South Florida Surprise: How One Woman Fought Back and Won

Sep 12, 2023 | Health & Safety, Mold Damage, Mold Inspection, Mold Testing, Water Damage

Bottom Line: Mold lurks in 47% of U.S. homes, creating serious health risks and potentially devastating financial consequences. Professional mold inspection isn’t just recommended—it’s essential protection for your family’s health and your property’s value from these hidden dangers.

The Hidden Epidemic in American Homes

Mold represents one of the most underestimated threats to American households. This silent invader has established itself in nearly half of all residential buildings across the United States, often growing undetected until serious problems emerge.

The health implications are staggering. Research reveals that 21% of asthma cases nationwide can be directly linked to dampness and mold exposure—translating to approximately 4.6 million asthma cases. Homes harboring mold show a dramatic 30-50% increase in respiratory illnesses among occupants. The encouraging news? Studies demonstrate that proper mold removal can reduce asthma-related symptoms by up to 45%, proving that addressing mold problems delivers real health benefits.

The True Cost of Mold: More Than You Think

Financial Impact on Homeowners

Mold remediation costs average $3,500, though expenses typically range from $1,500 to $9,000. Severe infestations can exceed $20,000, creating unexpected financial burdens for unprepared homeowners.

Mold-related respiratory issues are a growing concern in homes where hidden mold behind walls and black mold exposure often go unnoticed. With moisture detection tools and indoor air quality testing, a certified mold inspector can perform mold spore sampling to detect contamination early. Understanding mold inspection cost and the health risks of mold helps homeowners prioritize mold growth prevention and protect their living spaces. When searching for affordable mold testing near me, choosing a licensed mold inspector in Florida is the smartest way to protect your home. Mold Assessment Services offers comprehensive Air and Mold Inspection using advanced techniques for Mold Detection and accurate Mold Testing.

When searching for affordable mold testing near me, choosing a licensed mold inspector in Florida is the smartest way to protect your home. Mold Assessment Services offers comprehensive Air and Mold Inspection using advanced techniques for Mold Detection and accurate Mold Testing.

Economic Burden on Society

The broader economic impact is equally sobering:

  • $5.6 billion annually in mold-related illness costs
  • $16.8 billion annually in asthma-related medical expenses
  • 20-37% property value reduction when mold is discovered
  • Frequent derailment of real estate transactions

Why DIY Detection Falls Short

Most homeowners attempt to identify mold problems themselves, but this approach has critical limitations. Mold often hides in places invisible to the untrained eye:

  • Behind wallpaper and wall coverings
  • Inside wall cavities and structural spaces
  • Within HVAC systems and ductwork
  • Under flooring and in crawl spaces

Professional mold inspectors utilize sophisticated equipment that reveals these hidden threats:

  • Moisture meters to identify water sources feeding mold growth
  • Infrared cameras to detect temperature variations indicating moisture problems
  • Air sampling pumps to capture airborne mold spores for laboratory analysis
  • EPA-approved testing protocols ensuring accurate, actionable results

Smart Investment: Inspection Costs vs. Consequences

Professional mold inspections cost between $300 and $650, depending on your home’s size and the complexity of testing required. A comprehensive inspection can take up to six hours, involving multiple testing methods and detailed documentation.

Consider this investment against potential consequences:

  • Tens of thousands in remediation costs
  • Ongoing healthcare expenses
  • Legal liabilities from undisclosed mold problems
  • Significant property value loss

The math is clear: a few hundred dollars for professional inspection can prevent financial disasters.

Whether you need an Inspection for Mold in Miami or detailed Coral Gables Mold Testing, our Miami Mold Specialist team has you covered. Early detection and expert guidance help you avoid costly surprises and keep your family safe.

Whether you need an Inspection for Mold in Miami or detailed Coral Gables Mold Testing, our Miami Mold Specialist team has you covered. Early detection and expert guidance help you avoid costly surprises and keep your family safe from the hidden dangers of mold.

Critical Times for Professional Inspection

Schedule professional mold inspection during these high-risk situations:

After Water Events

  • Flooding or significant water damage
  • Plumbing leaks or appliance malfunctions
  • Roof leaks or storm damage

During Real Estate Transactions

  • Before purchasing any property
  • Prior to listing your home for sale
  • Following buyer inspection requests

Health and Environmental Concerns

  • Unexplained respiratory symptoms
  • Persistent musty odors
  • High-humidity areas with poor ventilation
  • Homes with previous mold history

Why DIY Testing Kits Aren’t Enough

Store-bought mold testing kits may seem cost-effective, but they often fail when you need them most. These kits cannot detect hidden mold, provide limited analysis, and offer no actionable guidance for addressing problems they might identify.

Prevention Through Professional Partnership

Regular professional inspections transform mold management from reactive crisis response to proactive prevention. Certified, licensed mold inspectors provide:

  • Early detection before problems become visible
  • Accurate assessment of mold types and contamination levels
  • Expert guidance on remediation priorities and methods
  • Documentation for insurance claims and legal protection
  • Peace of mind through professional expertise

The long-term benefits—protecting your family’s health, preserving property value, and avoiding major financial surprises—far exceed the modest cost of professional inspection.

Take Action: Your Next Steps Against the Hidden Dangers

With mold affecting nearly half of American homes and billions spent annually on related health and property issues, professional inspection represents essential home maintenance, not optional luxury.

Don’t wait for visible signs or health symptoms to appear. Mold problems worsen over time, becoming more expensive and dangerous to address. Early detection through expert inspection remains the only reliable path to protecting your investment and your family’s well-being.

Ready to protect your home and health? Contact Mold Assessment Services today for comprehensive mold inspection services throughout Miami, Coral Gables, and surrounding areas. Our licensed experts use advanced detection methods to give you the accurate information you need to make informed decisions about your property.

Professional mold inspection: Because your family’s health and your home’s value are too important to leave to chance.

The Hidden Dangers of Mold

Answer these quick questions to see if your home may need a professional mold inspection.

1. Do you notice a persistent musty or earthy smell in your home?


2. Have you or anyone in your household experienced unexplained allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems?


3. Have you seen visible signs of mold growth on walls, ceilings, or furniture?


4. Have you had recent water damage, leaks, or flooding in your home?


5. Does your home have areas with poor ventilation (bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces)?



A Broward County jury recently awarded Cheryl Jakab $5.5 million after she sued her South Florida condominium association for ignoring persistent mold and water damage in her apartment at the Ever April Apartments in Pompano Beach. Sadly, she believes this mold exposure contributed to her partner, Joao Rodrigues’, death in 2021.

The Lethal Consequences of Neglect

Water constantly leaked into Jakab’s apartment. In one extreme incident, a hole in the wall gushed water. Despite Jakab’s repeated alerts, an environmental testing firm detected high concentrations of dangerous mold spores in their unit. The couple had called this apartment home since 1996. Rodrigues’ brain cancer, believed to be exacerbated by mold exposure, took his life in 2021.

This case highlights the severe responsibilities homeowner associations have. They breached their contractual agreements, imposing health risks on residents. Cooperative associations like Ever April give residents a stake in the entire property, which can influence legal outcomes.

Balancing the scales of justice and finance: A vivid representation of the recent $5.5 million verdict in South Florida, highlighting the profound monetary consequences when homeowner associations neglect their duty, as seen in the tragic mold case at Ever April Apartments.

Balancing the scales of justice and finance: A vivid representation of the recent $5.5 million verdict in South Florida, highlighting the profound monetary consequences when homeowner associations neglect their duty, as seen in the tragic mold case at Ever April Apartments.

Legal Implications of Overlooking Mold

1. Breach of Habitability: U.S. states guarantee residential standards. Overlooking mold or water damage can breach these standards, allowing tenants to withhold or reduce rent or even end leases.
2. Personal Injury: If mold exposure due to negligence harms a tenant, they can file personal injury lawsuits.
3. Constructive Eviction: If neglect renders properties uninhabitable, tenants can claim constructive eviction, potentially freeing them from lease obligations.
4. Property Damage: Tenants can claim for personal items damaged due to neglect.
5. Health Codes: Overlooking mold might lead landlords to face fines or charges based on local regulations.

How to Take Action Against Negligent Parties:

Tenants and homeowners must be aware and promptly act when facing mold and water damage.

– Document all evidence.
– Notify the concerned parties in writing.
– If issues persist, seek legal advice.
– File a formal complaint against negligent landlords.
– If needed, file a lawsuit for damages.

According to the CDC, fungal infections hospitalized 75,055 Americans in one year, resulting in 7,199 deaths in 2021. This figure jumped from 450 in 1969, with factors like climate change and drug resistance playing a role.

Common misconceptions complicate mold treatment. Some think that merely killing mold is enough, but the EPA warns that even dead mold can cause allergies. Addressing the root cause of moisture is essential. Techniques like bleach might not clear airborne spores, and incorrect use of HEPA filters can reintroduce them. The EPA also states UV-cleaning often doesn’t effectively combat mold.

Spotting the unseen: A mold assessor expertly points out hidden mold signs to an attentive homeowner. Knowledge is the first step to a safer home environment.

Spotting the unseen: A mold assessor expertly points out hidden mold signs to an attentive homeowner. Knowledge is the first step to a safer home environment.

The Importance of a Proper Mold Inspection in South Florida

If you’re worried about mold exposure, consult a reputable Mold Assessment firm for a thorough assessment. Such firms should conduct visual inspections, moisture evaluations, and air tests for dangerous spores. Certified experts should then handle remediation.

The events at Ever April Apartments are a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring mold. Homeowners and tenants alike must understand and act on their responsibilities.

Ensuring a Safe South Florida Home with Mold Assessment Services

Partnering with Mold Assessment Services offers invaluable advantages for property managers and home owners alike. Their team of experts conduct meticulous inspections, harnessing state-of-the-art equipment and methods to analyze air quality, gauge moisture levels, and spot mold infestations. Beyond just detection, Mold Assessment Services crafts customized remediation strategies to suit the unique requirements of your residence, preventing potential structural damage and warding off health hazards.

Get in touch with us immediately at 305-244-7379 to arrange your mold evaluation. Our adept and approachable team is on standby to address any queries and assist you in setting up your consultation. Alternatively, you can use our online form for direct communication.