Just as I thought that I would have my hands full with the issues in my attic, I was forced to contend with another issue – radon mitigation!
As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, we want the radon levels in our home to be under 4.0 pCi/L. I have tested the levels in my unfinished basement and discovered that my levels were at 5.0 pCi/L. I tested this a few more times to make certain that there was no mistake, but to no avail. I need to have a mitigation system installed in my home.
And so off I go in search of a mitigation company. Some companies come to the property to provide a more accurate quote. Others provide a quote over the phone after answering a series of questions. And some don’t bother returning your phone calls.
What should one look for when looking for a mitigation expert? First and foremost, you should confirm that the person doing the work is licensed as a radon mitigation professional. Illinois requires a state license, but most other states do not have a licensure program. In addition to actually returning your calls, we recommend hiring a company that is bonded and insured. They should also have an excellent reputation for the quality of their work. This can be verified on several websites such as Angie’s List and Yelp.
Other things you may want to consider is if the company will send you a written estimate and if they offer any warranties. Is the warranty written in clear, unambiguous language? Will they warranty the effectiveness of the system unconditionally? Are parts covered? For how long? The pricing may vary, but just because they are cheap doesn’t mean that they will ensure the quality of their work. You may also want to see if the warranty will include new owners to the property.
Case in point, I have heard of one company that reportedly told his client that he couldn’t guarantee that the levels of radon will be under 4.0 pCi/L after the system is installed. I am here to tell you that if I am paying this company any kind of money, the very least I will expect is that it will be under the EPA and IEMA recommended level of 4.0 pCi/L! And it will also be covered under some kind of warranty for parts and labor.
As for now, I think I have selected the right company. They are licensed, bonded and insured. They have an excellent reputation and they warranty their work. They actually came out to the property for a physical inspection – and they were the cheapest! As I have discovered, when it comes to your family’s safety, it is important to do the necessary research.