Homebuyers Information
If the Home Has Already Been Tested for Radon...
If you are thinking of buying a home, you may decide to accept an earlier test result from the seller, or ask the seller for a new test to be conducted by a qualified radon tester. Before you accept the seller's test, you should determine:
The results of previous testing;
Who conducted the previous test: the homeowner, a radon professional, or
some other person;
Where in the home the previous test was taken, especially if you may plan
to live in a lower level of the home. For example, the test may have been
taken on the first floor. However, if you want to use the basement as living
space, test there; and
What, if any, structural changes, alterations, or changes in the heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been made to the house
since the test was done. Such changes may affect radon levels.
If you accept the seller's test, make sure that the test followed the Radon
Testing Checklist.
If you decide that a new test is needed, discuss it with the seller as soon as possible. If you decide to use a qualified radon tester, check with your state radon office to see if they maintain a list of radon testing companies. See also www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html
b. If the Home Has Not Yet Been Tested for Radon...
Make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. Consider including provisions in the contract specifying:
Where the test will be located;
Who should conduct the test;
What type of test to do;
When to do the test;
How the seller and the buyer will share the test results and test costs
(if necessary); and
When radon mitigation measures will be taken and who will pay for them.
Make sure that the test is done in the lowest level of the home suitable
for occupancy. This means the lowest level that you are going to use as
living space which is finished or does not require renovations prior to
use. A state or local radon official or qualified radon tester can help
you make some of these decisions.
If you decide to finish or renovate an unfinished area of the home in the
future, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and after
the project is finished. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon-reduction
system before (or during) renovations rather than afterwards.