If you are Buying an Existing Home
Does the home have an existing system and is it functioning? Get name of installer, documentation, and radon test results before and after installation. If the home has already been tested for radon, you can decide to either accept the test or have a new one performed. If the home has not yet been tested for radon, make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. You should make this a part of the “full inspection contingency”, in your contract with the seller.
If you are Selling your Home
If your home has already been tested for radon, provide your test results to the buyer. Remember, a potential buyer may ask for a new test if the one you took was not performed properly, or if it was not performed by a qualified individual. If your home has not yet been tested for radon, make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before you put it on the market. This may save you valuable time during a real estate transaction. The result of the radon test is important information about your home’s radon level that potential buyers may want to know.
I am Building a New Home, What Should I Know?
In Minnesota it is now required by code that all new homes be built with radon-resistant features. Radon Resistant Features include…
- Gas- Permeable Layer – This is usually a clean, course layer of gravel under the slab to allow gas to move freely underneath the home.
- Soil-Gas Membrane – Polyethylene sheeting over the gas-permeable layer to prevent soil gas from entering the home.
- Vent Pipe – A 3” or 4” PVC pipe with a “T” fitting that runs from below the slab to the roof to safely vent the gas outside.
- Future Power Source – An electrical circuit terminating in a junction box, usually in the attic, for the future installation of a fan if further reduction is needed.
Sealing and Caulking – All floor openings, concrete joints, foundation penetrations, unconditioned crawl spaces and sumps are sealed to prevent gas from entering home.