Can Having a Radon System Boost Home Value?

As a homeowner, you’re all about discovering ways you can elevate your curb appeal, even if you have no intention of putting your home on the market. After all, a well-tended-to-home is always an aspiration. Radon systems are a likely component of driving up curb appeal, believe it or not.

Radon is a clear, tasteless, odorless gas that can enter your home undetected, eventually leading to diagnosis of serious, potentially fatal conditions, such as lung cancer. That makes radon testing and mitigation methods essential, especially if your home is located in a high-radon area.

Can adding a radon system to your home improve its curb appeal? Yes, you can likely boost your property value by spearheading safety precautions against radon. Learn everything you need to know, such as:

Radon and its importance for homeowners
How a radon mitigation system works
How a radon system increases home value
Factors that can influence the impact of a radon mitigation system on home value
Additional considerations, including ROI and installation costs

Of course, radon mitigation is about much more than elevating your curb appeal. It’s about preserving your health and well-being as well as that of your family members. Ahead, discover everything you need to know about radon mitigation systems.

What Is Radon and Why Is It Important for Homeowners?

Going back to what we described above, radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. Crawl spaces and basements are the likeliest culprits for radon, but it can spread to other parts of the home.

Long-term radon exposure carries many severe health risks, especially lung cancer. The EPA reports that 21,000 people will die of lung cancer annually due to radon exposure. It’s no wonder it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

The level of radon in homes varies across the country. The only way to be sure if your home has elevated levels of the gas is by testing. Homeowners should make it a habit to test regularly, then contact a professional service for radon mitigation. This decision is for their long-term health and safety.

How a Radon Mitigation System Works

So, what exactly is a radon system, and how does it work? Well, radon mitigation systems are designed to eliminate radon from a residential property to make it safer for its inhabitants.

Let’s begin with a system overview. Radon mitigation systems include components, like a fan and vent pipe. They work in conjunction with identifying and blocking openings and cracks around the home’s foundation. By sealing these off, radon can’t easily enter.

The system draws radon from beneath the home, then vents the gas safely outdoors. This way, radon cannot enter living spaces. Professional installation is crucial for mitigation systems to work effectively. Even still, homeowners should plan to test radon levels again after system installation as well as regularly to ensure the mitigation system is doing its job.

Does Having a Radon System Increase Home Value?

Now that you understand how a radon mitigation system works and how it benefits homeowners, the next question is the one that’s been weighing heavily on your mind. Does mitigating radon boost your property value?

The answer is yes, in most cases.

A radon mitigation system can elevate curb appeal by addressing the major health concern that is radon. Homebuyers want to know that a property is safe to inhabit, especially in radon-heavy areas. A mitigation system soothes those concerns.

Additionally, homes with an active mitigation system are usually perceived as “move-in ready,” meaning buyers can unpack without having to worry about costly remediation. On top of that, many homebuyers prefer properties that already have an existing radon mitigation system, especially in regions known for elevated radon levels.

That said, this isn’t a universal priority for all buyers, but it still can’t hurt to have a safety measure, like a mitigation system, in place.

Plus, your radon system will help your property stand out in a competitive market without drastically driving up the sales price. Overall, a radon mitigation system is a value-add for certain buyers.

Factors That Can Influence the Impact of a Radon System on Home Value

Of course, most answers about improving home value are not so cut and dried, and the same goes for a radon mitigation system. Let’s review the factors that determine how much of an impact radon mitigation will have on your property value:

Location: If you live in an area known for low or moderate radon levels, then a mitigation system is less impactful. In high-radon areas, a system like this is more appealing and critical to potential buyers.
Home Condition and Age: The general age and condition of your home can also determine its overall value. If your home is otherwise falling apart, then a radon system will only be a drop in the bucket. Instead, these systems are most beneficial in well-maintained, energy-efficient homes.
Home Price Range: Mitigating radon is an excellent choice for safety and well-being, but it has less of an effect on home pricing. Therefore, homes in the higher price ranges with radon mitigation systems might not see the same impact as homes in lower price ranges. Luxury buyers might be less focused on radon levels.
Market Trends: One can’t turn a blind eye to market trends. The condition of the real estate market, including whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market and the amount of competition will influence how much of an impact a radon mitigation system has on home value.

Additional Considerations: Cost of Installation and Return on Investment

Before you make the jump and upgrade your property with a radon system, consider factors, like installation costs and ROI.

Beginning with installation, Angi reports that the average price range for a home in the US to mitigate radon is $787 to $1,274, with average costs of $1,028. High-end mitigation can go up to $1,750. Factors, such as installation complexity, foundation type, and home size, can increase or decrease costs.

As for ROI, the direct financial return on investment when installing a radon mitigation system isn’t usually much. However, the long-term health benefits and peace of mind you can enjoy while knowing you can spread that peace to future homeowners is priceless.

Be advised that most homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover radon mitigation, nor will it lower your rates. However, your liability decreases by taking strides to make your home safer and more habitable, especially if a potential buyer is concerned about health risks.

Once installed, a radon mitigation system generally requires little maintenance. You must continue scheduling regular inspections, so the system operates optimally, and you’ll have to test your radon levels as well.

Conclusion

A radon mitigation system may not dramatically increase home value, but it can have a positive effect. Plus, you get the benefit of having a home that’s marketable, safe, and appealing, especially in areas with known radon risks. Assess your personal needs, overall market conditions, and geographic factors, then consult with a real estate professional to determine how impactful a radon system can be for your property.