Yes, if you’re thinking of buying a home regardless of the city, state, or type of home we think having a test for Radon conducted is extremely important! While many Realtors will say you don’t need it, we strongly disagree. Radon is a huge issue throughout the Denver and Boulder metro areas. Isn’t $200 worth the peace of mind a negative radon test will bring to you and your family?
What is Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas which causes approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage. The US EPA estimates that as many as 8 million homes throughout the country have elevated levels of radon. Current state surveys show that 1 home in 5 has elevated radon levels.
Who Can Test for Radon?
Normally a test for radon is conducted by your home inspector during the home inspection. However, it is not a standard part of the inspection so if you’re interested in having a radon test done you need to be sure to order it from your home inspector in addition to the regular inspection. Prices vary so be sure to ask your home inspector for an exact quote. Typically radon tests in the Denver and Boulder metro areas are around $200.
What Happens If Elevated Levels Are Found In The Home I’m Thinking of Buying?
If we represent you and elevated levels of radon were found during the inspection, we would ask the sellers to mitigate the issue as part of the inspection repair negotiations. Radon mitigation equipment can typically be installed for between $1200 - $2500 depending on how much work is involved and should bring the levels within an acceptable range. Tests that come back at 4.0 or higher are considered failed tests meaning a radon mitigation system should be installed. Under 4.0 is considered a pass, but personally in my own home I like to see the radon levels in my basement below 2.0 so while we can't ask the seller for a radon mitigation system if the result is less than 4.0 I would still install one for a test between 2.0 - 3.9 for my own peace of mind and my family's health.
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