Radon Testing in New Construction

[jberthiaume]

For those of you that do Radon testing, What are your thoughts on testing in new construction?
Would you recommend the buyer wait a few months before doing a test or does it not matter as far as being able to get a good reading.
Thanks
John

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

We routinely test new homes for Radon.

Age is generally not a factor.

[Peter C. Russell]

I have found some banks require it.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The EPA recommends that ALL homes be tested for Radon.

P.S. From a business perspective, did you ever go to get a haircut and have the barber tell you to wait a little while longer?

[Brian R. Paull]

Just make sure that the testing isn't done while the contractor is trying to get the house finished and has all the doors and windows open.

[cmeyer]

Buyers should definitely test prior to closing---I have found many new homes with issues. (especially ones with sumps)

[Brian R. Paull]

Not only sumps but the hole in the basement floor that the plumbers used to hook up the plumbing for the basement bath tub. I would say that at least 95% of them are left with open soil showing in my area.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by bpaull

Just make sure that the testing isn't done while the contractor is trying to get the house finished and has all the doors and windows open.

I post this notice at all doors for new construction (and place one on the kitchen table for existing homes).

RADON TEST IN PROGRESS

CLOSED HOUSE CONDITIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED

ALL WINDOWS MUST REMAIN CLOSED.

EXTERNAL DOORS MUST REMAIN CLOSED EXCEPT FOR ENTRY AND EXIT.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS SHOULD BE OPERATED NORMALLY IN THE AUTO-MODE DURING THE RADON TEST (BETWEEN 40 AND 80 DEGREES).

CONTACT THE NUMBER BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

.... My logo, phone, etc. here

[Bruce A. King]

Most all sellers and builders know about fooling radon tests. It's usually a waste of money unless the buyer is lucky and no one airs the house out.

The only radon test that is valid is one that shows high levels of radon, even then, someone could have caused a lower reading.

Buyers should do their own testing after having the locks changed.

[Richard A. Moran, 2nd]

Here in MD the Toll Brothers building group says that it is up to the homeowner to have the test done and the results shown within the first 30 days after closing. They will then do something to remediate the issue. It would be very hard to do a closed house test before the homeowner takes ownership. It may not be tampered with on purpose but wth all the subs going around the few days before closing it would be very hard to keep the test accurate. Toll installed passive systems in all home here in my development. I neglected to get my test done 5 yrs ago. Radon? What the hell is Radon? I did end up testing my home a few years ago with a Pro=Lab charcoal test and once I stared doing Radon tests my self I tested my home again and found the levels to be around 8.6 pc/L. I installed a Fantech Radon fan and tested a few days later and found the level to be .6 pc/L.

Dick

[Gary Oleski]

I test about half of all new homes for Radon that I inspect.

[David Keating]

I would like to add radon test along with my normal inspection.

Is there a monitor that can be set, and return is 48 hours to read, or is the canister that you send out for results a better way. Since most buyers and their agents want results asap how is this best remidied?

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by dkeating

I would like to add radon test along with my normal inspection.

Is there a monitor that can be set, and return is 48 hours to read, or is the canister that you send out for results a better way. Since most buyers and their agents want results asap how is this best remidied?

Sun Nuclear is the way to go.

Check for the specific Licensing Requirements within your Home State / Province.

http://www.sunnuclear.com/Products/Radon/Radon.asp

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by jhagarty

Sun Nuclear is the way to go.

Check for the specific Licensing Requirements within your Home State / Province.

http://www.sunnuclear.com/Products/Radon/Radon.asp

I agree and that's what I have. It's a little bit of work as far as putting together the reports, but relatively easy.

If you've got licensing requirements, I'd also reccomend Radalink. They rent their monitors to you, and have the added benefit of taking care of all the reporting and paperwork for you. All you really have to do is set the monitor, retreave it, plug it into a phone line. Much easier, but it costs a little more.

Canisters are very accurate, but as you said, it might be a week or so before getting the results back. They are also easier to tamper with. (I use LS test kits from Accustar labs as a backup for my Sun).

[tchristopher]

I use a Sun 1027 & love it, there's no licensing req'd in WY. I made a tamper proof box out of a 17" plastic tool box. Cut 4" holes in each end w/speaker covers. Cut a hole in the back for a 6" speaker cover, mounted monitor on a 2/6 w/ mini bungie cords. I leave my data cable hooked up so I can transfer results when I get home, leave A/C power cord hooked up to for handy access. Just enough room for all to fit including my small extension cord & "Caution Radon Test" signs, also keep a log of all tests done in there too. Works neat, everything in one spot, no muss, no fuss. Also with the monitor it tells if anyone has messed with your equipment or if the power goes out it will run on battery for 20 hours. You can print the report right out thru your laptop. It will pay for itself in a half dozen tests compared to the canister method that you have to use 2 for "Real Estate Testing, send in next day or 2nd day. IMO.This is what works best for me. Only recurring cost is about $125 or $150 for yearly calibration...Like I said this is only my opinion & what works best for me so far, & with in my budget. Monitor was $535.00..