Radon Testing Maryland

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It typically seeps up through the ground and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that all homes below the third floor be tested for radon. Fortunately, even if high radon levels are present in a home, they can generally be reduced to acceptable levels.

If You Are Selling a Home…The EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels.  Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems.  This could be a positive selling point.

radon risk factor lung cancer
Radon Tester Certified

If You Are Buying a Home…The EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you consider buying. Ask the seller for their radon test results. If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for any information they have about the system. If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the house tested. If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.

To perform a radon test, we leave a small box with two E-Perm canisters at the home for a 48-hour period. We then retrieve the canisters and analyze the results.

Facts & FAQ

You cannot see, smell or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home.  When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer.  In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.  If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

The EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels. Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could be a positive selling point.

The EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you are considering buying.  Ask the seller for their radon test results.  If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for information they have about the system.

If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the house tested.

If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.

These radon testing guidelines have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference.  These guidelines are slightly different from the guidelines in other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information for non-real estate situations.

This guide recommends three short-term testing options for real estate transactions.  The EPA also recommends testing a home in the lowest level which is currently suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.

a. Radon has been found in homes all over the U.S.

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above, and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.

Any home can have a radon problem, including new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.

Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more).  Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.

b. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that you test your home.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, or neighborhood radon measurements.  Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home.  Homes which are next to each other can have different radon levels.  Testing is the only way to find out what your home’s radon level is.

In some areas, companies may offer different types of radon service agreements.  Some agreements let you pay a one-time fee that covers both testing and radon mitigation, if needed.

If you are thinking of buying a home, you may decide to accept an earlier test result from the seller, or ask the seller for a new test to be conducted by a qualified radon tester.  Before you accept the seller’s test, you should determine the results of previous testing by finding out:

who conducted the previous test (the homeowner, a radon professional, or some other person);

where in the home the previous test was taken, especially if you may plan to live in a lower level of the home.  For example, the test may have been taken on the first floor.  However, if you want to use the basement as living space, test there, too;

what, if any, structural changes, alterations, or changes in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been made to the house since the test was done.  Such changes may affect radon levels.

If you accept the seller’s test, make sure that the test followed the Radon Testing Checklist.

If you decide that a new test is needed, discuss it with the seller as soon as possible.

b. If the home has not yet been tested for radon…

Make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. Consider including provisions in the contract specifying:

where the test will be located;

who should conduct the test;

what type of test to do;

when to do the test;

how the seller and the buyer will share the test results and test costs (if necessary); and

when radon mitigation measures will be taken, and who will pay for them.

Make sure that the test is done in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means the lowest level that you are going to use as living space which is finished or does not require renovations prior to use. A state or local radon official or qualified radon tester can help you make some of these decisions. If you decide to finish or renovate an unfinished area of the home in the future, a radon test should be taken before starting the project, and after the project is finished. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations rather than afterward.

Radon-resistant techniques work.  When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive passive techniques can help to reduce radon levels.  In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier to reduce radon levels further if the passive techniques don’t reduce radon levels below 4 pCi/L.  Radon-resistant techniques may also help to lower moisture levels and those of other soil-gases.  Radon-resistant techniques:

 make upgrading easy:  Even if built to be radon-resistant, every new home should be tested for radon after occupancy.  If you have a test result of 4 pCi/L or more, a vent fan can easily be added to the passive system to make it an active system, and further reduce radon levels.
 are cost-effective:  Building radon-resistant features into the house during construction is easier and cheaper than fixing a radon problem from scratch later.  Let your builder know that radon-resistant features are easy to install using common building materials.
 save money:  When installed properly and completely, radon-resistant techniques can also make your home more energy-efficient and help you save on your energy costs.

In a new home, the cost to install passive radon-resistant features during construction is usually between $350 to $500.  In some areas, the cost may be as low as $100.  A qualified mitigator will charge about $300 to add a vent fan to a passive system, making it an active system and further reducing radon levels.  In an existing home, it usually costs between $800 to $2,500 to install a radon mitigation system.

Cities We Service

Maugansville | Hagerstown | Cascade | Sabillasville | Big Pool | Clear Spring | Smithsburg | Myersville | Thurmont | Funkstown | Williamsport | Saint James | Fairplay | Boonsboro | Frederick | Walkersville | Woodsboro | Libertytown | New Market | Monrovia | Mount Airy | Keedysville | Sharpsburg | Rohrersville | Burkittsville | Middletown | Braddock Heights | Knoxville | Jefferson | Buckeystown | Adamstown | Ijamsville | Damascus | Brunswick | Dickerson | Clarksburg | Rocky Ridge | Keymar | Union Bridge | New Windsor | Sykesville | Cooksville | Marriottsville | Woodstock | Woodbine | Barnesville | Beallsville | Boyds | Germantown | Montgomery Village | Gaithersburg | Glenwood | West Friendship | Ellicott City | Glenelg | Dayton | Brookeville | Brinklow | Washington Grove | Derwood | Olney | Sandy Spring | Ashton | Potomac | Rockville | Cabin John | Garrett Park | Kensington | Taneytown | Emmitsburg | Tuscarora | Point Of Rocks | Poolesville | Silver Spring | Westminster | Finksburg | Randallstown | Windsor Mill | Bethesda | Hancock |

Chambersburg | Mont Alto | Greencastle | Shady Grove | Zullinger | Quincy | Waynesboro | Blue Ridge Summit | State Line | Rouzerville | Orrtanna | Mc Knightstown | Gettysburg | Littlestown | New Oxford | Fairfield | Mc Sherrystown | Pleasant Hall | Orrstown | Shippensburg | Walnut Bottom | Scotland | Fayetteville | South Mountain | Saint Thomas | Williamson | Marion | Fort Loudon | Big Cove Tannery | Mercersburg | Warfordsburg | 

Purcellville | Lovettsville | Waterford | Leesburg | Paeonian Springs | Great Falls | Clear Brook | Stephenson | Winchester | 

Falling Waters | Shepherdstown | Inwood | Martinsburg |  Kearneysville | Shenandoah Junction | Harpers Ferry | Bunker Hill | Ranson | Millville | Charles Town | Summit Point | Alloy | Hedgesville | Gerrardstown |

See What Our Clients Are Saying!

Timothy SullivanTimothy Sullivan
19:07 23 Mar 24
Fox Mountain did an incredible job inspecting the home I am purchasing. They used pole cameras to inspect the roof and documented any deficiencies with photos. Spend the time and money and get Fox Mountain to inspect your property
Brittany HarmonBrittany Harmon
18:29 21 Mar 24
Customer service is terrible! I’ve been reaching out every day for a week now due to some issues regarding home inspection and NO ONE responds. I’m beyond frustrated. The home inspector was super friendly and we felt confident using them.. now I’m not so sure.
Debra SepulvedaDebra Sepulveda
18:43 20 Mar 24
We had a fantastic experience with Richard and Seth as home inspectors. They were thorough, knowledgeable, and professional. It was an educational experience for us as Richard patiently taught and walked us through all systems and details of the home we are purchasing. Highest recommendation.
Umed ZokirovUmed Zokirov
01:42 17 Mar 24
Richard and Seth did a fantastic job on an inspection of the property that we were interested in. They were thorough, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a top-notch inspection.
shells98shells98
00:48 13 Mar 24
Roy was super friendly and knowledgeable. He explained everything perfectly, and even answered any questions we had. The price is also a bonus! The whole process was very easy.
Felix IFelix I
01:59 12 Mar 24
A great unexpected gem of professionals to work with. Thorough, knowledgeable, patient answering questions wise advice, and problem solvers. Thank you for providing expert advice on making our decision on a property.
Stephanie ReneeStephanie Renee
22:53 11 Mar 24
Extremely knowledgeable and helpful! So grateful for the work they did for me. Highly recommend!
Nan RachlinNan Rachlin
23:37 05 Mar 24
The inspector was very thorough, and answered all of my questions with patience and skill. I felt a part of the inspection of my new home, and every penny was worth the knowledge going into the settlement process.
Ali alqrnaAli alqrna
07:48 23 Feb 24
Excellent work with fox mountain
Joan SearcyJoan Searcy
00:44 22 Feb 24
Keith performed our home inspection. We were impressed by his knowledge and thoroughness. He prioritized issues and gave detailed explanations for his findings. He was more than happy to answer questions and provided a report that included photos. The process made us comfortable with our decision to move forward with our home purchase. I highly recommend Fox Mountain Property Inspections.
Gordon Tyler IIIGordon Tyler III
01:56 18 Feb 24
Roy was excellent and pleasant to deal with
Elise WoodallElise Woodall
18:23 14 Feb 24
Keith helped us through two inspections. He helped us feel prepared and well informed for our home purchase decisions. He welcomed questions and did a great job creating a dialogue so I felt like we got a good understanding of all his observations. Highly recommend. I would share his card with my family members.
Emily HilemanEmily Hileman
19:48 02 Feb 24
Had a great experience and am glad I used this company for my first home inspection. Keith Corley did a great job explaining things and was very thorough with the inspection.
Whimsy WigglesWhimsy Wiggles
22:30 21 Jan 24
Fox Mountain Property Inspections is extremely easy to work with. We needed a quick turnaround and even with inclement weather they were able to accommodate. They are professional, thorough, and explained all their findings in detail. We would highly recommend them.
Matthew SchmutzMatthew Schmutz
16:51 03 Dec 23
Worth every Penny! As a first-time home buyer never having gone through this process before I was pretty nervous. Fox Mountain Property Inspections took care of everything, walked me through the process and made me feel at ease.Our Inspector Keith was amazing, and I truly can't say enough good things about him. Very Knowledgeable, thorough and just a nice person! From getting on top of the roof to check for damages all the way down to testing for moisture in the basement. This is the person you want inspecting your future home!Unfortunately, the house didn't work out, but rest assure I will be calling Fox Mountain back when I am in need of another home inspection.
Kristin Michele DavisKristin Michele Davis
19:49 08 Oct 23
I had the great pleasure of working with Keith for my July home inspection and I couldn’t be more pleased with his exceptional service. From start to finish, he demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise.He arrived punctually and thoroughly examined every aspect of the property. His attention to detail was truly impressive, and he took great care and time to answer my (many) questions about the house. He was super thorough in explaining all of his findings. It was evident that he had a deep knowledge of home construction and maintenance.What sets Keith apart is not only his technical competence but also his dedication to ensuring I understood the condition of the property. He provided valuable insights and recommendations, which gave me confidence in my home purchase decision. I can’t thank him enough for his outstanding work and would undoubtedly seek his services again in the future.
Dawn RayDawn Ray
20:32 25 Sep 23
Fox Mountain Property Inspection was very thourough, professional, and was very timely.
David rayDavid ray
17:27 25 Sep 23
Richard Did a great Job very well pleased
Kimmie WKimmie W
18:01 18 Sep 23
Keith and his co-worker were great. Very informative and explained things clearly. Very thorough with everything. We recommend your services to anyone.Thank you,Mark & Kim
Mary OssiMary Ossi
15:40 16 Sep 23
100 stars! Richard was on time, thorough, empathic and detailed. We got the information we needed in a timely manner with recommendations. I can't say enough good things and will continue to recommend Fox Mountain to everyone!
Gabriel RomanoGabriel Romano
21:57 12 Sep 23
Efficient and reliable service!
Lori MaloneyLori Maloney
01:27 12 Aug 23
The operations manager and owner made personal efforts to ensure we could have the inspection in time to make an informed offer. Richard was knowledgeable and pleasant. It’s nice to see someone who is not only great at their job, but seems to truly enjoy it. Dan (operations) said we’d like him, and he was right!I want to add that this is our second time using the professionals at Fox for an inspection in this challenging home buying market. Both times we left feeling confident we got the information we needed (and more) in order to make an informed decision. They are great- call them!
Sonnie & JoeSonnie & Joe
22:24 10 Aug 23
Keith was awesome. Super helpful and professional. He answered all of my questions and helped me to really understand what was going on with the house. He encouraged me to be educated in the home we were in the process of purchasing, even pointing out areas we'd need to know about for later (water shut offs, etc.). I can't day enough about his friendly and professional demeanor. Thank you, Keith! You rock!
Liz AndrewsLiz Andrews
23:37 07 Aug 23
We bought our first home and called Fox Mountain Property Inspections to inspect the house. They fit us into their schedule within 4 days of calling and were early to the appointment. Incredibly knowledgeable and very thorough inspection. Richard even took the time to explain the inner workings of all the mechanical so we knew what to expect. It was a fantastic experience and you should absolutely call them for all your home inspection needs.
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