Radon and Real Estate in Minnesota
This information from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on radon and how to address radon concerns that may arise during real estate transactions. Its intent is to assist buyers and sellers in making informed decisions about radon. In Minnesota there are only regulations for new construction, so people must decide for themselves how much radon they feel is acceptable in their home. Since a radon problem can be easily identified and fixed, there is typically no reason why it should be a "deal breaker".
Recommendations to Buyers
In Minnesota, it is up to the buyer to decide what is an acceptable level of radon risk when purchasing a home. Prospective buyers should keep in mind that it is inexpensive and easy to measure radon, and radon levels can be lowered at a fairly reasonable cost.
Recommendations to Sellers
Consider the benefits of testing your house well before you put it on the market, as opposed to waiting until you are in the middle of the sale. If you find a problem that should be fixed, you will have time to get it corrected. You also may get a better price for the home because properly conducted radon tests can be used as a positive selling feature of the home.
Role of the real estate professional
While real estate professionals address many aspects of buying and selling homes, their licensing prohibits them from offering technical advice regarding radon and health risks, unless qualified to do so, Instead, real estate professionals should advise their clients to consult with local health authorities who work on radon issues. Or, have the client contact the MDH Indoor Air Unit.
Relocation companies
Sellers and buyers who choose to work with a relocation firm should recognize that their options regarding radon testing and mitigation may be restricted by the terms of their agreement with the company.
How do you test properly?
The goal of radon testing should be to estimate the annual radon concentration. Since occupant activities, house operations and weather patterns (daily, short-term and seasonal variation) can greatly influence the radon level over short periods of time. The amount of time available until the closing may place practical constraints on the ability to effectively measure annual radon concentrations.
Radon measurement professionals may be used when an unbiased third party is desired. If a professional is hired, MDH recommends selecting a professional who is certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or by the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). A list of certified measurement providers is listed below.
MDH recommends retesting homes to measure current conditions when: The house has been remodeled, weatherized, or changes made to heating or ventilation systems since the previous radon test.
Short-term tests offer a quick and inexpensive way to "screen" for radon in a home. Short-term tests do not measure the annual average level of radon. They are typically left in place for 2 to 7 days. For a real estate transaction either: conduct two test kits simultaneously or one after another, and the results should be average OR use of a continuous monitor for minimum of 48 hours.
Long-term tests should be left in place for a minimum of 90 days. Compared to short-term tests, long-term tests provide results that more accurately reflect the average amount of radon in the home during the year. The best way to estimate a year-round average is to test for a full year. If a year-long test can't be done, the test period should include portions of both heating and cooling seasons.
If the house has been tested for radon, the buyer must decide if the results of past testing are acceptable. Issues to consider include the following:
- Duration of test. Long-term tests should span both heating and non-heating seasons.
- Timing of test. Short-term tests performed during the heating season are more likely to overestimate the year-round average. Short-term tests performed during the non-heating season are more likely to underestimate the year-round average.
- What area of the home was tested? Determine if the location tested reflects your anticipated use of the home.
- Who performed the test? Although not a requirement in Minnesota, using a radon measurement professional certified by either NEHA or NRSB is recommended if you hire a third-party to do the testing.
- What level of radon was found? Are you comfortable with the level of radon listed on the test results?
If a home has not been tested for radon or past testing is not satisfactory, the buyer should decide if they wish to request radon testing. If such a request is made, it is best to bring it up as early as possible.
If a buyer asks for radon testing prior to a home purchase, MDH recommends specifying the following conditions. Some points are noted below, and may be included in the sales contract:
- Who will perform the test.
- Type of test: short-term, long-term, and/or continuous monitor.
- Area of the home to be tested.
- When the test will be done.
- How results will be shared between parties.
- Who will pay for testing.
- How the results will be used.
- At what radon level will mitigation be required and who will pay for it.
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How is a radon problem fixed?
A number of steps can be taken to lower the amount of radon in a home. A quality radon reduction (mitigation) system is often able to reduce the annual average radon level to below 2pCi/L. Experienced radon mitigation professionals are available and can install appropriate mitigation systems. A list of radon contractors/mitigators is available on our website
Radon Measurement Providers
Minnesota does not require radon measurement professionals to be licensed, nor is there any oversight of measurement work performed. Typically, homeowners can purchase radon test kits and perform radon tests for themselves. Radon measurement professionals may be used when an unbiased third party is desired. Some things you should consider when looking for a radon measurement professional are listed below:
- What type of test will be conducted?
- How will the results be reported to you?
- Does the radon measurement professional have a quality assurance/quality control plan?
| Company | Services Provided | Contractor - Voluntary Certification Contact Info |
Service Area |
| Accurate Radon Services 15113 - 301st Ave NW Princeton, MN 55371 |
Residential | Brian Smith - NEHA #104665RT 612-819-0979 accurateradonservicesllc.com |
Statewide |
| Accurate Radon Services 10216 Fallgold Pkwy N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
Residential | Scott Pomeroy - NEHA 104663RT 612-819-0979 accurateradonservicesllc.com |
Statewide |
| Advanced Radon Services, LLC 5428 – 14th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55417 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Walt Fitzmaurice - NEHA 103488RT 952-270-5081 www.radonfree.com |
Statewide |
| Ameradon Services LLC 12 Jaymar Dr, PO Box 368 Lake Crystal, MN 56055 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Tom Hamberg - NEHA 105631RT 507-304-3537 www.ameradon.com |
South Central |
| Anderson Heating, Inc 1446 – 7th St Houlton, WI 54082 |
Residential | Mike Anderson - NEHA 105406RT 651-430-0685 www.andersonheating.biz |
30 Mile Radius |
| Athelon Enterprises, LLC 4481 N Frontage Rd Hwy 14 W, Suite 10 Rochester, MN 55901 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Daniel Hylland - NEHA 104401RT 507-269-9934 www.athelonenterprises.com |
Southeast & Metro Area |
| Cocoon, Inc. 6161 Wooddale Ave Edina, MN 55424 |
Residential | Steve Schirber - NEHA 105626RT 612-217-2401 www.cocoon-solutions.com |
Metro Area |
| Healthy Homes LLC 130 – 16th Ave S St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
William Carlson - NEHA 104242RT 320-310-6858 1-866-900-4464 www.healthyhomesradon.com |
Statewide |
| Healthy Homes LLC 674 Nebraska Ave E St. Paul, MN 55106 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Eric Carlson - NEHA 103014RT 952-220-9409 www.healthyhomesradon.com |
Statewide |
| Healthy Homes LLC 16526 W 78th St #156 Eden Prairie, MN 55346 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Robert Carlson - NEHA 103014RT 952-220-9409 952-220-3680 www.healthyhomesradon.com |
Statewide |
| Home Safety Solutions 17092 Barium St NW Andover, MN 55304 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Walter Donnay -
NEHA 104321RT Greg Comer - NEHA 104323RT 763-434-3263 612-685-9999 www.homesafetysolutionsinc.com |
Statewide |
| Mark Zlotnick Construction 13168 - 320th St Ashby, MN 56309 |
Residential | Mark Zlotnick - NEHA 106248RT 218-770-0703 |
West Central MN |
| Minnesota Radon Specialists 2751 Hennepin Ave S #402 Minneapolis, MN 55408 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Brian Benasutti - NEHA 105222RT 612-940-3796 www.radonmn.com |
Statewide |
| Minnesota Radon Specialists 6232 – 158th St W Apple Valley, MN 55124 |
Residential Multi-Family School |
Anthony Hay - NEHA 104618RT 612-483-8948 www.radonmn.com |
Statewide |
| Radon Reduction, Inc 5631 Glen Ave Minnetonka, MN 55345 |
Residential Multi-Family |
Gary Vaness - NEHA 104154RT 612-209-4191 www.radonreductioninc.com |
25 Mile Radius |
| Radon Relief 1564 - 17th Ave NE New Brighton, MN 55112 |
Residential | Will Rogers - NEHA 102882RT 651-428-4377 www.radonrelief.net |
Metro Area |
| Streitz Heating & Cooling, Inc. 708 Schilling Dr. Dundas, MN 55019 |
Residential | Andy Streitz - NEHA 105123RT 507-645-4040 www.streitzheating.com |
South Central |
| Thor Wiebe Home Inspections 903 Boxelder Marshall, MN 56258 |
Residential | Thor Wiebe - NEHA RT 507-537-1956 |
Statewide |
* Measurement List Last Updated 10/26/11
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