What Is Radon and Do You Need a Radon Test When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Is Radon and Do You Need a Radon Test When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?

If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Dorchester, Wentworth, Ashland, or anywhere in Central NH, you will likely hear about radon testing during the inspection process.

Radon is extremely common in New Hampshire due to the state’s granite bedrock — and every buyer should understand what it is and whether testing is necessary.

Here’s everything you need to know.

⭐

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground.

You cannot:

❌ See it

❌ Smell it

❌ Taste it

But long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung-related health issues. Because radon enters homes through foundation cracks, sump pumps, and soil contact, it’s important to test for it — especially in NH.

⭐

Is Radon Common in New Hampshire?

👉 Yes — very common.

New Hampshire consistently ranks among the states with the highest radon levels due to the granite-rich soil.

Central NH towns like:

✔ Plymouth

✔ Campton

✔ Thornton

✔ Rumney

✔ Dorchester

✔ Ashland

✔ Holderness

…frequently report elevated levels in basements and lower levels of homes.

⭐

Do You Need a Radon Test When Buying a Home?

👉 Yes — a radon test is strongly recommended.

A radon test tells you:

✔ Whether radon levels are safe

✔ If a mitigation system is needed

✔ If the home already has a working mitigation fan

✔ Whether the seller must fix the issue or offer credits

Most NH buyers include radon testing as part of their inspection.

⭐

How Is Radon Testing Done?

There are two common methods:

1. Short-Term Lab Test (48 hours)

This is the most common during home inspections.

2. Long-Term Test (90 days+)

Provides a more accurate year-round measurement.

Radon levels can vary depending on:

✔ Season

✔ Weather

✔ Ventilation

✔ Foundation type

✔ Basement usage

⭐

What If Radon Levels Are High?

If radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation.

Radon mitigation usually involves:

✔ Installing a radon fan

✔ Sealing foundation cracks

✔ Creating suction under the slab

✔ Redirecting radon gas outside the home

Most systems cost:

💰 $1,000–$2,000 (typical in NH)

Radon is easy to fix and should not scare buyers away.

⭐

Does a Radon Mitigation System Hurt Home Value?

No — in fact, it can increase value.

Homes with mitigation systems:

✔ Are safer

✔ Sell faster

✔ Give buyers peace of mind

✔ Often test lower than homes with no system

❓

Q&A

Q: Should I skip a radon test to make my offer stronger?

A: You can, but it’s not recommended — radon is common in NH, and mitigation can cost $1,000–$2,000. It’s better to test and negotiate if needed.

📌

Keywords

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🧭

Jim Johnson Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com