Everything About Getting a Radon Inspection: Cost Factors and Breakdown
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A professional radon inspection can determine whether a home has elevated levels of harmful radon gas. Radon inspection costs from $146 to $716, with many homeowners spending $420 on average.
Highlights
- Most radon inspection costs range from $146 to $716, though a typical average is $420.
- Homeowners anticipating the cost of a radon inspection will need to consider factors such as the home size, region, type of inspection, mitigation systems, and more.
- Radon inspections are important for homeowners to ensure the health and safety of the home’s occupants, especially in regions with higher-than-average radon levels, which can cause radon poisoning and even cancer.
- DIY test kits are available, but they are not reliable enough for homeowners to adequately determine an effective mitigation method, which is why it’s important to have a professional inspection conducted.
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Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, is a naturally occurring radioactive element that can seep into homes from contaminated ground. With health risks such as lung cancer associated with radon exposure, radon testing has become an important part of home safety inspections. How much does a radon inspection cost? According to HomeAdvisor, a radon inspection ranges from $146 to $716, with many homeowners spending $420 on average. The overall cost can vary depending on location, property size, and testing method. It’s also worth noting that there can be additional expenses if elevated radon levels are detected, which can result in the need for the installation of radon mitigation systems.
Homeowners can use various approaches to discover the radon levels in their homes, ranging from a home radon test kit to a professional radon detector. While the average cost of a radon inspection may seem expensive to some homeowners, the safety of the home’s occupants may be a top priority, since radon poisoning is a serious concern. Exposure to high levels of radon over a long period can have detrimental health effects, and taking the necessary steps to ensure safe radon levels in the home is a worthwhile investment.
What is radon?
The answer to “ What is radon gas?” is that it’s a radioactive gas that is naturally released from some areas of the ground where uranium may exist. It is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it virtually undetectable without proper testing. Originating from the decay of uranium in soil, rocks, and water, radon can infiltrate homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps in the walls, or through water sources, accumulating in enclosed spaces such as basements and lower levels of a home. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels has been linked to serious health issues, including an increased risk of lung cancer.
“Radon, often referred to as the silent killer, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in the environment,” explains Insoo Park, CEO and founder of Ecosense, a San Jose, California-based manufacturer of radon monitoring systems. “It emerges as a byproduct of the decay of uranium in soil and rocks, making it ubiquitous in various geographical locations. While the main source of indoor radon gas infiltration is from soil into buildings, radon doesn’t discriminate based on building characteristics—it can be found in any type of building, regardless of its age, insulation, or foundation type, unlike other environmental factors.”
Factors in Calculating Radon Inspection Cost
The cost of a radon inspection is influenced by home size, test type, region, travel fees, radon mitigation system installation, and any bundling of the radon inspection with a home inspection. The national average price of $420 is a good starting point, but local costs can vary due to the following factors.
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Home Size
Larger homes usually require more than one of the best radon test kits and longer testing durations, which contribute to an increase in the overall cost. Radon testing is often conducted on a per-square-foot basis. Larger homes may also have more complex layouts, which can affect the testing process and timing. When estimating radon inspection costs, homeowners will want to consider the square footage of their home since this directly correlates with the number of testing materials and time needed for an accurate reading. Using multiple kits can increase the final price by $30 to $300, depending on the house and the radon inspector.
Test Type
The type of radon test used affects the overall price of the inspection. Various testing methods, including in-water tests, long-term or short-term tests, offer varying levels of accuracy and duration. The differences affect not only the inspection cost but also the amount of time the testing takes. Each type of test can cost between $10 and $350, but professional inspection and testing can go as high as $716.
Region
Radon inspection costs can vary based on regional factors, including current testing demands, local regulations, and the prevalence of radon in the soil. Areas that are prone to elevated radon levels may experience a greater demand for radon testing services, which leads to higher prices.
Some regions may have specific regulations or requirements related to radon testing and mitigation, and compliance with these regulations may add to the overall inspection cost. Regions with higher concentrations of radon in the soil may require more frequent testing or more careful mitigation efforts, which can also influence what a homeowner will pay.
Travel Fees
The farther a radon inspector needs to travel to reach a property, the higher the potential travel fees. Longer distances may require more time and resources, which may be accounted for in the final cost. If the property is in a remote or difficult-to-reach location, an inspector may charge more to compensate for the additional effort.
In areas where certified radon professionals are scarce, homeowners may need to hire an inspector from a neighboring area, which means a trip fee is a likely bet. Some inspection companies can charge an additional $0.50 to $0.60 per mile.
Radon Mitigation System Installation
“If a home is found to have high radon levels, the next step is to implement mitigation measures,” explains Park. “This may involve installing radon ventilation systems or sealing foundation cracks to prevent radon entry. Hiring a qualified radon mitigation professional is crucial to determine the most effective solution tailored to the specific circumstances of the home.”
Not all homes require the same type of radon mitigation system. The radon levels, the construction of the house, and the local regulations can all influence the mitigation method. The type of system installed can also impact the overall cost of a radon mitigation system.
Type of Mitigation System | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
Active suction | $500 to $2,500 |
Basement sealing | $3,000 to $5,000 |
Depressurization (passive) | $500 to $2,500 |
Lower-level pressurization | $500 to $1,000 |
Ventilation (fan-assisted) | $800 to $2,500 |
Water treatment | $2,500 to $4,000 |
- Active suction. The active suction radon mitigation system, commonly known as a radon vent pipe or radon fan system, is a method that uses a fan to create a vacuum effect beneath the foundation of a home to prevent radon gas from entering. The system creates a suction point beneath the foundation and connects to a pipe that extends up through the roof, allowing the radon gas to be safely vented outside. Active suction mitigation may be used when other methods cannot lower the amount of radon in the home. This mitigation method can cost from $500 to $2,500.
- Basement sealing. In some instances, sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation can help to reduce radon levels in a home. The cost of radon inspection may increase when basement sealing is required since it involves additional labor and materials to identify potential entry points and perform the necessary sealing work. This method is not fully effective on its own, and it’s typically used with other radon mitigation methods. Basement sealing for radon mitigation ranges in cost from $3,000 to $5,000.
- Depressurization (passive). A common method, depressurization is used to reduce radon levels by adding a pipe to the slab or basement for ventilation. Passive systems don’t require a fan like active suction systems do, but they do rely on natural pressure to work effectively. The overall cost of $500 to $2,500 is lower than the cost of other methods since it doesn’t involve the installation of mechanical equipment.
- Lower-level pressurization. Lower-level pressurization uses a powerful fan in a basement or crawlspace to increase the pressure of a home’s lower levels so that the radon gas is forced out. This method is an excellent option for newer, airtight homes with basements, but it’s not suitable for homes with slab foundations or with a lot of air leaks. This method runs from $500 to $1,000 to install, and it doesn’t involve extensive modifications to the structure of a home.
- Ventilation (fan-assisted). Ventilation systems use fans to push air out of the home and draw fresh air in, diluting the concentration of radon inside the house. This method is effective in houses with moderate concentrations of radon and works best with some active depressurization methods too. Fan-assisted ventilation cost ranges from $800 to $2,500.
- Water treatment. Radon can also enter homes through the water supply. If this happens, a water treatment system is necessary to remove radon before it’s consumed or released into the air. A common purifying technique is air stripping, in which bubbles are pushed through the water to force the radon up and out of the water and vented outside. It’s important to note that these water treatment tanks will take up a considerable amount of space in a basement. Radon water mitigation can cost from $2,500 to $4,000.
Home Inspection Bundle
It’s common for many home inspectors to bundle the cost of a radon test with the overall cost of a standard home inspection. Hiring one of the best home inspection services can increase the cost by $90 to $250 when bundling with the radon inspection. Home inspectors are usually familiar with how to test for radon properly.
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Types of Radon Inspections
Radon inspection costs can vary depending on the type of testing method. There are a few types of radon inspections available, each with its own unique process and duration. Knowing how the various types of tests affect the price of a radon inspection can help homeowners budget for this home safety inspection.
Type of Radon Inspection | Average Cost |
In-water | $25 to $150 |
Long-term | $30 to $350 |
Professional inspection | $146 to $716 |
Short-term | $10 to $150 |
In-Water
This type of inspection is specific to homes with private wells that need to have the water supply tested for radon levels. An in-water inspection can cost anywhere from $25 to $150, depending on the area and the scope of the test, since it can be done by a pro on-site or with a homeowner’s sample sent away for lab testing.
Long-Term
Long-term inspections are conducted for a duration of 90 days to up to a year. These tests provide a more accurate representation of the radon level in a home over an extended period, which may be important since radon levels can vary depending on external temperatures. There are three types of long-term tests that homeowners can purchase: alpha track, continuous monitor, and electret radon monitor.
- Alpha track radon detector. As one of the most common long-term detectors, the alpha track radon detector is a passive testing device designed to measure the concentration of radon in homes. This type of detector uses a small piece of special plastic or film that is sensitive to the particles emitted by radon decay products. After the exposure period, the detector is sent to a lab for analysis. An alpha track radon detector can cost from $45 to $350.
- Continuous radon monitor. A continuous radon monitor is an electronic device designed to provide real-time, continuous measurements of radon gas levels. Unlike passive devices, which require a specific exposure period before analysis, continuous monitors offer immediate and ongoing data. This method is commonly used in both short-term and long-term testing scenarios. Continuous monitors can detect slight variations in radon levels that other tests may miss. Homeowners can expect to pay between $125 and $300 for a continuous radon monitor.
- Electret radon monitor. An electret radon monitor, or electret ion chamber, is a type of radon detection device that uses a permanently charged material called an electret to measure radon gas in the air. It’s considered a continuous monitoring device and provides ongoing measurements over time. These monitors are known for their accuracy and sensitivity, making them suitable for both short-term and long-term testing. Electret ion chamber monitors cost from $30 to $300.
Professional Inspection
A professional inspection for radon testing brings in the expertise of certified radon professionals to assess and measure radon levels in a home. This type of inspection is typically more comprehensive than DIY methods since it includes a thorough evaluation of potential entry points and considerations for the structure of the home. Trained and certified radon professionals conduct the inspection through a site assessment that identifies potential areas where radon can enter the home, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or other openings.
Understanding the property’s quirks and characteristics helps inspectors tailor the testing approach. After the testing period, the collected data is analyzed to determine the radon levels. The inspector will use that information to determine if radon mitigation measures are necessary. A professional radon inspection can cost from $146 to $716, with a national average cost of $420.
Short-Term
Short-term radon tests are radon detection methods that provide a rapid assessment of radon levels in indoor air over a brief period—usually from a few days to several weeks. These tests are designed to offer a quick snapshot of radon concentrations and are often used by homeowners or professionals to do initial screenings or to assess the need for more detailed testing. Radon professionals also use the alpha track and electret ion chamber devices for short-term testing.
- Charcoal canister radon test. A charcoal canister radon test is a type of short-term radon detection method that uses activated charcoal to absorb and measure radon gas levels. This passive testing device is designed to capture radon over a specific period, typically ranging from 2 to 7 days, providing a quick look at radon concentrations in a home. This cost-effective testing option ranges from $20 to $150.
- Liquid scintillation radon test. This method uses a liquid scintillation solution with activated charcoal to measure radon gas levels passively. The vial collects air samples and transfers them to a liquid scintillation solution that interacts with the radon decay particles. This process generates flashes of light, known as scintillation, and the scintillation intensity is directly related to the amount of radon in the sample. Light-sensitive equipment measures the intensity of scintillation, which shows the concentration results. This type of device costs from $20 to $150.
Do I need a radon inspection?
Radon is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is dangerous to a home’s occupants. With this in mind, homeowners may wonder if they need a radon inspection for their home. By understanding the risks associated with radon and the potential ways it can get into a home, homeowners can make an informed decision about whether to get an inspection.
Have you checked your home's radon levels lately?
Getting a radon inspection can be worth the cost. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from radon testing experts near you.