Radon Testing Options for Home Buyers

This prospective home buyer was happy to find a Radon testing device on the table when touring a home for sale. Of course, it's really Renny our series robot, providing some color and adding Tahoe spirit to the serious topic of Radon.

Request a New Test or Accept Prior Results

When you are buying a home, there is already a lot to think about, and Radon might not be the first thing on your mind. However, the EPA reminds home buyers that knowing a home's Radon level is an important part of making an informed decision. In the EPA's Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, they not only recommend testing, but also explain the different options a prospective buyer can consider when it comes to Radon testing and test results.

Of course, the EPA is going to recommend getting a Radon test from the home seller prior to purchasing a home. The interesting aspect of this recommendation is that the EPA provides guidance on how buyers can approach Radon testing during a real estate transaction, including what to do if the home has already been tested and when it might make sense to request a new test.

If the home has already been tested for Radon, is it a good idea to accept an earlier test result from the seller? Alternatively, should the buyer ask the seller for a new test conducted by a qualified Radon tester? These are really good questions to ask, especially in areas like Lake Tahoe where Radon levels can vary from one home to the next.

As usual, the answer leads to more questions, such as:

• What were the results of previous testing?
• Who conducted the previous test and what were their credentials?
• Was the test performed in the lowest part of the home, or the location where you will spend the most time?
• Has there been remodeling or any change in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning since the test?
• Since you can formally request a new radon test as part of your real estate transaction, it's a great idea.

These questions are all good things to consider, and there are more details in the EPA guide to help you decide whether to rely on an earlier test or request a new one. As a buyer, your goal is to feel confident that the Radon level in the home has been measured accurately and recently enough to reflect current conditions.

About This Radon at Tahoe Series

This series is provided to inform about Radon at Lake Tahoe and beyond, so you can make better decisions whether you are buying, selling, or simply living in your home. On each page, you can view more by clicking on one of the navigation links below and continue exploring practical ways to understand and manage Radon where you live.

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