Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a radon mitigation system cost?

Systems will range in price from a simple installation to a complex installation. There is no set given price for every home or property since the majority of them are unique! Mass Radon prefers to visit the property for a quick and free evaluation before giving a quote. By doing this, we can give you a more accurate quote for what it will cost instead of just a guesstimate over the phone like other companies do. Phone quotes that are given out from other companies are typically for a basic installation and could or will carry extra charges for anything else. How could they know ALL of the potential issues without visiting the property? Wouldn't you prefer to know what those charges are going to be up front, before you sign a contract and have someone there to do the work?

Always compare Apples to Apples on quotes from different companies.

Mass Radon will include electric power to the radon fan by a LICENSED electrician. It is illegal for a “radon guy” to wire the radon fan! This can easily be verified by any town’s wiring inspector. Ask any other companies providing you a quote “who is doing the electric power?” What they probably will not tell you is, you should hire an electrician to bring it up to code. You as the homeowner are responsible! Consider this additional expense when comparing quotes or estimates.

How long does it take to get the results of a radon test?

DIY kits need to be placed and activated for a minimum of 48 hours, (48-96 hour exposure time) then sent to a lab to be analyzed, the results are typically emailed back, posted online or sent back in the mail. Typically 3-7 days from beginning the test, but it must be mailed quickly. Mass Radon provides a prepaid mailer for every post mitigation test to make it quick and simple. Some companies will just provide the test kit. Mass Radon does not do any testing in order to avoid any conflicts of interest.

DIY kits need to be placed and activated for a minimum of 48 hours, (48-96 hour exposure time) then sent to a lab to be analyzed, the results are typically emailed back, posted online or sent back in the mail. Typically 3-7 days from beginning the test, but it must be mailed quickly. Mass Radon provides a prepaid mailer for every post mitigation test to make it quick and simple. Some companies will just provide the test kit. Mass Radon does not do any testing in order to avoid any conflicts of interest.

A professional certified tester using a continuous monitor should be able to provide the results immediately after testing is completed.

Do radon mitigation system installers typically provide a written contract before the job begins?

YES Mass Radon will provide a written contract before any work begins. This allows the customer a chance to review it and know exactly what’s included with the system to be installed. Mass Radon doesn’t fool around with phony discounts and/or hiding potential extra charges in the fine print. Mass Radon will also include a copy of our insurance with every quote so there’s no need to ask for it.

As per Massachusetts code, All contractors, partnerships, and corporations that solicit, bid on, or perform residential contracting as a contractor or subcontractor on an existing one to four unit owner occupied residential property in Massachusetts must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC).

How long does it typically take to install a typical radon mitigation system?

Mass Radon routinely completes installations within 2-4 hours on residential properties. The total amount of time will certainly depend on the property being installed, conditions, options and/or preferences of the owner.

Mass Radon can also give you a fairly accurate estimate on how long it will take because we actually evaluated the property during the quote process. Every house is unique and so are the preferences of the customers we work with. Some installations are simple and direct while others can be more involved and more complex.

Will sealing all cracks and holes in my basement floor and walls help to reduce radon levels?

Sealing alone will not typically work. We have tried this on marginal properties in the 3.5 - 4.3 pCi/L range because of customer’s requests and it has never been successful. BUT, sealing the cracks and holes are part of a successful radon mitigation system. Mass Radon will seal as much as we have access to, unlike some others which will only seal up to 10ft away from the suction point. Why leave ANYTHING “on the table”?

 

 

How accurate are do-it-yourself (DIY) radon test kits?

DIY kits are accurate to a degree but a professional continuous monitor machine which has been regularly calibrated and used by a professional certified tester is the most accurate.

Is a home inspector allowed to perform a radon inspection?

Many home inspectors are certified to do radon testing but many are not. It is recommended to use a certified radon tester since they will have the education to do it properly.

When do I need to take action about radon levels in my home?

The EPA suggests taking action to mitigate at 4.0 pCi/L and recommends it at 2.0 pCi/L and above. Actually any elevated reading after testing at or above 1.5 pCi/L should warrant concern as levels fluctuate throughout the day and especially change when there are colder tempetures outside.

 

Newer homes are less likely to have high concentrations of radon.

False, The age of the home will have nothing to do with concentrations of radon! Although many new homes are constructed using RRNC (Radon Resistant New Construction) protocols, this does not equal every new home will have lower concentrations. If done properly, these protocols are designed to reduce concentrations of radon in the home. The home should still be tested.

Radon is only a problem in certain regions of the United States.

False, This is just plain False!

Should my water be tested for radon?

Yes, Private well water should be properly tested for radon.

Hire a AARST-NRPP Certified Radon Professional Mitigator