Why Test For Radon

Radon Testing in Real Estate Transactions

Julian Andes

12 January 2024



Why Radon Testing is a Must for Home Buyers


Imagine this scenario: You buy your dream home, excited about the new chapter in your life. However, in the whirlwind of inspections and paperwork, radon testing is overlooked. Several years later, you decide to sell the house, and the new buyers, being responsible homeowners, conduct a radon test. To your dismay, the results reveal elevated radon levels, and the buyers insist on a mitigation system, leaving you to wonder why you didn't test for radon when you bought the house. 


Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, is a common yet often underestimated threat in homes. It seeps through the ground and can accumulate indoors, especially in basements and lower living areas. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, making it a health hazard that shouldn't be ignored. 


As you put your house on the market, the new buyers, keen on ensuring a safe living environment, decide to conduct a radon test. The results catch them by surprise – the radon levels are high. Faced with the potential health risks, they request a mitigation system. Now, the burden falls on you to either install or pay for this system. The financial impact becomes evident. Mitigation systems can be a significant expense, and negotiating this cost with the buyers adds stress to an already complex real estate transaction. Your failure to test for radon during your initial home purchase has come back to haunt you, and you may find yourself asking why you overlooked such a crucial aspect of home safety.


This scenario is not uncommon. Many homeowners only realize the importance of radon testing when it's too late. The key takeaway is simple: testing for radon during the home-buying process is an investment in both your health and your financial well-being. By incorporating radon testing into your home inspection checklist, you not only ensure the safety of your family but also avoid potential headaches down the road. If high radon levels are detected, mitigation measures can be implemented during the purchase negotiations, preventing a future scenario where you're asked to foot the bill for a mitigation system. 


In the grand scheme of homeownership, radon testing might seem like a minor detail, but its consequences can be far-reaching. Protect yourself, your family, and your investment by making radon testing a non-negotiable part of the home-buying process. The peace of mind and potential savings in the long run make it a decision you won't regret. Don't let radon be the hidden adversary that catches you off guard – test for it and secure a safer future for your home.