I want to test for radon in my basement. I can buy a test which will cost $40 and do it myself or I can have an inspector come for $125-200. Seems like a no brainer, but I wondered if anyone has any knowledge or experience in this area. The self test said it was for 12 hours, but I know testing companies can do tests for 48 hours to a month. Is there can advantage to the professional test? And longer time frame? Are self test dummy-proof and reliable? Are the labs reliable?
I am leaning toward a professional test, since if I need remediation, I would likely want them to restest anyway. Thoughts?
Thanks, this is really helpful. I will look for a home test that is long enough - maybe I even misread the one I saw. I will test at home since the consensus seems to be these are accurate. I actually had a home inspector tell me that too once, but I was a little put out about spending so much on a home test and having any doubts.
I have owned 4 homes, and twice had dangerous level of radon (discovered only when we sold). we built our current home, and it is roughed in for a remediation system. I want to test and see if we need to finish the system or if don't need ot worry in the immediate future.
A local expert who taught a class in my area recommended getting the inexpensive test from Home Depot first.
I think if the short, cheaper test shows anything, I would then go for the professional testing.
I'm a Realtor and I have NO problem with the self home tests as LONG as they are testing for at least 48 hours. Lower than that you are NOT going to get an accurate reading. --- Also, you can have sky high radon and your next door neighbor can have absolutely none, so don't put too much stock into that. If you'd like to talk to an expert simply call ###-###-#### and ask Amanda if you can speak to Dan or Jim. They would be happy to consult with you. The GOOD news is there are a lot of companies that do remediation for onlyl around 700-800, so don't get ripped off!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
We did the "home depot" tests that you mail out to a lab. You're supposed to place them in multiple locations around the basement and/or house to get an accurate reading or idea about the radon level. We did the tests an additional time because the test came back high and it was high again. When we contacted a company to come out because of the high levels they did their own test to verify the high reading and it was still high. I think that if you think/know it's high go ahead and call a company because they're going to do it anyway, but if not then don't waste the money since the home tests are accurate. We had to pay a small fortune to have the radon cleared from the house and if it's high you want to make sure, so doing it multiple times on a high reading is going to be a good idea anyway.
I guess it depends how likely it is that you'll have high levels. Do all your neighbors have radon and need abatement systems? If so, it's likely that you do too and you may as well go straight to the pros.
If there is no history of radon in your immediate area and you are doing it for peace of mind, the self tests are really easy - the hardest thing is that you need to keep all the doors closed for at least 12 hours. I usually do the test when we are going to be away for the day so it tests for longer than the minimum 12 hours. If the house is closed up (people aren't in and out all day disrupting the test), you put the test in the basement like you are supposed to, the self test should be accurate.
Hi, S.M.
Have you talked to your local Fire Department Chief?
Just a thought.
D.
We bought a home DIY test at a local home show for $20. We had to put it in the first level of the house for 48 hours, then send it in with a filled out card. They emailed the results to me within 2 weeks (our levels were normal). If the test is only 12 hours, I'd say look for one that takes a little longer.
We ordered the home test online and did it ourselves for 48 hours. It gave us an accurate, dangerously high reading which was confirmed by the radon remediation company. I'd recommend testing, whatever you do. We found out that it had caused lung cancer in both of our cats. Remediation system didn't cost much, I think $900 which seemed like pennies to clean our air. Good luck, and do it soon if you think you might have a problem.
