Home renovation and remodeling projects, many times initiated by choice not necessity, are often started in the spring. Restorations frequently are urgent and necessary due to damage from water, fire or mold or structural issues. These 3 Rs all have another R in common, Radon. Whatever the reason for a major home improvement project, when planning a home renovation, remodeling or restoration it’s time to test for radon.
Test Before Your Home Project
According to the EPA, “If you are planning any major structural renovation, such as converting an unfinished basement area into living space, it is especially important to test the area for radon before you begin the renovation. If your test results indicate a radon problem, radon-resistant (often called radon ready new construction or RRNC) techniques can be inexpensively included as part of the renovation.”
You can perform the radon test yourself or find a radon testing professional. Regardless of the test result, some experts recommend installing a RRNC system as a prevention measure (and because you can take advantage of the cost savings).
Test After Your Home Project
Even if you tested your home prior to your home improvement or restoration project and the radon test result was below the 4.0 pCi/L level at which the EPA recommends fixing, you will want to test again because the work done in your home might have changed factors that could affect radon levels.
If you had a RRNC system installed during the project, you will want to test again to make sure the radon has been reduced to below the recommended 4.0 pCi/L level.
