What New Home Buyers And Sellers Should Know About Environmental Inspections Services and Radon Testing

Whether you are buying or selling your home, there are an array of residential environmental tests that are available to consumers to spot issues that may arise in the buying and selling process. Environmental testing is highly recommended to uncover any issues that could impact your family's health.

So what environmental test should I have done? There are a variety of residential environmental testing services that are available. However, in this article, we are going to uncover the misconceptions and importance of testing your home’s radon levels.

Why Do You Need To Test For Radon?

Radon is a  radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and gets into the air you breath. Radon typically moves up through the ground, into the air above, and enters your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. 

Any home can have a Radon problem.Including new homes, well-sealed, old homes, drafty homes and even homes without basements. You cannot see, smell or taste Radon. The only way to know, if you have a radon problem is to test for it. A misconception is that you can predict whether a home is likely to have radon based on state, local, or neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. It’s important to know that homes which are next to each other can have different radon level. The only way to find out what your home’s radon level is to have a radon test.

According to Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It’s also reported that 2,900 of the 21,000 deaths occur among people who never smoked. The best prevention of this treat is to test for Radon, correct the issue with well-established venting techniques.

Tips For Buyers & Sellers:

Have your home tested before putting it on the market. If your home was tested in the past, you will need to take a new test, especially if any of the following applies to you:

•  The Radon Testing Checklist items were not met;

• The  Last Radon test was not recent ( example: within two years)

You have renovated or altered your home since you tested; or the buyer has plans to live in a lower level of the house than that was previously tested, such as a basement suitable for occupancy but not currently lived in.

The radon test result is critical to know where your home’s radon level stands. In fact, some states require radon measurement tester to follow a specific testing protocol. If you are performing this test yourself, refer to the EPA’s Radon Testing Checklist, and carefully follow the testing protocol for your area.

For a peace of mind, request radon testing by a licensed, certified or registered professional.  Have Questions about Radon Testing and how the process works? Check out our services and contact us to request Radon testing before buying or placing your home on the market.

RBI: #2627