Can I Perform my Own Radon Test?

When buying a home, every potential buyer knows the importance of having a Home Inspection performed.  There are several components that make up a home inspection report and, yes, a radon test is part of that curriculum.  However, here at From the Ground Up Inspections we have been questioned by many a potential homeowner about whether or not they can perform their own radon test as opposed to having our highly skilled professionals perform the task.

The answer to that question is quite simply, yes, you can do the testing yourself.  In order to accomplish this delicate task you will need to utilize two small canisters that you can open and leave set up inside the house for at minimum four days.  Your results will indeed be accurate, but will surely take a great deal longer to finalize.

There are several self-test kits that can be purchased, many of which are available at your local Home Depot, Lowes, or local hardware store.  When performing the test, let the canisters sit for at least four days, then close the canisters and send them off to an appropriate lab for testing along with the required lab fee.  Your test results will be available approximately one week following receipt of your test kit in the specific test lab.  In most cases, if you want or need your results sooner you can pay an additional fee to have the results expedited.

Here at From the Ground Up Inspections we want to provide our valued clients with important insight on how to properly and effectively perform a radon self-test.  Though we do perform the testing ourselves, we are here to answer any questions or address any concerns our valued clients may have with regard to performing their own home radon testing.

To begin with we recommend that you close all windows and doors 12 hours prior to starting your test.  Keep the doors and windows closed throughout the duration of the testing.  It is also important not to conduct your radon test if high winds or storm conditions are present since these weather conditions can affect your test results. 

Next, be certain to follow the self-test instructions provided and make note of the date and start time of the testing.   Place your test kit in a position above the floor where it will not be interrupted by humidity, extreme heat, cold drafts, or any other weather conditions.  Do not move or remove the test kit until the time provided in your instructions has lapsed.  Finally, upon completion of the test and test time make a record of the date and time of completion, reseal the testing device and immediately send it along to the appropriate lab for their analysis. 

Professional Services Deliver Maximum Results in Minimum Time

Since there are self-testing radon kits, people tend to ask why they should even consider using professionals to perform the testing.  The answer to this question is every bit as simple.  When performing your radon self-test, from start to finish, the entire process takes near to 14 days and can cost near to $150.00.  When contracting a professional to perform the radon testing for you, they use an electronic monitor that takes only 2 days to get results for a cost of about $100.00.  In addition, no testing devices are totally free of tampering.  

With a self-test kit, windows or doors can be opened during testing, which will affect accurate results and other not so ethical transactions on both the part of buyers and sellers can take place as well.  However, with an electronic monitor your results will be accurate since the monitor tracks all weather conditions, can sense when windows or doors are open, performs hourly radon readings, and can also detect if the machine has been moved for any reason.  

There are many accidental circumstances that can occur during a self-test which is why the professionals here at From the Ground Up Inspections highly recommend that buyers or sellers use the services of our licensed and certified home inspectors for their home radon testing.  Professional testing of any type when buying or selling a home is, by far, always the best road to take, and that surely includes your home radon testing as well.

Contact From the Ground Up Inspections
From the Ground Up Home Inspections always performs a thorough Home inspection, will clearly communicate their findings to you, along with providing you with a detailed report. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, From the Ground Up Inspections offers professional experience you can count on. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, contact From the Ground Up Inspections at (615) 351-1922. We look forward to helping you!


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