Buying a house is an exciting process, especially for first-time homebuyers.
Considering that this is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make, it is important you get all the information you need before making your investment.
Most homebuyers have a list of features they want in a home. Some are looking for homes with hardwood floors, a huge outdoor space, or plenty of bedrooms to accommodate their family’s growing needs. While these are great features, it’s also important to remember to check off the things on your list that may not be seen by the naked eye.
Why is radon testing necessary?
For most families, their home is their haven. It is a place where they can relax and truly be themselves. That said, you want to make sure your family is safe in your home.
Whether you’re buying an old or a newly-built house, it is vital to have it tested for radon. Why? Because you can’t see, smell, or taste it. The only way to determine the presence of radon in your home is through testing.
In fact, studies show that radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking. A high concentration of radon inside the house can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time inside your home, radon testing is a must. You want to make sure that the house you’re investing in is free from this toxic gas.
Radon testing is usually a part of the home inspection process. But if it isn’t offered as a standard test, you can always request one. Don’t worry. Radon testing is affordable. In fact, you can have it done for less than $50.
Having your future home tested for radon will help determine whether you are at risk of high radon exposure. Let’s face it, you can’t put a price on the health and safety of your family’s health, as well as your peace of mind.
What to do if the results show unsafe radon levels?
Now that you’re aware of the dangers of radon, you decided to spend money on radon testing. After a few days, the results are in…The radon test failed. So what now? Don’t panic if the radon test fails. While radon is a health hazard, low levels of radon are considered harmless. That said, you no longer have to worry about the air quality once radon reduction methods are in place. Don’t worry. Radon mitigation is relatively simple. So you don’t need to walk away from your dream home.
Radon reduction costs vary, depending on the size of your home, location, and method to be used. If you’re on a tight budget, you can negotiate with the seller to split the mitigation cost. Some sellers may even be willing to share the cost to help the sale go through.
Radon Mitigation
If you’ve tested for radon and discover that the house you’re planning to buy has an elevated radon level, you might want to explore radon mitigation systems.
An effective radon mitigation system can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. After all, the goal of radon mitigation is to reduce radon levels to an acceptable level (4pCi/L).
According to the U.S. EPA, a radon gas level of less than 4pCi/L is considered safe. Keep in mind, though, that radon is a naturally occurring gas, so it is impossible to completely eliminate it from your home.
Besides reducing radon levels, radon mitigation systems should also work by preventing this harmful gas from entering the house. That said, you want to invest in a high-quality system that will work for a long time and will keep your home safe from this toxic gas.
Most radon fans last for about 5 years, but it needs occasional maintenance to make sure it is working correctly.
Final thoughts
The words “radon test failed” cause concern to potential homebuyers. Many of them are already aware of the health hazards brought about by radon. But that shouldn’t stop you from buying your dream home. Radon mitigation is the answer to your problem.
If you do decide to buy a house that tests positive for radon, it is essential to choose a certified and reputable contractor who can reduce radon levels as low as possible. Thats what we’re here for.
Call us at 303-995-7015 to talk about our radon mitigation services. We have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to keep your future home safe from the danger of radon in the future. We also provide radon testing services in Colorado homes for as low as $49.
