People skip radon testing because they can't see it. The house looks fine. The foundation looks solid. It's new construction. Whatever the reason, I still recommend testing on almost every purchase. Two reasons drive that recommendation.
The health reason
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States and the second-leading cause overall. That isn't a sales pitch, it's the reason I bring it up on nearly every job.
The money reason
If you don't test when you buy, the next buyer almost certainly will. A high result at that point can become a negotiation demand or a condition of their purchase. You'll be paying for mitigation then, at the worst possible time, instead of knowing the situation now and handling it on your terms.
What "high" actually means
The EPA recommends mitigation at 4.0 pCi/L and above. That number is not an automatic deal-killer. In our area, professional mitigation typically runs $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the house. There are reputable contractors who do this work every day. One I regularly point people toward is The Radon Specialist.
You're also not in immediate danger simply because you walked through the house during the inspection. The health concern is long-term exposure measured in years, not an afternoon. Attending a home inspection does not require a call to your doctor.
"My foundation type is fine"
I've tested crawl spaces, basements, and slabs. Foundation type has nothing to do with whether a house will have a radon issue. New construction is not a free pass either. The same two reasons still apply.
How I test
I use continuous radon monitors for a 48-hour test. When the schedule allows, I place the monitor two days before the inspection so you have results the same day I'm on site. If that isn't possible, I set it the day of the inspection and you receive results 48 hours later.
Weather can affect a short-term test. When conditions are questionable, we retest. I'd rather run it again than hand you a number that isn't reliable.
Ready to add radon testing?
If you're under contract and want radon included with your inspection, call or text (336) 403-7074. We'll figure out whether we can place the monitor ahead of the inspection or the day of.
Drew
Owner & Inspector
Top Notch Home Inspections
Serving Winston-Salem & the Piedmont Triad