05/08/2026
Lets's Talk Radon😦-
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes naturally from the soil and rock beneath a home. It can enter through foundation cracks, crawl spaces, basements, sump pits, floor drains, utility openings, and other small gaps around the home.
You can’t see it.🫣
You can’t smell it.🤧
You can’t taste it.🫢
The only way to know if a home has elevated radon levels is to TEST!
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is one of those hidden hazards that many buyers don’t think about until after they already own the home. Long term exposure can be dangerous, especially when radon levels are high and go undetected for years.
Radon is usually found in the lowest levels of the home, such as basements and crawl spaces, because that’s where it enters from the ground. However, it can still move through the home through air movement, HVAC systems, stairways, and ventilation.
‼️Another important thing to know, radon levels can vary from house to house. Your neighbor’s home could test low while the home next door tests high. Soil conditions, foundation type, cracks, and airflow all play a role.
This is why radon testing during a home inspection is so important.
A radon test is a simple, proactive step that typically takes 48 hours and gives buyers important information before closing. If the home tests at or above the recommended action level, buyers may have the opportunity to negotiate a mitigation system with the seller before moving in.
Mitigation can be expensive. ($10,000 and up!)
Testing is simple. ($200-$300)
Peace of mind is priceless!
At Contreras Home Inspections, we offer radon testing to help you better understand the home you’re buying and protect the people who will be living in it.