When Should Radon Testing Be Done During a Real Estate Transaction?
The EPA recommends radon testing as part of a real estate transaction. For buyers, testing should be scheduled early enough in the inspection period to allow the required test duration and time to review the results before important contract deadlines. Short-term real estate tests generally run for at least 48 hours, depending on the device and test conditions.
A new radon test may also be appropriate when a previous test is more than two years old, the home has been significantly renovated or altered, the buyer plans to occupy a lower level that was not previously tested, or a radon mitigation system has been installed. After mitigation, EPA recommends retesting at least every two years to confirm radon levels remain low.
Buying a Home? Test Before Closing
Radon testing should be completed early enough to avoid delaying your inspection contingency or closing timeline. Attentive Home Inspection uses professional continuous radon monitoring equipment and provides clear results for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. You can also view our sample radon measurement report to see the type of information and reporting you’ll receive after testing.
Radon Testing Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing for professional radon testing in Chicago and surrounding counties. Testing is performed using continuous radon monitoring equipment and includes a written report of the results.
Radon Testing Add-On
$199
Add professional radon testing to a separately priced home inspection. The $199 price covers the radon service only and includes a minimum 48-hour continuous test using an Airthings Corentium Pro monitor and a written report.
Save $26 vs. standalone radon testing
Standalone Radon Testing
$225
Professional radon testing for buyers, sellers, and homeowners when a home inspection is not being performed. Includes a minimum 48-hour continuous radon test and a written report of the results.
Ideal when radon testing is needed without a full home inspection.
Additional Radon Monitor
$50
An additional monitor may be required based on the size, layout, or testing conditions of the property. This helps ensure the property is tested appropriately when one monitor is not sufficient.
Additional monitors may be needed to properly test the property.
How Radon Testing Works
Professional radon testing is simple, but proper placement, test conditions, and monitoring time matter. Here’s what to expect when you schedule a radon test with Attentive Home Inspection.
1. Monitor Placement
Illinois requires radon testing in each lowest structural area suitable for occupancy, with measurements taken at the same time. Depending on the home’s foundation layout, this can include a basement, a slab-on-grade room, and a room above a crawlspace. Multiple monitors may be needed to properly test these areas.
For a 48-hour radon test, closed-building conditions must begin at least 12 hours before testing and continue throughout the entire test.
2. Minimum 48-Hour Test
The Airthings Corentium Pro continuously monitors radon levels for a minimum of 48 hours. The device records radon measurements throughout the test period so results can be reviewed for patterns and overall exposure.
EPA guidance calls for at least 48 hours of testing for real estate transactions.
3. Results & Report
After the testing period is complete, the monitor data is reviewed and a written radon report is provided. The report explains the measured radon level so you can understand the result and determine whether additional action is needed.
Clear results. No guesswork.
Radon Testing FAQs
Answers to common questions about professional radon testing for home buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
A short-term radon test used for many real estate transactions typically runs for a minimum of 48 hours. During the testing period, proper closed-building conditions should be maintained so the test can provide reliable results.
Yes. The EPA recommends testing for radon when buying a home. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen or smelled, and elevated levels can occur in homes with or without basements. Schedule testing early in your inspection period so you have time to review the results and discuss any recommended mitigation before closing.
Yes. You can normally remain in the home during a radon test. However, closed-building conditions need to be maintained before and during short-term testing. Exterior doors and windows should remain closed except for normal entry and exit, and equipment that brings outside air into the home should be operated according to the testing instructions.
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when the radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. If elevated levels are found, a qualified radon mitigation professional can evaluate the property and recommend an appropriate mitigation system. Radon levels can usually be reduced effectively.
Yes. Testing after a radon mitigation system is installed is important to verify that the system is successfully reducing radon levels. Periodic testing afterward is also recommended because radon levels can change over time.
Professional radon testing with Attentive Home Inspection is $199 when added to a home inspection or $225 as a standalone service. The test typically runs for a minimum of 48 hours and provides the information you need to understand the radon levels in the home.