Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction - Contractors

Overview - Introduction - Contractors - Radon Reduction Techniques - Meeting Requirements - Radon Reduction System - Radon in Water

EPA recommends that you have a qualified contractor fix your home because lowering high radon levels requires specific technical knowledge and special skills. Without the proper equipment or technical knowledge, you could actually increase your radon level or create other potential hazards. But, if you decide to do the work yourself, get information on appropriate training courses and copies of EPA's technical guidance documents from your state radon office.

Why Use A State-Certified And/Or RPP Contractor?

EPA recommends that you use a contractor trained to fix radon problems. The radon mitigation contractor portion of EPA's National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) requires contractors to take training courses and pass an exam before being listed as proficient. EPA maintains a list of radon contractors who meet RPP requirements. RPP mitigation contractors carry a current RPP photo identification card and all RPP contractors are required to follow EPA standards to make sure that their work meets minimum quality standards. A number of states have their own contractor certification programs which have additional requirements. Check with your state radon office to see if the contractor you are considering is state certified and/or RPP listed.

How To Select A Contractor

Get Estimates

Choose a contractor to fix a radon problem just as you would choose someone to do other home repairs. It is wise to get more than one estimate, to ask for references, and to contact some of those references to ask if they are satisfied with the contractors' work. Also, ask your county or state consumer protection office for information about the contractors.

Use this check-list when evaluating and comparing contractors and ask the following questions:

Compare the contractors' proposed costs and consider what you will get for your money. Take into account the following: a system that is less expensive to install may have higher operating and maintenance costs than a system that is more expensive to install; the best system for your house may be the more expensive option; and the quality of the building material will affect how long the system lasts.

Do the contractors' proposals and estimates include:

The Contract

Ask the contractor to prepare a contract before any work starts. Carefully read the contract before you sign it. Make sure everything in the contract matches the original proposal. The contract should describe exactly what work will be done prior to and during the installation of the system, what the system consists of, and how the system will operate. Carefully consider optional additions to your contract which may add to the initial cost of the system, but may be worth the extra expense. Typical options might include a guarantee that the contractor will adjust or modify the system to reach the promised radon level, or an extended warranty and/or a service plan.

Important information that should appear in the contract includes:

• The total cost of the job, including all taxes and permit fees; how much, if any, is required for a deposit; and when payment is due in full.
  
• The time needed to complete the work.
  
• An agreement by the contractor to obtain necessary licenses and follow required building codes.
  
• A statement that the contractor carries liability insurance and is bonded and insured to protect you in case of injury to persons, or damage to property, while the work is done.
  
• A guarantee that the contractor will be responsible for damage and clean-up after the job.
  
• Details of warranties, guarantees, or other optional features, including the acceptable resulting radon level.
  
• A declaration stating whether any warranties or guarantees are transferable if you sell your home.
  
• A description of what the contractor expects the homeowner to do (e.g., make the work area accessible) before work begins.
  

What to Look for in a Radon Reduction System

In selecting a radon reduction method for your home, you and your contractor should consider several things, including: how high your initial radon level is, the costs of installation and system operation, your house size and your foundation type.

Installation and Operating Costs

For most homes, radon reduction measures are no more expensive than having a new hot water heater installed or having the house painted. The cost of a contractor fixing a home generally ranges from $500 to $2500, depending on the characteristics of the house and choice of radon reduction methods.

Most types of radon reduction systems cause some loss of heated or air conditioned air, which could increase your utility bills. How much your utility bills will be affected depends on the climate you live in, what kind of reduction system you select, and how your house is built. Systems that use fans are more effective in reducing radon levels; however, they will increase your electric bill. The table below lists the installation and average operating costs for different radon reduction systems and describes the best use of each method.

How a Radon Reduction System May Affect Your Home

In order to minimize the effect of installing a radon reduction system in your house, ask your contractor before any work starts how the system can be made to blend with its surroundings. For instance: radon vent pipes may be encased with materials that match the exterior of your house, or the pipes may be routed up through closets.

Overview - Introduction - Contractors - Radon Reduction Techniques - Meeting Requirements - Radon Reduction System - Radon in Water

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