January is radon awareness month!
What You Need to Know About Radon in Single-Family Homes: A Guide for Buyers in Minnesota
When buying a home, there’s a lot to consider—location, price, square footage, and even school districts. But have you thought about radon? If you’re a homebuyer in Minnesota, understanding radon and its potential impact on your future home is essential.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It’s formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, and other openings. While radon is present in outdoor air at harmless levels, it can accumulate indoors, posing serious health risks.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Minnesota’s geology makes homes in the state particularly susceptible to radon, with about 2 in 5 homes testing at levels that pose a significant risk to health.
How to Test for Radon
Testing for radon is relatively inexpensive. As a homebuyer, you can request a radon test during the home inspection process. A inspector will typically measure the levels of radon for two days and should be done during your inspection contingency. The cost of a radon test can vary but typically between $100-300.
What Do the Results Mean?
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action if levels in your home are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Even levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L may warrant consideration for mitigation, especially in Minnesota, where radon levels tend to be higher than the national average.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
If the radon test reveals elevated levels, don’t panic. High radon levels are manageable, and addressing the issue can give you peace of mind.
Radon Mitigation
The most common solution is a radon mitigation system, which typically involves installing a vent pipe and a fan to reduce radon levels by venting the gas out of your home. These systems are highly effective, often reducing radon levels by 99%. Installation costs range from $800 to $2,500, depending on your home’s size and design.
As a buyer, during your inspection contingency, you can negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of mitigation or adjust the sale price accordingly. Many sellers are willing to address radon issues as part of the sale process.
Why It’s Worth Testing
Knowing the radon levels in your future home isn’t just about ticking a box on your inspection checklist. It’s about protecting your health and making a sound investment. Radon mitigation systems can even add value to a home by providing a safer living environment for you and future occupants.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a significant responsibility. As a homebuyer in Minnesota, ensuring your home is safe from radon should be a top priority. Testing is simple, solutions are effective, and the peace of mind is priceless.