Buying a home can be an exciting and often stressful time, especially for first time homebuyers. Unfortunately, regardless of how nice a home appears, it is not exempt from radon issues. Radon problems can be present in homes of all ages, sizes, and designs. As such, to ensure the safety of your family, it is important to have a home tested for radon during point of sale.

Though radon testing is not included in standard home inspections, it is still highly encouraged and can be requested. If a home tests at or above 4 pCi/L, this provides you as a buyer with negotiating power to request the seller install an appropriate radon mitigation system to reduce radon concentrations to safe livable levels.

While there are no federal or state laws requiring sellers have their home tested for radon prior to putting it on the market, most states—including Colorado—require any previous radon testing results be disclosed to prospective buyers. It is also highly advised by both the EPA and Surgeon General that it be tested prior to listing.

Testing your home for radon prior to listing provides many benefits to a seller, most significantly being accurate insight into current radon conditions. Having current test results allows you to proactively address any radon issues, resulting in an easier sale and better relationship with any potential buyers.