A property inspection is essential whether you're buying or selling a home. Where does radon testing fit in to the picture?
Let's look first at considerations from a property seller's perspective. If your inspector or another qualified professional has recently tested your property for radon, the customer wants assurance the testing was done correctly. She may ask that testing be redone if certain conditions aren't met.
Did testing adhere to the EPA radon checklist or your state's protocol? Was testing done within the past 2 yrs? Maybe you have made any renovations on your property since testing was done? Does your prospective buyer want to call home in a basement or level below where testing was done?
She may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires the disclosure of radon information to buyers and that disclosure hasn't been made.
If you haven't yet had your property tested for radon, have it done as soon as possible. Test in the cheapest level of the home which can be regularly occupied. Test in an area such as a basement or playroom area if that area could possibly be employed by your buyer.
If you do the radon test yourself, carefully follow the testing protocol for your area or EPA's Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a company to try your property, you'll protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.
How do you look for a qualified professional to complete the testing? Ask your property inspector. Also, your state needs to have a company that deals with radon issues. They may have the ability to give you a list of testers in your area. Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered.
If your state doesn't regulate radon related services, ask your property inspector or perhaps a reliable contractor if he holds a license, or perhaps a proficiency or certification credential. Has he completed training in measuring radon and properly coping with radon issues? You may also want to get hold of the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors, or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Let's consider the other side of the coin. Imagine if you're purchasing a home? The EPA says if you are thinking about purchasing a home, you are able to choose to accept a youthful test result from the seller. Or you are able to ask the seller for a new test to be achieved by a qualified radon tester.
When you accept the seller's test results, ask several questions. What did previous tests show? Who did the actual testing? Where in your home was the previous testing done? Was it in the level in that you simply plan to call home? Have any changes been designed to the house since it had been tested? For instance, have there been any alterations to the heating and cooling systems?
If you accept the seller's test results, be certain the test complied with the EPA checklist or relevant state protocols. If you believe a new test is required, discuss it with the seller as soon as possible. If you choose to use a qualified radon tester to own it retested yourself, contact your state radon office for a copy of these approved listing of radon testing individuals and companies.
If the seller hasn't had the house tested, ask so it be achieved as soon as possible. Consider including radon testing provisions in the contract. Note where in your home the testing is going to be done and who can do the testing. Also note the sort of test to be achieved and when it is going to be done. How will the seller and buyer share the test results? Who pays for the expense of testing?
You'll want to be sure radon testing is done on the level you would like to occupy, whether it's the very first floor or basement area. If you choose to finish or renovate an unfinished area after you buy the house, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and again following the project is finished. Generally, it's less costly to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations as opposed to afterward.
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