Radon is a dangerous radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste–and it can cause cancer. According to the US Surgeon General, Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Radon gas is found in houses everywhere in the country. The EPA recommends that all homeowners know what their indoor radon levels are. In addition, potential homebuyers should find out the Radon levels in a home that they’re considering purchasing. Make sure your Realtor asks the listing agent or attorney for their radon test results. If the home has a radon-reduction system, find out as much information as you can about it. If the home hasn’t been tested yet, you should definitely have a test taken. If you are thinking about purchasing a new construction home, there are some things that can be incorporated into the home that may reduce the radon levels during the construction.
Once you decide to put an offer on a home, you could accept an earlier test result from the seller, or ask them for a new test to be conducted by a qualified radon tester.
Before Accepting the Seller's Radon Test Results:
- Find out who conducted the test: the homeowner or a qualified professional?
- Ask the tester what room in the home was the test was taken. If the house has a basement, and the test was taken on the first floor, if you should make sure another test is performed in the basement.
- Ask the home owner if there has been any structural changes, alterations, heating, ventilation or air conditioning system changes since the test was performed, as these changes could effect radon levels.If you decide that the seller’s Radon test is acceptable, be sure the testing followed a strict Radon Checklist. If you determine that a new test is needed, discuss it with your real estate agent as soon as possible; he can refer you to qualified Radon testing companies.
Provisions With the Radon Test Contract:
- Discuss exactly where in the home the Radon test will be performed.
- Get the name of who will conduct the test, and check his credentials.
- Confirm how you and the seller will share the results and the costs.
- Find out what type of testing needs to be done and when it will be completed.When the test is performed, you need to make sure that the test is done in the lowest, livable level of the home. This is the lowest level of the home that you plan to use as any kind of living space, that is finished or doesn’t require renovations. If you renovate an unfinished area of your home in the future, a radon test should be performed before starting the project and then again after it’s finished. It will be less costly to install a radon-reduction system before renovations rather than waiting afterwards.
For more detailed information about Radon testing and other home testing, please contact me!
