Three Things You Need To Know About Buying A Home With Radon

After hours of looking at home after home, you have found your dream house. However, a radon test shows that there is radon on the premises. Multiple questions come to mind. Should you still purchase the home? Does radon make the home a bad investment? Read on to learn what you need to know about purchasing a home with radon.

1. The Presence of Radon is Fixable

First the good news: you can fix a home that has a high radon content. To reduce the concentration of radon in the home, a radon mitigation system needs to be installed.

However, it is important to understand a little bit about radon. You cannot completely eradicate radon from a property; the radon enters the home from the soil beneath the foundation of a home. Instead, the radon mitigation system has to stop the flow of radon into your home. While the radon will still be found in your soil, the radon mitigation system keeps it out of your home.

Your radon mitigation system uses a vacuum beneath your home to redirect the radon from your home into sealed pipes. The radon then enters the atmosphere via a fan that is above your home.

2. You Must Maintain Your Radon Mitigation System

Once you have a radon mitigation system in place, it is important to regularly maintain the system. Doing so maximizes the system's lifespan. Some items that you should complete on a regular basis are cleaning the system's vent, fixing any cracks in the unit, and replacing worn-out parts. If you are handy, you can complete some of these repairs yourself. Others prefer to have a professional handle maintenance.

It is essential that you check that your radon mitigation system is working as intended. To do so, you can use an at-home kit to test for radon in your home. Try to test for radon every year or so to make sure your system is fully functional.

3. A Radon Mitigation System Can be a Selling Point for Your Home

Once you install a radon mitigation system, it becomes part of your home. Radon mitigation systems are seen as a positive addition when selling your home. 

Radon levels can change over time. A home that is radon free at one point may not permanently remain radon free. During the winter months, radon levels are usually higher. If buyers are concerned about radon, having the system already in place should alleviate their concerns. 

If you've found a terrific home that has everything you need, don't let a positive radon test prevent you from purchasing the home. Instead, learn more about radon and what you can do to manage radon levels. By doing so, you ensure you are comfortable with purchasing a house that requires a radon mitigation system.