We learned the hard way after our first house purchase, so this time we decided it was worth spending a few hundred dollars to have radon testing done as part of the home inspection. A local radon company performed a multi-day test to check for hazardous levels. We deliberately chose a tester that only conducts tests and does not offer remediation services to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
The test results came back above 4 picocuries per liter, which is the level at which professional remediation is recommended. Because the testing was completed during the inspection period, the sellers agreed to pay for a full remediation before closing. They also arranged a follow-up test to confirm that the problem had been resolved. That decision saved us thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
On our first home, we skipped the inspection-period radon test to cut costs and relied on an inexpensive charcoal kit after moving in. The results were alarming: dangerously high radon levels equivalent to smoking several packs of cigarettes a day. We immediately had to arrange and pay for remediation ourselves, which involved installing a sub-slab depressurization system. This system draws soil gas from beneath the foundation and vents it safely above the roofline, keeping radon out of the living space. It’s an invasive, sometimes unsightly, and definitely costly fix—but it works.
That experience taught us a valuable lesson: testing during the inspection period can shift responsibility to the seller and avoid unexpected remediation costs. This time, after the seller completed mitigation, a follow-up test showed radon levels around 0.5 picocuries per liter—lower than typical outdoor air and an excellent result for indoor air quality.
Radon varies widely by region, and some areas are known to have higher risks. We live in Virginia, a state that often records elevated radon readings, but elevated levels can occur anywhere. For homeowners and buyers, testing is an inexpensive and effective way to protect your household. Charcoal kits and digital monitors are readily available at home improvement stores, and professional multi-day tests provide the most reliable assessment during a real estate transaction.
If you own a home or are in the process of buying one, consider having a proper radon test performed during the inspection phase. If high levels are found, remediation options—like sub-slab depressurization—are proven to significantly reduce indoor radon. Even after moving in, testing and fixing a radon problem will reduce long-term health risks to your family, including children and pets.
Have you encountered radon issues in a home you’ve owned or inspected? Share your experience and any tips for testing or working with mitigation professionals. Community stories can help others navigate the process and avoid unexpected expenses.
Map image courtesy of the EPA.
Psst—We shared another nursery project on BabyCenter. See the nursery photos in our recent post on that site.