Radon is an invisible odorless gas that is a natural radioactive decay product of uranium, a common element in soil and rocks. It can seep into a home from the soil through dirt crawl-spaces, cracks in the foundation and walls. 
The EPA has set a national action level of 4pCi/L. If your home has a confirmed level of 4 or above, it is recommended that a licensed radon mitigation contractor install a mitigation system. A home inspector or a company that specializes in Radon, can do this very simple test, Typically, the mitigation company will visit the home to determine the best configuration of the system and the size of the fan for the type of foundation the house is built on. I don't think it typically hurts re-sale of a home, as long as a mitigation system is installed and levels stay low. In this area a mitigation system costs approximately $1200 - $2000.

For information about Radon visit my website: http://www.911inspections.com and click on the Radon tab.
I charge $170 for a 48 hour radon test and only $250 for home inspections.

All available services and up-front pricing are on the website.

Radon mitigation systems typically run $1,000 - 2,000.

I have sold homes that have had readings in the 20's ('Acceptable levels are below 4.0). But once the problem has been remediated (PVC vent system) the radon levels drop to the acceptable level. The remediation companies that we have dealt with warranty the system and there is an easy to read monitor to verify that the levels remain 'safe'.

Hope this helps!

Tom Carris
RE/MAX Showcase

Its not uncommon to see higher levels of Radon & it can be fixed rather easily. Generally when it is found during inspection the buyers atty will request that the sellers mitigate the problem at the sellers expense (approx. $2,000).

It could possibly deter some buyers, but overall it should not hurt resale.

It's really easy to do typically with a company that provides this service. It takes them less than a day to do and usually costs $1,500 - $2,000. If someone has radon above acceptable levels they need to do this typically, but once remediated, I've never seen it come up as an issue.

Good luck,
Mike

Usually a passive venting system is installed which basically directs the radon gas up PVC piping to vent like a chimney above the roof of the house. This prevents the radon from entering the building. Radon gases entering the basement will migrate towards the system as it offers a path of least resistance.

Some of the highest readings are with new or newer construction. The original buyer probably did not hire a home inspector before they moved in. Anything over 4.0 is an "issue." I personally would not buy it without having it remediated and then re-tested to make sure it reads below a 4.0.

Hope that helps.

Carol Best

The radon level score was at 6.0 for a 48Hr test that was run. The house is 3yrs old. I am the potential buyer.

Depending on the reading (how far above 4.0 is it), radon is usually not that big of a deal to remediate, but it needs to be done by a professional. If a buyer (after you buy the house) has a radon test, they might ask you to remediate the radon at your expense, so yes, it could jeopardize a re-sale or cost you money.
http://www.CarolBest.net

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