Home Inspections: Why Adding a Radon Test Is a Smart Move
When buying a home, a thorough home inspection is critical to making an informed decision. Inspections can help you uncover the “bones” of your potential home, ensuring you know the whole story before purchasing. As a seller, an inspection can help speed the process and even prevent buyers from backing out later on down the road.
One component of your home inspection that you shouldn't skip? A radon test! No matter what part of the country you live in, radon can affect your home and health. Keep reading to learn why radon tests are essential to the home inspection process and more.
What Is a Radon Test for Home Inspection?
A home radon test measures the levels of radon gas in a house. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil through cracks and openings in the foundation.
The test typically involves placing a radon detector in the lowest livable area of the house for a few days to measure the radon levels. If the results show radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended threshold of 4 pCi/L, mitigation systems may be needed to reduce the gas to safer levels inside your (future) home.
Why Is a Radon Inspection Necessary?
A radon inspection is necessary when buying or selling a house because it ensures the safety and health of the occupants. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, making it essential to know if a home has elevated levels before completing a sale.
A radon test provides peace of mind for buyers, while sellers can avoid potential delays or renegotiations by addressing radon issues upfront. In some areas, disclosing radon levels is required by law, and testing helps both parties make informed decisions and protect their investment.
Why Should I Get a Radon Test with a Home Inspection?
Radon tests are essential to a home inspection for many different reasons. Here are a few to consider before skipping this process.
Safety
Getting a radon test along with your home inspection is crucial because it helps ensure your health and safety, as well as that of your family. Radon can accumulate in homes to dangerous levels, particularly in basements and ground floors.
Transparency
A radon house inspection lets you detect any issues early on. It’s a small upfront cost that could prevent costly health risks down the road, making it a wise investment in your future home.
Negotiations
By including a radon test in your home inspection, you also have the opportunity to negotiate radon mitigation system installation with the seller before you purchase a home. Much like a leaky roof, you could request that the seller cover or split the installation cost before closing.
Turn to Radon Guys for Residential Radon Testing
Thinking about adding a radon test to your Nashville home inspection? The Radon Guys can provide comprehensive radon testing for your potential new home. And if we discover high levels of radon, we'll provide you with effective options for mitigating it and creating better air quality within your new house. Contact us today to learn more.
