Inspector's check · Safety and electrical
Has the home been tested for radon in the last 2 years?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas from the ground. A short-term test kit from a hardware store or your state radon program sits in the lowest lived-in level for 2 to 4 days, then goes to a lab. If there's a radon system, check that its U-shaped gauge on the pipe shows a difference in the liquid levels.
Why it matters
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don't smoke. High levels are found in every state, and the only way to know is to test.
If it's a problem
An inspector would write it up as “Radon not tested, or test above 4 pCi/L” and rate it fix this year. Your options, with rough U.S. costs:
- DIY (usually best), $15 to $40: Test with a short-term kit; retest after any big renovation or every 2 years.
- Pro, $800 to $2,500: Certified radon contractor installs a sub-slab fan system.
Get this on your own house's plan
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