Should I Buy a House with Radon Mitigation System?
As a homebuyer, you likely have a house wishlist detailing all the features you need or want your new home to have. Bedroom count, square footage, flooring type, fenced-in yard, multi-car garage, and walk-in closet are all things that might be on your list — but is a radon mitigation system another item to add? We explain the benefits of a radon mitigation system and why you should consider purchasing a house with one.
Why Would You Want a Radon Mitigation System?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into houses and other buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation. When radon accumulates to high levels, it increases your chances of lung cancer.
A radon mitigation system is designed to reduce radon gas concentrations in the indoor air of a building like your home. It can effectively lower radon concentrations in the home, giving you cleaner air to breathe and reducing the risk of radon-related lung cancer.
Should I Buy a Home with a Radon Mitigation System?
The risk of radon accumulation in homes can vary significantly based on geographic location, soil composition, and local geology. If you live in an area with moderate or high radon potential, buying a home with a radon mitigation system is a smart move. Already having a system installed can offer some key benefits, such as:
Immediate Peace of Mind: Since the mitigation system is already in place, you don’t have to worry about installing one after you buy the home. You can move in knowing that this critical safety measure has been addressed.
Cost Savings: In order to be effective, each radon mitigation system must be tailored to best suit your property's structure and take into account the radon source. Therefore, radon mitigation system costs vary depending on the type of system installed, your foundation type, and the layout of your home. You can avoid this expense by purchasing a house with one already installed.
Health Safety: Since a mitigation system reduces radon levels, you and your family can be protected from potential long-term health risks right from the start.
Property Value: A house with a radon mitigation system can be attractive to buyers, especially in areas with higher risks. A system in place may give you an edge if you decide to sell the house later.
Test the System for Effectiveness
If you like a house that comes with a radon mitigation system, you need to make sure it actually works. During the inspection phase, request radon testing to check current levels. Even if the sellers have results from a previous test, levels can change, so you want to have your own test done.
You also want to get as much information on the system as possible. Ask for the owner’s manual, contact details for the company that installed it, and any maintenance history. If possible, have a radon professional inspect the system to ensure everything is in good shape.
What If the House I Want Doesn’t Have a Mitigation System?
Finding a house with a pre-installed mitigation system might not be a big deal in areas with a low radon risk. But if you live in a moderate or high-risk area, you should keep radon mitigation in mind when looking at houses.
However, if you’ve found your dream home and it doesn’t have a radon mitigation system already, there’s no need to worry. A pre-existing radon mitigation system can be considered a nice-to-have, but it doesn’t need to be a dealbreaker even if your initial inspection report comes back with high levels. If you purchase a house without one, you can easily add it later.
Regardless of whether the home already has a radon mitigation system, you should have your home tested for radon during the inspection phase. This has a pass-or-fail result. When the test fails, it’s time to add radon mitigation installation to your real estate timeline.
How Do I Install a Radon Mitigation System Post-Purchase?
After buying your house, NRPP-certified experts like The Radon Guys are your best option for radon mitigation. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively install the system to EPA standards. Once you know you want to install a radon mitigation system, reach out to local specialists to get estimates for the service and hire the company whose experience and quote align with your needs. Don’t forget to ask about their experience and ability to install additional protection like crawl space encapsulation.
Does Your New House Need Radon Mitigation? Trust The Radon Guys
Whether you're building your dream home or recently bought a house in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, having a radon mitigation system in place is crucial for clean indoor air and reducing the risk of lung cancer caused by radon. Contact The Radon Guys to learn about our radon mitigation solutions today and breathe easier tomorrow.
