When a BK Home Inspections’ Certified Master Home Inspector does a radon test for our clients, we use an electronic radon testing device superior to others. Instead of getting one radon gas level reading of a 48 hour average, you get 48 radon gas level readings and a 48 hour average. The radon test reports hourly readings of radon, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Our radon testing home inspections unit also has a motion sensing device to deter tampering with the unit.
Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, and is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA’s 2008 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes. Radon gas is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.
Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. BK Home Inspections’ Master Home Inspector can test your home for radon gas levels.
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon gas level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your county. Contact your state radon office for information about radon in your area.
EPA Recommends:
- If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
- For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
- Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. A radon mitigation system costs $800 to $1200 on average.
- Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be reduced.
- Take steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon test.
Make sure that your Certified Home Inspector administers the radon test in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means the lowest level that you are going to use as living space which is finished or does not require renovations prior to use. A state or local radon official or qualified radon tester can help you make some of these decisions.
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If you decide to finish or renovate an unfinished area of the home in the future, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and after the project is finished. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations rather than afterwards. BK Home Inspections Certified Master Home Inspector, Bob, would be happy to talk with you about your radon test options. Contact us at 262-993-7755 or email bob@bkinspects.com.
Bob Beisbier, owner of BK Home Inspections, is a Certified Master Home Inspector who has been providing professional and thorough home inspections in southeast Wisconsin for over 12 years. Bob is Infrared certified, DILHR Certified, and provides Home Energy Tune-ups, Environmental Data Reports, Pre-sale Home Inspections and Pre-offer Home Inspections.
