When buying or selling a home, one question that often comes up is whether radon has been tested or mitigated. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can seep into homes through the foundation. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. High levels of radon exposure over time can increase the risk of lung cancer, so understanding its presence in a home is critical for both buyers and sellers.
What Is Radon and Why Is It Important?
Radon forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, and other openings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. In Minnesota, where homes are often tightly sealed due to cold weather, radon is especially common.
Testing for radon is the only way to determine its levels in a home. Professional radon tests or DIY kits can measure radon levels accurately. If the levels are at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in the home.
Radon Testing for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers:
When purchasing a home, it’s important to ask if the property has been tested for radon. If it hasn’t, consider making radon testing a condition of your offer. Testing is relatively inexpensive and can save you from potential health risks down the road.
For Sellers:
If you’re preparing to sell your home, having it tested for radon can give potential buyers peace of mind. If high radon levels are detected, installing a radon mitigation system before listing your home can make it more marketable and help streamline the selling process.
What Is Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation is the process of reducing radon levels in a home. The most common system involves installing a vent pipe system and fan to pull radon from beneath the home and vent it outside. In Minnesota, these systems are highly effective and can lower radon levels by up to 99%.
Radon Testing and Real Estate Transactions
Many buyers and sellers wonder if radon testing is required during a real estate transaction. In Minnesota, testing isn’t mandated, but sellers are required to disclose any known radon levels and whether a mitigation system is in place. Including radon testing in the home inspection process is a smart move for buyers, ensuring they have all the facts about the property.
Why Radon Testing Matters
Testing for radon is more than a health precaution—it’s an investment in your home. Knowing radon levels can protect your family’s health, provide peace of mind, and even enhance the value of your home when it comes time to sell.
Whether you’re buying or selling, addressing radon concerns early in the process can make all the difference. A simple radon test today can save you from larger headaches tomorrow.
If you have questions about radon testing, mitigation, or how it impacts real estate in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to guide you through every step of the process!
– Jordan Eatherton, Apex Realty Team