1. Know when to get a mold inspection — or skip straight to remediation

HomeLight spoke with Jay Van Deusen, owner of Rainbow International of Northeastern Maryland, to shed light on the often misunderstood nature of mold. Van Deusen, an expert in mold removal and remediation, explained that mold is a “naturally occurring microscopic fungi,” and while it’s often perceived as a health hazard, it’s not always dangerous.

“The most common misconception about mold is that all mold is dangerous to you in any quantity or type,” Van Deusen says. “Mold is all around us and has been for centuries. It is part of the natural process that allows animals and plants and other natural materials to decay and be consumed.”

However, he notes that mold can become problematic when it grows in the wrong conditions, particularly in large amounts or certain harmful varieties. In those cases, it’s crucial to eliminate the environmental factors that promote its growth and properly address the infestation.

There are many types of mold, but only three main classifications for them: pathogenic, allergenic, and toxigenic.

• Pathogenic: Can cause infections in people who have compromised immune systems.
• Allergenic: Unlikely to cause illness but can trigger allergies in people who are susceptible and cause symptoms for those with asthma.
• Toxigenic: Toxic to all humans and animals.

Mold can appear in various forms, from different sizes and shapes to a range of colors, including black, green, and white. While some types of mold are harmless, others can be toxic and pose serious health risks. It’s important to identify the type of mold present, as the conditions that allow it to thrive — and the potential hazards — differ significantly depending on the species. Mold remediation should be considered when toxic or problematic mold is found in your home.

The important takeaway is that if you can see visible mold in your home, a mold inspection is unnecessary. You already know the problem exists, so there’s no reason to spend time or money on an inspection. Instead, you can move directly to the remediation phase, whether that means tackling a small infestation yourself (for minor cases) or hiring a professional mold remediation company for more extensive issues. This approach saves both time and money, ensuring the problem is dealt with swiftly and effectively. Just be sure to assess the severity before deciding whether a DIY solution is appropriate or if professional help is needed.

Mold testing, which involves swabbing and identifying the specific strain, isn’t necessary if visible mold is present. The EPA advises against it, as there are no federal standards for mold types or spores. Regardless of the strain, mold removal is required. The focus should be on cleaning up the mold, not identifying its exact type, since all mold requires remediation to ensure a safe, healthy environment.

A mold inspection is a smart choice if you suspect mold due to a musty smell or recent water intrusion but can’t see any visible signs. The EPA cautions against using smell or allergic reactions as reliable indicators, as many people don’t react to mold. A more dependable sign of potential mold is recent water damage or plumbing leaks, since mold thrives in moist environments. If your home has experienced a roof leak, flooding in crawl spaces or basements, or pipe issues, mold is likely to follow.

If you’re aware of significant water damage, it’s wise to get a mold inspection before listing your home. Identifying mold early can prevent issues down the line and ensure your home is in top shape for prospective buyers.