When I was a new agent almost ten years ago, I thought mold was something only people in humid states had to worry about. I mean, it’s Colorado—our air is so dry that we have to practically bathe in lotion six months out of the year. But over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more mold issues come up in home inspections, and they’re not just annoying—they can be serious.
Mold can affect your home’s value, your health, and even whether a deal makes it to the closing table. But not all mold is a reason to panic, and some simple steps can help you understand when to be concerned and when to call in the pros.
A Real-Life Mold Nightmare
I have a client right now who has actually left her home because of mold. It turns out her neighbor had a leak in their yard that had been seeping into her house for over a year, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. The worst part? She and her two sons started having mysterious health issues—one of them even has to use oxygen at night—and they had no idea it was related to their home. They’re relieved to finally have answers, but they wish they had tested for mold earlier. It wasn’t even on their radar.
So, if you’ve ever thought, Nah, I don’t need a mold test—it’s just not a thing here, this is your friendly reminder to think again.
The Basics: Not All Mold Is Created Equal
First things first—mold is everywhere. There are always tiny mold spores floating around in the air, inside and outside. Most of the time, they don’t cause issues. But when mold finds a damp, undisturbed space to grow—behind walls, under floors, in basements—it can turn into a real problem.
There are many different types of mold, and some are more harmful than others. The scary one you’ve probably heard about is Stachybotrys, aka black mold. But there are others, like Aspergillus and Penicillium, that can also trigger health issues. The key takeaway? You don’t need to become a mold expert—you just need to know when to call one.
Mold Testing: What You Need to Know
If you’re buying a home, a standard inspection won’t include mold testing. You’ll need to hire a mold inspector separately, and they typically use air sampling or surface testing to check for elevated mold levels.
What’s considered normal? Since mold is naturally occurring, a small amount in the air isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But when levels inside the home are significantly higher than what’s found outside—or when the test finds a type of mold that’s known to cause health issues—it's time to take action.
Health Risks: Why Mold Shouldn’t Be Ignored
For some people, mold is just an inconvenience. For others, it can be life-changing. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic congestion or sinus infections
- Unexplained fatigue
- Worsening asthma or respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
- Headaches or dizziness
If someone in your household has a pre-existing condition, is very young or very old, or just seems to have developed mysterious health issues, hidden mold could be a factor worth investigating.
Found Mold? Here’s What to Do
So, let’s say a mold test comes back with concerning results. Now what?
- First, find the source. Mold doesn’t grow without moisture, so you need to track down the leak, humidity problem, or drainage issue causing it. Otherwise, any cleanup is just a temporary fix.
- If it’s a small area (under 10 square feet), DIY might be fine. You can use a solution of water and detergent (not bleach—bleach can actually make mold worse in porous materials) to clean it up.
- If it’s a larger issue, call the pros. Mold remediation companies can remove contaminated materials and make sure the problem doesn’t come back.
- After cleanup, keep moisture in check. Use dehumidifiers, make sure your home is well-ventilated, and keep an eye out for leaks.
Should You Get a Mold Test?
Mold testing isn’t standard practice in home inspections, but maybe it should be. If you’re buying a home, consider testing if:
✔ The home has a history of leaks or flooding.
✔ You or a family member has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues.
✔ There’s a musty smell, even if you don’t see visible mold.
✔ You’re purchasing an older home with poor ventilation.
And if you’ve been living in your home for a while and have developed new health issues—especially ones that don’t seem to have a clear cause—it might be worth considering a mold test to rule out hidden problems.
I’m not here to freak anyone out—mold isn’t lurking in every home, waiting to ruin your life. But it’s also not something to ignore. Mold issues are becoming more common in Colorado, and while a test might not always be necessary, it’s worth considering more seriously than we have in the past.
If you’re house hunting and wondering whether a mold test makes sense for you, let’s chat. I’m always happy to help guide you through the inspection process so you can make the best decision for your health and your home!