Licensed Radon Testing
Why You Should Have a Home Tested for Radon Before Buying or Selling It
Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, inert radioactive gas. It occurs as part of the decay process of uranium in the soil under and around your home. Sadly, radon exposure has been shown by the US Surgeon General to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. In fact, he estimated that it is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
The EPA has placed DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties in Radon Zone #1. That means that it’s very likely that a home in the Fox Valley has high levels of radon. Although DuPage county is in Radon Zone #2, many homes in DuPage county also have high levels of radon. But the only way you can know for sure is with licensed radon testing.
How does radon get into a house?
Radon from the soil finds its way into your home through cracks or openings in your foundation. Whether the house has a basement, crawl spaces or a slab, radon can get in. Sometimes, radon gets in well water and enters homes in that way.
How do I know if a house has a radon problem?
Since radon is odorless and colorless, you won’t know if it’s present. That’s why licensed, professional radon testing is so important. Whether you’re buying a home or concerned about the home you own, contact us to get tested right away.
Even if your home has tested low for radon in the past, you may still have radon issues. In fact, Illinois recommends you test your home for radon every two years. Why? Because, the earth around your home expands and contracts seasonally and over time. That movement can cause new cracks and leaks that didn’t exist during the last test.
3-D Home Inspection is now licensed to perform residential radon testing.
HOME BUYERS: Find out whether your new home has radon leaks by adding a test to your home inspection.
HOME OWNERS: 3-D Home Inspection can test your home as a stand-alone service.
contact us today to learn how
What do home sellers need to know about radon?
The state of Illinois does not require you to mitigate radon problems in your home before you sell it. However, it does require sellers to disclose the results of any radon test done on the property. There is a radon disclosure form that buyers, sellers and realtors sign at closing.
If you have not yet had your home tested, now may be a good time. You’ll avoid any last-minute surprises. Potential buyers will know up-front whether your house is safe. If a radon test shows high levels, you’ll have time to mitigate the problem before it becomes an issue at closing.
What do home buyers need to know about radon?
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency strongly recommends all home buyers have a home tested before closing the sale. Sellers may say they have no knowledge of radon in the house. But that could simply mean they have never had it tested. Radon testing is an important part of making sure the home is safe for your family to occupy.
IEMA also recommends that the test be performed by a licensed measurement professional or technician. You can find more information in this fact sheet from IEMA.
How does radon testing for real estate transactions work?
A licensed professional conducts a short-term radon test in the lowest structural areas of the home. Monitors or detectors collect radon levels over a period of time to determine whether there is a problem. Short-term radon tests generally take two days to perform.
What happens if a home shows high levels of radon?
If a home shows levels of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or more, it’s not a reason to call off the sale. But, for your family’s safety, it is a reason to mitigate. The state of Illinois does not dictate who should pay for radon mitigation if levels are dangerous. Buyers and sellers can include these costs as part of their negotiation.
Regardless of who pays for the mitigation measures, you should never move into a home that has high radon levels. It poses a serious health risk to your family. That’s why radon testing is a critical step in your home buying process.