Radon test? Yes or no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get it. If it passes, great. If not, get the seller to remediate.

Only if it's part of the contract.

It has been a few years but my understanding is that in Maryland the house cannot be sold with radon levels beyond a certain point.

[Anonymous]

Or go to HD and buy one of the kits that cost $30.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it varies on the neighborhood and the construction. A house built in the 50's will not be as air tight so radon is less likely to be a problem but it could be.

Ok, this has nothing to do with anything. Nor does "radiation" as mentioned elsewhere.

Real estate agent here: Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally forming gas that causes cancer. It builds up under the slab of the house and can seep in depending on the varying levels of pressure keeping it down. Levels over 4.0 are generally considered 'too much', and there ARE areas where you see more of it than others in this area (esp out in Great Falls and that direction - closer to the mountains), though it can totally vary from house to house, as mentioned. The other issue is the cost to remediate it. It's generally pretty simple - and costs about $800 in most cases, so it's not a dealbreaker for a house purchase, rather something you simply want dealt with. There can be more complicated situations where you might need to systems, doubling that cost, but that's uncommon. Never seen it in Capitol Hill.

And all MoCo new build now requires radon remediation built in, whether it is there or not, because, well, it's Montgomery County, and they make people do some things that make no sense just because they can. They can go overboard there at times, despite being well-intentioned.

If you have no basement, it's also irrelevant for the most part.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax county is built on naturally occurring asbestos, so radon is an issue for the lower levels of the house. Any cracks in the foundation could bring the gas into your home.
I would stay away if I do not feel safe in the house

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it varies on the neighborhood and the construction. A house built in the 50's will not be as air tight so radon is less likely to be a problem but it could be.

Ok, this has nothing to do with anything. Nor does "radiation" as mentioned elsewhere.

Real estate agent here: Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally forming gas that causes cancer. It builds up under the slab of the house and can seep in depending on the varying levels of pressure keeping it down. Levels over 4.0 are generally considered 'too much', and there ARE areas where you see more of it than others in this area (esp out in Great Falls and that direction - closer to the mountains), though it can totally vary from house to house, as mentioned. The other issue is the cost to remediate it. It's generally pretty simple - and costs about $800 in most cases, so it's not a dealbreaker for a house purchase, rather something you simply want dealt with. There can be more complicated situations where you might need to systems, doubling that cost, but that's uncommon. Never seen it in Capitol Hill.

And all MoCo new build now requires radon remediation built in, whether it is there or not, because, well, it's Montgomery County, and they make people do some things that make no sense just because they can. They can go overboard there at times, despite being well-intentioned.

If you have no basement, it's also irrelevant for the most part.

Radon is radioactive. What about it did you think caused cancer? Mysterious miasma?

[Anonymous]

It's an easy test you can do yourself with a kit from Home Depot. But I would absolutely test.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure we got our kit from the city (DC) for free.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely - we had elevated levels in our silver spring house. I am so glad I tested! Believe radon is number one cause of lung cancer, after smoking.