To Request a Home Inspection Call 817-442-9100
Office: 817-442-9100
Cell:817-797-2067
Stephen Ferguson
Professional Inspector TREC #7807
Radon Inspections
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes and buildings all over America. The EPA
believes radon can cause some kinds of cancer and lung illness. It comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. A human cannot taste, smell, touch or
feel radon. Typically, radon moves through the ground to the air above and into you home through cracks
and other holes in the foundation. In some cases, your home/building can retain/trap radon. It doesn‘t
matter where you live. Any home/building can have radon in it--whether it is new or old, drafty or caulked
tight as a drum. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at
home because this is where most of your time is spent (sleeping, eating, etc.). Nearly 1 out of every 15
homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels.For more information about radon, see our
Radon Resource Page.
If the home has not yet been tested for radon....
It is probably a good idea to consider a radon test whether you are buying or selling a home. Chances are if your company
relocates you, they will want a radon test performed on your home. Having a radon test is an inexpensive price to pay to ensure
your home/building is safe for you and your family.
What should I do if they find elevated radon levels?
The EPA recommends that you take action to reduce your home's indoor levels if your radon test results is
4pCi/L or higher. If you are selling your home, it is suggested that you have these levels reduced prior to
listing it. However, if elevated levels are found during the real estate transaction, the buyer and seller
should discuss the timing and costs of the radon reduction, as with any aspect discovered during due
diligence.
The cost to correct high radon levels depends on how you home was built and other factors. Most homes
can be fixed for about the same costs as other common home repairs, like replacing rotten wood or
replacing a water heater. The average cost for a Qualified Radon Mitigation Professional to lower radon
levels in a home is about $1200, although this can range form $500 to about $2500.
Okay…I want my house or building tested for radon…what happens now?
The first step is to contact Four Peaks. Following EPA standards, please note that you will be required to keep your windows and
doors closed (except for normal entry and exit) for a time period of at least 12 hours prior to the placement of the Continuous
Radon Monitor (CRM). A CRM measures the radon levels continuously every hour on the hour during a test. The EPA suggests
that a radon test be conducted anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. Typically, Four Peaks tests radon levels for a period of 48-72
hours. During the test, all windows and doors must be kept closed except for normal entry and exit of doors. Signs are posted at
all exterior doors and tamper resistant tape is placed on wall windows. The CRM is placed on a table approximately 3-4 feet
above the floor near the center of the house. Also, it must be placed at the lowest living space. Typically in Arizona,
houses/buildings are built on slabs but in some cases there is a basement. In which case, the CRM will need to be placed in the
basement. The CRM cannot be touched, moved or disturbed in any way or the test is null and void. Additional considerations are
discussed with the testing specialist at the time of the CRM placement.
[Back]
Office: 817-442-9100
Cell:817-797-2067
Stephen Ferguson
Professional Inspector TREC #7807
Radon Inspections
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes and buildings all over America. The EPA
believes radon can cause some kinds of cancer and lung illness. It comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. A human cannot taste, smell, touch or
feel radon. Typically, radon moves through the ground to the air above and into you home through cracks
and other holes in the foundation. In some cases, your home/building can retain/trap radon. It doesn‘t
matter where you live. Any home/building can have radon in it--whether it is new or old, drafty or caulked
tight as a drum. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at
home because this is where most of your time is spent (sleeping, eating, etc.). Nearly 1 out of every 15
homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels.For more information about radon, see our
Radon Resource Page.
If the home has not yet been tested for radon....
It is probably a good idea to consider a radon test whether you are buying or selling a home. Chances are if your company
relocates you, they will want a radon test performed on your home. Having a radon test is an inexpensive price to pay to ensure
your home/building is safe for you and your family.
What should I do if they find elevated radon levels?
The EPA recommends that you take action to reduce your home's indoor levels if your radon test results is
4pCi/L or higher. If you are selling your home, it is suggested that you have these levels reduced prior to
listing it. However, if elevated levels are found during the real estate transaction, the buyer and seller
should discuss the timing and costs of the radon reduction, as with any aspect discovered during due
diligence.
The cost to correct high radon levels depends on how you home was built and other factors. Most homes
can be fixed for about the same costs as other common home repairs, like replacing rotten wood or
replacing a water heater. The average cost for a Qualified Radon Mitigation Professional to lower radon
levels in a home is about $1200, although this can range form $500 to about $2500.
Okay…I want my house or building tested for radon…what happens now?
The first step is to contact Four Peaks. Following EPA standards, please note that you will be required to keep your windows and
doors closed (except for normal entry and exit) for a time period of at least 12 hours prior to the placement of the Continuous
Radon Monitor (CRM). A CRM measures the radon levels continuously every hour on the hour during a test. The EPA suggests
that a radon test be conducted anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. Typically, Four Peaks tests radon levels for a period of 48-72
hours. During the test, all windows and doors must be kept closed except for normal entry and exit of doors. Signs are posted at
all exterior doors and tamper resistant tape is placed on wall windows. The CRM is placed on a table approximately 3-4 feet
above the floor near the center of the house. Also, it must be placed at the lowest living space. Typically in Arizona,
houses/buildings are built on slabs but in some cases there is a basement. In which case, the CRM will need to be placed in the
basement. The CRM cannot be touched, moved or disturbed in any way or the test is null and void. Additional considerations are
discussed with the testing specialist at the time of the CRM placement.
[Back]