Reasons to use Alpha Radon
for Your Real Estate Transaction
• Free Written Estimates within 24 hours
• Quick installation turnaround
• Payment due at Settlement
• Transferrable Warranties
• Guaranteed Results
• Fully licensed, insured and state certified
Overview
The EPA recommends conducting two short-term radon home tests for real estate transactions. EPA also recommends testing for radon in the home in the lowest level which is currently suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.
The radon real estate testing guidelines developed by the EPA have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference.
FAQ's
If You Are Selling a Home...
EPA recommends that you test for radon in the home before you put it on the market and, if necessary, lower the levels of radon. Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could be a positive selling point.
If You Are Buying a Home...
EPA recommends that you know what the indoor levels of radon in any home you consider buying. Ask the seller for their radon home test results. If the home has a radon reduction system, ask the seller for the information they have about the system.
- If the home has not yet been tested, you should request a test be performed for radon in the home.
- If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated during construction to reduce radon dangers. Call us to ask more information on installation procedures and methods.
Radon Real Estate: "I'm Selling a Home. What Should I Do?"
If Your Home Has Already Been Tested for Radon...
If you are thinking of selling your home and you have already tested for radon in the home, provide your radon home test results to the buyer. No matter what kind of test you took, a potential buyer may ask for a new test so a licensed tester would be the best way to go.
If Your Home Has Not Yet Been Tested for Radon...
Have a test taken as soon as possible. If you can, test for radon in the home before putting it on the market. You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations.
The radon test result is important information about your home's levels of radon. Some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol. If you do the test yourself, you should carefully follow the testing instructions to get the most accurate level possible. You can also call us and we will get a licensed professional to get your radon levels tested.
Radon Real Estate: "I'm Buying a Home. What Should I Do?"
If the Home Has Already Been Tested for Radon...
If you are thinking of buying a home, you may decide to accept an earlier radon home test result from the seller, or ask the seller for a new test to be conducted by a qualified radon tester.
Before you accept the seller's test, you should determine:
- The results of previous testing
- Who conducted the previous radon home test: the homeowner, a radon professional, or some other person
- Where in the home the previous test was taken, especially if you may plan to live in a lower level of the home. For example, the test may have been taken on the first floor. However, if you want to use the basement as living space, test there
- What, if any, structural changes, alterations, or changes in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been made to the house since the test was done. Such changes may affect levels of radon.
If the Home Has Not Yet Been Tested for Radon...
Make sure that a radon home test is done as soon as possible.
Consider including provisions in the contract specifying:
- Where the test will be located
- Who should conduct the test
- What type of test to do
- When to do the test
- How the seller and the buyer will share the test results and test costs (if necessary)
- When radon mitigation measures will be taken and who will pay for them.
- Make sure that the test is done in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means the lowest level that you are going to use as living space which is finished or does not require renovations prior to use.
- If you decide to finish or renovate an unfinished area of the home in the future, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and after the project is finished. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations rather than afterwards.