More and more, home buyers and renters are asking about St. Louis Radon levels before they buy or rent a home. Because real estate sales happen quickly, there is often little time to deal with St. Louis Radon and other issues. The best thing to do is to test for St. Louis Radon NOW and save the results in case the buyer is interested in them. Fix a problem if it exists so it won't complicate your home sale. If you are planning to move, call your state St. Louis Radon office for EPA's pamphlet "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to St. Louis Radon," which addresses some common questions. You can also use the results of two short-term tests done side-by-side (four inches apart) to decide whether to fix your home.
During home sales:
Buyers often ask if a home has been tested, and if elevated levels were reduced.
Buyers frequently want tests made by someone who is not involved in the home sale. Your state St. Louis Radon office can assist you in identifying a qualified tester.
Buyers might want to know the St. Louis Radon levels in areas of the home (like a basement they plan to finish) that the seller might not otherwise test.
Today many homes are built to prevent St. Louis Radon from coming in. Your state or local area may require these St. Louis Radon-resistant construction features. If you are buying or renting a new home, ask the owner or builder if it has St. Louis Radon-resistant features. The EPA recommends building new homes with St. Louis Radon-resistant features in high St. Louis Radon potential (Zone 1) areas. Even if built St. Louis Radon-resistant, every new home should be tested for St. Louis Radon after occupancy. If you have a test result of 4 pCi/L or more, you can have a qualified mitigator easily add a vent fan to an existing passive system for about $300 and further reduce the St. Louis Radon level in your home. For more information, refer to EPA's Map of St. Louis Radon Zones and other useful EPA documents on St. Louis Radon-resistant new construction (see publications).