Buying a Home at Lake Tahoe? What You Need to Know About Radon

Since Tom knows a great time to install Radon mitigation is at the start, he already has a plan for our Radon mitigation system. Renny our Radon Robot gives Tom thumbs up for his smart choice.

Buying a Home? Test for Radon

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most of us ever make, and at Lake Tahoe there is an extra factor to keep in mind: Radon. Because our region has naturally high Radon potential, it is important for home buyers to understand how Radon testing works, what the EPA recommends, and how to make sure a home is safe before completing a purchase. This page introduces the key points every Tahoe home buyer should know.

If you are buying a home, the EPA recommends knowing the indoor Radon level of any property you are considering. We followed this advice when purchasing our own home. We asked our real estate agent to request a Radon test from the sellers. At first, we discovered that we needed to educate both the agents and the seller about Radon testing, but once everyone understood how simple and inexpensive testing is, the seller agreed. The results gave us peace of mind.

The EPA also advises that if you are buying a home that already has a Radon-reduction system, you should ask the seller for any available information about the system and past Radon levels. This helps you understand how well the system has been maintained and whether it is functioning properly.

For real estate transactions, the EPA recommends short-term Radon testing options. These tests provide results quickly, which helps buyers and sellers move forward without unnecessary delays.

Building a Home?

If you are having a new home built, the EPA recommends incorporating Radon-resistant construction features during the building process. Adding these features early is usually easier and more cost-effective than retrofitting a system later. We will cover these construction details in a later section of this guide.

Why Radon Awareness Matters When Buying a Home

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through the soil. Because Lake Tahoe sits on granite-rich terrain, Radon levels can vary widely from one neighborhood to another. Testing is the only way to know whether a home has elevated Radon levels. Whether you are buying your first home, a vacation cabin, or an investment property, Radon testing is a smart step toward protecting your health and your investment.

Find Out More: About This Radon at Tahoe Series

This page is part of our Radon at Tahoe series, created to help homeowners and home buyers understand Radon risks and what can be done to reduce them. Radon is a serious issue not only at Lake Tahoe but in many regions across the country. For more information about Radon and what you can do to mitigate the risk, continue reading our Radon at Tahoe series. These pages are provided to help you live more healthfully at Lake Tahoe and beyond. On each page, you can view more by clicking on one of the navigation links below.

Navigation: More Radon Information