How Hard Is It to Sell a Home With High Radon Levels?
Homebuyers have to consider a variety of factors when purchasing a home, including the price of the house, its location, and if repairs will be needed. Radon testing has become a common part of real estate inspections because more people have become aware of the hazards associated with this gas.
Do Radon Levels Affect a Home’s Value?
According to research by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon testing is often performed during the home inspection process, especially in states with high levels of radon, like Colorado, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Many buyers will be reluctant to purchase a home with elevated radon levels, so homeowners should get their houses tested before placing them on the market. However, radon mitigation is relatively straightforward, so elevated levels of radon shouldn’t have a lasting effect on a home’s value.
Mitigating High Radon Levels
The EPA recommends that people whose homes have radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L (picocurie per liter) or higher take action to limit their exposure. Radon mitigation is an effective way to reduce the gas’s presence in a house. Typically, the type of mitigation system that will be used depends on the home’s foundation.
Active and Passive Radon Mitigation
According to the EPA, active sub-slab-depressurization is the most reliable mitigation system for homes with slab-on-grade foundations and basements. This method mainly involves drilling suction points in the sub-slab and installing a fan in the attic or an unconditioned part of the house to draw radon up through PVC pipes. Passive mitigation may be a better option for other homes, which involves the installation of pipes in the foundation to create a vacuum that redirects radon out of the house. Both of these mitigation systems can quickly reduce radon levels to below 4.0 pCi/L. Along with mitigation, the EPA advises that homeowners control the radon levels in their homes by sealing underground openings in their foundation.
If your home has elevated radon levels, effective mitigation can simplify the process of selling it. At APEX Radon, we’re a locally owned business that provides radon testing and mitigation services in Aurora, CO, and the surrounding cities. We’re fully licensed and insured, and our radon mitigation installations only take a few hours to complete. We guarantee results and offer extended warranties on our work. To learn more about how we can help you, call (720) 902-7995 or get a quote online.
