Your husband has spent an inordinate amount of time updating your basement. With little expense, but a lot of his time, your husband has managed to grow up the unfinished basement from a little girls’ play space to an adult area. Starting with a large screen television gifted to your family from your father, the whole family agreed that the crafting, play and dress up space in the basement of your 3,000 square foot home was not serving much of a purpose.
By first painting over the pastel childhood murals and tearing down the creative ceiling drapes, your husband has now created a space that functions as a very comfortable TV viewing spot. After all of this work, however, you recently read an article in the newspaper that lets you know you have forgotten one very important consideration. Typically not tested until it comes time to sell, an article in this week’s newspaper talked about the dangerous levels of radon that can be found in homes in your area. With the use of a residential radon testing kit, you discovered that your home also had a problem. Realizing that this odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas was creating a hazard to your family. Just at the time when you were fixing up the basement where you preparing to spend more time, you realize that you have overlooked something that is more important than paint or any kind of ceiling treatment.
Residential Radon Testing and Sump Pump Installation Allows Home Owners to Create a More Safe Environment
After a radon test comes back, there are many home owners who need to consider the next step they will take. One of the most common radon abatement services that is provided is the installation of a sump pump. Some of the latest research indicates that nearly 20% of U.S. homes are estimated to have radon levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level. Knowing that these levels can be remedied, however, can make you feel more safe even if you live in an area of the country where these problems are more common.
These efforts are worthwhile when you realize that scientists estimate lung cancer deaths could be reduced by 2% to 4%, or about 5,000 deaths, by lowering radon levels in homes exceeding the EPA’s action level. The next time you consider making an update to the basement, or any space, in your home, remember to take the extra effort to test your home for dangerous radon levels. Residential radon testing is one of the most important investments you can make in your home.