Let’s assume for a moment that you’ve already tested your home for radon gas — if you have then excellent — and you discovered elevated levels. The next step is obvious, it’s time to seek a pro radon contractor and hire them to install a mitigation system.
The first thing you’ll want to do is become familiar with the various radon mitigation methods. Even if you don’t understand each process in full, it will provide you with the knowledge you need to assess what a pro radon contractor recommends. For instance, if they tell you that you’ll need either passive subslab suction or a drain-tile suction system you should probably ensure you’re somewhat familiar with the difference between the two.
We’re going to explore the different mitigation methods a bit later.
Obviously, before a contractor can come to your home, perform the necessary tests and walk you through the mitigation procedure – you need to hire one.
When you hire a certified pro radon contractor they will analyze your residence and help you decide the best method for radon gas reduction. Not only that, they will ensure the mitigation system is working properly – a luxury that DIY projects do not offer.
Why Hire a Pro Radon Contractor?
Image by SWAT Environmental
The EPA recommends that you hire a certified pro radon mitigation contractor for several reasons. Without the proper equipment and training, it is actually possible to increase radon levels thus putting any residents in your home at a greater risk.
Furthermore, because several methods can be used to reduce radon, a contractor will be able to help select the appropriate one for your home. It doesn’t just end after a system is put in place, however. In most cases, additional work is necessary. It may or may not require system tweaks or further installs depending on how high the radon levels actually are.
Some states will allow homeowners to install a mitigation system themselves as a DIY project, but we don’t recommend this for anyone.
What Do You Need to Look For When Hiring a Pro Radon Contractor?
There are a few things that you need to watch for when hiring a pro radon contractor. You want to be sure that the system being installed is making your home safer, and you want to make sure the people who are doing the work are responsible. To help out, we put together a few tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind during your search:
Hiring a Pro Radon Contractor
Make sure that the individual or company you are hiring for the project is on the National Certified list (NEHA/NRSB). Don’t just take their word for it. Certified contractors have been to school which means they’ve passed tests on radon mitigation. In order to keep their certification, they must continue to take classes on the material. If you allow a non-certified contractor to install a system they could end up doing more harm than good. If a system is not up to EPA standards in some States it’s possible that homeowners will have to pay additional costs to get it up to par.
Ask contractors to provide you with a copy of their Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificate. If they do not have insurance or workers comp then you will be at a very great financial risk should any of those who are employed become injured on your property.
Ensure the mitigation system and included fans – where applicable – are guaranteed and covered under a warranty. If the system does not work properly after install, the contractors must return and fix it at no cost to you. If the fans and related components malfunction, you will need to have them replaced. A guarantee will protect you in the event something isn’t working properly and a warranty will protect any of the components should they break or malfunction.
Ask for previous work references and recommendations. If the contractor cannot give them seek them yourself. If there is no previous record of the contractors work then tread lightly. Another way to check references is to ask for addresses where the contractors previously did work. You can visit said addresses during an appropriate hour and speak to the residents.
Make sure the contractor is, or is working directly with a licensed electrician. In certain states it is illegal to perform electrical work without the proper credentials.
As you can see, the tips mentioned above are to ensure your safety and finances in the event of an accident. You never know what could go wrong during a home renovation project so you should take every precaution available
While you are choosing a potential contractor you can also use our pro radon contractor checklist. It will help you find the best man – or woman – for the job!
What Are the Different Types of Mitigation Systems?
When a pro radon contractor enters your home and makes a suggestion on the mitigation system you’ll need, you should be somewhat familiar with the lingo. It makes sense, after all as you’d likely do a bit of research on any other home renovation project before hiring outside help.
This readout may not explain each mitigation system type in full, but it does offer you information on when they should be used, how effective they are and what the estimated costs might be. It’s enough to get you in the know and that’s what matters.
How Can You Find a Pro Radon Contractor?
Tracking down a trusted or certified pro radon contractor can seem daunting. However, in reality it’s actually pretty simple.
First, visit the Department of Health website for the state you currently reside in. From there you should be able to find information regarding indoor air quality, or more specifically radon. The Department of Health compiles a list of all the professionals that are qualified to perform radon mitigation work in the state. Most states require companies to register with the DOH otherwise they risk losing their certification.
You can use the DOH lists as a reference to track down a few certified pro radon contractors in your area. Generally, the lists include all of the info you need to get in touch, such as the service area, business name, address and telephone number. Such lists also include up-to-date expiration information for each contractor’s certification. There may or may not be out of state contractors that also provide services in your particular state. If that is the case their contact information will be listed on the department of health DOH registry along with all of the other qualified pro radon contractors in your state.
You can also use our National Radon Directory for more resources, or request a free mitigation quote from a recommended pro radon contractor.
If you’d rather visit an external source, you can always visit the NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) pro radon contractor database. All listed companies and individuals have been officially certified to offer radon testing or mitigation services.
What to Expect from a Pro Radon Contractor
Pro radon contractors will visit your residence and provide you with a free on-site and firm cost estimate. During that time you should also be able to view pictures of previous work the contractor has done and ask any questions you have. The individual or company involved will likely offer you a definitive plan for the project.
Before any work begins you must comb through the contract to ensure you, your home and the pending mitigation system are protected from anything shady. At no time should the contractor become irate or give you a difficult time if you need an explanation on various portions of the contract. Pay close attention to the installation guarantee and warranties covering hardware components or fans for your mitigation system.
Once a contract has been drawn up, the contractor should begin performing diagnostic tests in your home. This allows them to detect many elements as they relate to the radon levels in your home. With a diagnostic test they will be able to gauge air flow, patterns and more.
After the installation, the contractor will need to monitor the system to ensure it is working properly. If the system does not lower the radon levels in your home – and sometimes this can happen – they must take the proper measures to remedy the problem. In some cases this would mean installing a second system, or tweaking the original one. It is the contractor’s duty to choose the proper mitigation system for your home, so it should be their responsibility if the one installed does not work properly.
A contractor should never perform the final level tests on your home. They should work with you to hire or contact an outside testing professional. The extra tests will serve as proof that the mitigation system is working as it should. To be honest, a follow-up test is also in the contractor’s best interests as it can protect them should things go wrong with the system in the future – it’s proof that it was working at one time or another.
Will a Pro Radon Contractor Also Test Radon Levels in a Home?
A pro radon contractor can and will test radon levels in your home with their own equipment and this is perfectly acceptable, however there are some cases where you might want an outside source to check their accuracy. For example, after a radon mitigation system has been installed it’s a good idea to have a third party test the levels to cover both you and the contractor should something go wrong, or should the levels change.
Before you decide to install a radon mitigation system you may also use a separate pro radon contractor to test the levels in your home. In fact, we recommend you do so to begin with, that way they can offer suggestions for potential mitigation systems. You also have the option to hire a third party or perform the test yourself if you are so inclined.
