I have just come upon my third house in a row that has tested positive for radon. All three were in areas of Colorado Springs that I wouldn’t have thought radon possible. The areas were central Briargate, Pine Creek, and eastern El Paso County. All areas thought to be sandy and free of radon. Typically, we have always found radon on the city’s west side, but it appears it can be everywhere.

What is radon? Radon is a colorless odorless gas that emits from the ground from decomposing granite with moisture; granite decomposes and creates radon. Radon can harm you and possibly cause cancer. According to the federal government, the maximum allowed tolerance is four Picocuries. Which, in English, means four parts per million. If a home tests over four, it should be mitigated.

Mitigation of radon from a house is relatively easy and inexpensive. The home is tested by measuring devices such as canisters or electronics. The test lasts two days and typically costs $100-$150. To mitigate a radon problem, the basement and or peripheral drain system is vented with a fan system. This venting sucks the gases out from the foundation to the outside of the home. The costs for these systems run from $900-$1,300.

If you are considering buying or selling a home and have concerns about radon, contact a real estate professional such as The Brian Maecker Team. We can be reached toll free at 888-593-2963 or at our website at www.maecker.com.  

Thanks,
Brian