. If the area with mold is less than 10 square feet, clean it immediately using a commercial cleaner. Refer to these DIY mold removal tips for safe removal practices.

• Get help. For larger areas or hidden mold, call in professional help without delay—it’s best not to try to fix it on your own and risk spreading the problem.

• Be thorough. Clean, disinfect, or remove any items in the home that may have been exposed to the mold to kill errant spores and prevent a recurring problem.
  Submit an insurance claim. Especially for larger problems, homeowners can contact their insurance company to see if their homeowners insurance covers mold. Sometimes it will, but usually only if a covered peril causes the mold, and then only on a case-by-case basis. If a second mold growth occurs as a result of unremediated water damage or an unrepaired leak, it won’t be covered, and mold that is the result of a flood may not be covered in some areas unless the homeowner also has flood insurance.

• Shop around: Collect estimates from several reputable mold remediation companies, but avoid automatically selecting the least expensive quote. Really compare the services each company has offered to provide, and check references. A low quote may reflect substandard or corner-cutting procedures, less protection for the home and technicians, or less experienced technicians.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Questions to Ask About Mold Remediation

It’s important for homeowners to get answers to several questions before hiring a professional remediation company. Therefore, they'll want to have several questions at hand before searching online for “mold remediation near me” and contacting a local pro.

• Is testing before and after the remediation included in the cost?

• Will you work with an independent inspector if I prefer to hire my own?

• Do you carry mold-specific insurance?

• What kind of certifications do your technicians have?

• What kind of protection will your technicians wear? What kind of protection will you provide for my home?

• What is included in the contract?

• May I hire separate professionals to do restoration work or do it myself after the remediation process is complete?

• Based on your assessment, what potential surprises might come up? How will additional costs be assessed and managed?

• What is the time frame for the remediation, and can we stay in the home while it’s taking place?

FAQs

Discovering mold can be shocking, especially if the extent of the problem isn’t initially evident. It’s understandable that homeowners will have concerns and questions regarding health effects, the options and choices that need to be made about how to deal with the problem, and the financial impact of the work that needs to be done. These are some of the first questions that many people have when they discover mold in their home, along with the answers to allay some initial fears.

Q. Is it possible to remove all the mold from my house?

No. Mold is everywhere—in the air, on surfaces, and in fabric. It’s critical to the environment because it digests and removes decaying material. We coexist with all kinds of mold every day, most of which is relatively harmless. The concern and need for remediation occur when a larger growth of mold has taken hold in a particular area, creating a concentration of spores and developing into a colony that produces more spores, which will eventually affect the building structure and residents’ health.

Q. Is it safe for me to stay in the house during the mold remediation process?

Most of the time, yes, but it depends on the scope of the remediation. A professional mold remediation company will seal off the area to prevent spores from drifting to other areas of the home, and the technicians will generally run air cleaners and scrubbers before unsealing the area and safely disposing of materials. If the growth is in more than one area or it’s in a main area of the home, it may be more convenient for residents to stay somewhere else during the process.

Q. Can I remove mold by myself?

If the mold growth is less than 10 square feet, is visible, has a clear source of moisture that is easy to correct, and is accessible, most homeowners can use a commercial mold removal spray to kill and remove the mold, according to EPA guidelines. Proper protective gear including a respirator, goggles, and gloves is recommended, for protection both from the mold and also from the harsh chemicals in the remover product.

Q. Can mold cause health problems?

The short answer is yes. While not all molds are harmful, the spores produced by some varieties can be toxic to humans. This can include respiratory symptoms like coughing or trouble breathing, or it can also present as skin rashes and hay fever (rhinitis). These symptoms tend to be worse in people with compromised immune systems, allergies, or asthma.

Q. How do I know if I have mold in my house?

Sometimes mold is obvious—visible growth on walls or ceilings or a distinct musty smell can give it away. But other times mold is more elusive. It’s most common to find mold in houses where there has been water damage or extreme humidity. Even if mold is not visible, if the home has water damage or residents are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure, it’s worth the cost of mold inspection to determine whether there is mold growth anywhere in the home.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr