Should I Get A Radon Test With Home Inspection?
Buying a house is a big deal. Between the paperwork, inspections, and trying to picture where your couch will go, there’s a lot going on. So it’s easy to overlook some of the smaller stuff like radon testing.
But here’s the thing: radon might not be on your radar, but it should be. It’s sneaky, it’s invisible, and it could pose a serious health risk.
And you should 100% get a radon test with your home inspection.
In this post, we’ll explain why it’s one of those small steps that could save you a ton of trouble (and money) down the road.
Is Radon Testing Included In A Standard Home Inspection?
No, in most cases. A standard home inspection usually covers all the basics like the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC system, and the general condition of the home.
But radon testing? That’s usually extra.
You’ll have to request it separately, and it usually comes with a small additional fee. It can cost somewhere in the $100 – $200 range.
That might sound like just another expense when you’re already spending a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s nothing compared to what it could cost if you skip it and find out later that you’ve got a radon problem on your hands.
Also Read: How Much Does A Radon Test Cost?
Should I Get A Radon Test With Home Inspection?
Yes, you should definitely get a radon test with a home inspection.
Here’s why: radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil. It seeps up from the ground and can sneak into your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps in flooring, and even tiny openings around pipes.
You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t taste it.
The only way to know it’s there is to test for it.
And it’s not just some “maybe” problem – radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right after smoking.
That’s not something you want to find out after moving in, especially if it could’ve been handled ahead of time with a simple test.
Reasons To Get Radon Test With Home Inspection
You’ve already got the inspector coming out to check the house from top to bottom. This is the perfect time to just go ahead and get the radon test done, too. Why wait?
Let’s look at a few solid reasons to go for it:
#1 It’s Easier And Cheaper
If you’re already paying for a full home inspection, adding a radon test is super simple.
The inspector is already there, the equipment’s ready, and it usually only takes a few extra days to get the results. No need to bring someone else out later, schedule a second visit, or juggle extra appointments.
And cost-wise, it’s a small bump compared to the thousands you’re already spending during the buying process, it barely makes a dent.
But skipping it could end up costing you way more in the long run if high radon levels pop up.
#2 You’ll Know Before Buying
The best part about testing during the home inspection? You get the info before you buy.
That means you won’t be blindsided later on with a radon problem after the deal is sealed. If the levels come back high, you can stop and figure out your next move before you’re locked into anything.
It’s a chance to make a fully informed decision. You’ll have the data in hand, and you can decide if you want to move forward.
Also Read: Can You Be In The House During A Radon Test?
#3 You Can Negotiate Repairs
If the test shows high radon levels, it’s fixable. And better yet, you can use that info as a bargaining chip. This is your moment to talk to the seller and ask them to handle the mitigation or knock a bit off the asking price to cover the cost.
It’s way easier to negotiate repairs like this before you close.
Once the keys are in your hand, the problem (and the bill) becomes yours.
So use this opportunity to protect your investment and maybe even save a little cash.
#4 Peace Of Mind
At the end of the day, knowing your new home is safe feels really good. You don’t want to be constantly wondering if something dangerous is floating around in the air.
Radon might be invisible, but once you test for it, it’s either a non-issue or something you can take care of.
Either way, you’ll sleep better knowing the air in your home is safe for you and your family.
And if you ever decide to sell down the road, having that radon test done ahead of time is a nice little bonus for future buyers, too. Total win-win.
Also Read: Types Of Home Inspections
What Happens If The Radon Level Is High?
A radon mitigation system is usually the answer.
These systems pull radon from beneath the house and vent it safely outside, usually with a pipe and fan setup. It’s not invasive and doesn’t require tearing your whole place apart.
Most systems cost between $800 and $1,500 depending on the size and layout of the house.
Again, not cheap, but way better than leaving it alone.
And if you catch the issue before buying, you can ask the seller to pay for it, split the cost, or lower the price of the home.
Also, after mitigation, you’ll want to test again just to make sure levels have dropped. Some people even install continuous radon monitors just for peace of mind, but that’s optional.
Bottom Line
Yes, you should get a radon test with your home inspection. It’s quick, it’s affordable, and it could uncover a serious issue before you’re stuck with it.
Even if everything comes back fine, it’s worth the peace of mind. Radon testing isn’t automatically included in most home inspections, so be sure to ask for it.
You’re already investing a lot into this house, and adding one extra test can help you breathe easier, literally and figuratively.
