Radon Air Testing

Maida NH & MA Home Inspection Services performs Radon Air Testing (at additional cost) in conjunction with any commercial, NH or MA home inspection. We use an EPA/RMP certified radon laboratory and EPA approved radon testing devices.

Radon levels do vary depending on geographical location, as well as house to house. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. The highest concentration of radon will typically be found in the level of the home closest to the ground. Usually, the radon concentration decreases at each successive level above the basement unless, you have excessive radon in your water. Since radon is a colorless and odorless gas, testing is the only way to find out radon levels.

Some hardware stores (and other retailers) do offer "do-it-yourself" Radon Air test kits. If you choose to purchase a radon air test kit like this, be aware that you may need to purchase two to be a comparable test - many are sold with only one canister or vial, like the one pictured on the right. Another consideration should be that buyers who are in the process of purchasing a home, are usually limited by a certain number of days to receive MA & NH home inspection reports before they have to sign a final contract. Buyer's usually need their radon air test results during that time frame. Sometimes, it is not advisable to purchase a do-it-yourself radon air test to perform this test yourself - your test results may not come back in a timely fashion.

The EPA recommends testing all homes; even new construction that has been built with radon-resistant features.

To ensure the quality of Radon Air Test results for your NH or MA home inspection, the home should be closed up 12 hours before, and, for the duration of the radon air test. (Click here to see complete instructions.) Our regular $85.00 fee includes a two canister radon air test (EPA protocol), being placed by the inspector on the day of the NH or MA home inspection and, we provide a postage paid priority mailer. We ask that either you or someone you designate (someone that has access to the property), return to the property two days later, seal the canisters and bring them in to a postal clerk. We include processing, analysis, report, etc. Test results are usually available within 5 days and we provide our clients with serial numbers to access their Radon Air Test results on-line.

If you are a home buyer that has a scheduled home inspection with us, and, you are debating Radon Air Testing during your NH or MA home inspection because you don't think you have enough time to get results, Maida Home NH & MA Home Inspection Services offers our clients three suggestions to help expedite results depending on their needs. When canisters are placed on the day of the inspection by the inspector:

1. On the day the canisters are scheduled to be sealed and picked up, you could hand deliver the Radon Air Test to the Laboratory. (This is usually the best option.)
2. The day the canisters are sealed, you could use an currier you are comfortable with to "overnight" mail the radon canisters to the Laboratory, instead of using the provided priority mailer. (You would be responsible for the additional charges from the currier.)
3. Alternatively, if the above options still do not accommodate your time frame, you should contact an accredited Laboratory that offers radon air testing, and perform this test in advance of your MA or NH home inspection to meet your deadlines. (You would be responsible for ensuring protocols, mailing/delivering Radon Air canisters to the Laboratory and any associated fees.)

In any case above, make sure the canisters are properly sealed and all information on the accompanying form is complete at the end of the test. (Our Laboratory will not analyze canisters without complete information.) Take care in following protocols to ensure accurate test results.