Some new homeowners in the metro have a mold battle on their hands. It takes the thrill out of that first home.

Meghan Moore and her fiancé knew about the mold in the basement before they closed on their new house but didn't realize how bad it was until they moved in. Now they're stuck with a huge cleanup.

Meghan says, "We don't really know what to do because we're first time homebuyers. It's like we've got so many questions and not enough answers."

Ryan Weber, on Weber Construction, specializes in mold removal and prevention. He says stains on the inside can be caused by problems with the grading outside.

Weber says, "You need to do everything you can to keep the water away from your home. Because basement mold is going to be your most costly."

The ground needs to slope away from the foundation. But mold doesn't just show up in basements.

Weber says, "Typically the sheeting is the first to get moldy. And then the rafters will."

A moist attic can attract mold as well, especially during the winter.

Weber says, "When you get large snows, they can actually insulate your attic space. And then the warm water vapor from your home ends up warming the attic which then can cause the condensation."

Mold in the attic isn't a health problem but can eventually rot the wood.

Ryan Weber suggests poking your head into the attic every so often just to make sure there's no frost or condensation in there. Also, don't use bleach to clean mold on porous surfaces like concrete and wood. Bleach works well in bathrooms and kitchens on non-porous surfaces.

The problem with porous surfaces is that the bleach doesn't soak in -- the water does. It will actually add to the problem. Instead use EPA-approved cleaning and prevention products to clean and disinfect moldy wood and concrete.