Remediation systems aren't that expensive.....given the potential risks. Some people believe radon carries minimal risk. Most remediate.

You can retest and get different results. That is common.

Overall, your report was not that high, but does fall high enough to warrant a remediation system.

Thu May 8 2008, 04:40

Thanks all for your opinion. The radon level came out to be 12.7 PUC/L and the seller thinks it's a false alarm, stating that Radon is very rare in Edison, Nj. Seller will be performing test for him self to see if the radon is high.

Mon Feb 25 2008, 10:02

I went to some open houses recently and saw some have Radon but with remediation system. These houses are million dollar houses. So, if millionares are ok with Radon, I think I am fine with it ...

Fri Feb 22 2008, 14:42

Max - I am currently am living in a home that had a "high" radon reading when the test was completed during the inspection - a remediation system was installed, a new test was completed, and results were below the desired level - this is the second home I have lived in that had a "high" reading prior to remediation. How high was the reading for the home you are looking to buy? The result may impact how easy it is to resolve.

In the Denver metro area, this is a common issue (high readings tend to be above 4.0 but below 15.0) and at least in this area, seems to be resolved easily - the remediation systems tend to be in the $700 (for a smaller home with an unfinished basement) to $1300 (for a larger home with a finished basement). A finished basement complicates the resolution because it may be more difficult to attractively get the ducting from the basement floor to the outside of the home. It may be more expensive if the measurement is significantly above the numbers I am used to seeing.

The web site below provides radon mitigation companies by state - your inspector and your agent can probably provide additional names of radon mitigation companies. Warranties from the companies I have used are for many years - 5 years minimum. Again, assuming high readings in the range I mentioned above, the work can be done in 2-4 hours by one or two people so it typically could be completed and retested prior to closing assuming a radon mitigation company was able to schedule the job quickly.

Unless the reading was unusually high for your area, I would not have any hesitation in purchasing a home with a high radon result. Good luck with your decision.

Wed Feb 20 2008, 09:04

Yes, it's OK once the remediation equipment is installed. Here is a link to interesting radon information:

http://www.nsc.org/EHC/indoor/rad_faqs.htm

Wed Feb 20 2008, 07:41

Dear Max,
If a house has a high radon level, it is easily remediated through a ventilation system. Make sure you use a licensed and well qualified remediation company. That is extremely important. This is not a "do it yourself" type of job.
If you are buying a house that has high radon levels, many times, the seller will contribute to the remediation costs, or provide a credit at closing. It is an issue that must be taken care of, and shouldn't be ignored. A qualified and lisenced inspector can give you all the details and information you need to successfully navigate this.
Good luck
Sharon Kozinn

Wed Feb 20 2008, 07:37

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas. Most studies tell us that you do not want Radon, in an major concentrations, in your home. That being said, there is a certain amount of naturally occurring radon in the air outside.

Those agencies who look into these things, have determined that there is a certain amount of radon that is acceptable (I think it's 4 pico-liters or below, if memory serves me well), and if the house has 4pl or lower, it's not a concern.

If the house has 4pl or higher, there are easy ways to remediate, and they basically involve installing a fan and ducting to remove the radon from the house, blow it through the ductwork and release it at or above the roofline... typically inexpensive fix (a few thousand??), for a potentially major problem.

Wed Feb 20 2008, 07:24