Got Radon ? In Williamsburg VA the answer could be YES

According to the EPA there shouldn’t be a high concentration of Radon gas in the Williamsburg/ James City County VA area.  If you take a look at the map below they indicate the entire state east of Richmond has average indoor screening levels less than 2 pCi/L. Which is why most folks don’t think about testing for Radon in our area. But there are exceptions and we are seeing more homes with higher levels. Guess its time to update the map !

Why is this ?  About five years ago I asked the James City County Building Safety and Permits Division if they were aware of any Radon levels higher than 4pCi/L and was told no. That was when I had a newer home in the Colonial Heritage test above 4pCi/L subsequently I have witnessed higher levels in the White Hall, Riverview Plantation, Kingsmill and Fords Colony neighborhoods.

I will assume it exists in other neighborhoods but simply hasn’t been tested/ discovered. Most agents and home inspectors will recommend against it saying its a waste of money.

So the next time a home buyer in this area asks : Should we still test our home for radon if its not in a high risk area? My response will be :Since radon levels can change from town to town and even from home to home, radon maps should not be considered the definitive source for radon level information. The EPA  suggests all homeowners test their home for radon even if they are not in the high risk zone. In fact, a home can test high for radon even if the house right next door tested low.

 

How much will it cost to mitigate my house?
The cost of reducing radon in your house depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. The average radon remediation process, typically done using a contractor, will cost between $1500 – $3000. The cost is much less if a passive system was installed during construction. ( no builders in this area are currently installing passive systems. Maybe they should start ?)

How can radon affect my health?
The only known health risk associated with exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air is an increased lifetime risk of developing lung cancer. The risk from radon exposure is long term and depends on the level of radon, how long a person is exposed and their smoking habits. If you are a smoker and are exposed to elevated levels of radon your risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly.

Download the EPA home buyers and sellers guide to Radon here

Looking for a Radon testing company or a Radon Mitigation company in the Williamsburg VA area? contact me for help.

Psst. I’m a Williamsburg/ Richmond and Hampton Roads VA real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Richmond/ Hampton Roads area and his expertise helping buyers and sellers in the local real estate market.

If you are a home owner searching for someone innovative to sell your home I would love to share my thoughts on marketing. You can read some of the stories I have written about the homes I have sold here.

Additionally, I have helped hundreds of folks find their dream home/ community and would love to help you find yours in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, VA Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Isle of Wight Poquoson as well as Richmond.

You can text/ call me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  [email protected]

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

 

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