Tuesday, January 3, 2012

If ya can't see it or smell it, does it exist?

Radon.  This is a natural occuring element in the earth.  Radon has not been a known problem until a few years ago, when scientists connected radon exposure with higher incidences of lung cancer.  When you sell a house, it has to pass a radon inspection.  The standard is 4 something, ours registered at 6 in one side of the basement and 8 in the other side.  Some houses in Sycamore and DeKalb register in the 20s and even in the 30s.
What's the fix?  We are in the process of having a passive removal system installed.....a plastic pipe goes out of the basement from the sump pit, up the side of the house and above the roof line.  The cost is around $900.
When we worked with the architect on the new house plan, he had this funny looking pipe in the middle of the basement.  When I asked, he explained it was a passive radon venting system.  Installed in new construction it costs about $300 and blends in with the design of the house.
So we are including it in our new construction.
The gas is a problem for prolonged exposure.  So if I was living in a basement it could be a concern.
Spending $300 extra to put  in the pipe could save me $600 or more later, if radon is a problem.
Closing is tentatively set for Jan. 16.....moving day is Jan. 11....so I'm just guessing when our first major snowstorm will hit.

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