Buying or Selling a Home in East Central Illinois? Here's What to Know About Radon Testing.
Radon is one of the most overlooked health and safety factors in a real estate transaction. Unlike a leaky roof or an outdated electrical panel, radon can’t be seen or smelled, which means a home can look perfectly fine and still have elevated radon levels. For buyers and sellers alike, a radon test provides clarity and protects everyone involved in the transaction.
At Callaway & Associates, we perform radon testing for residential real estate transactions throughout East Central Illinois. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or representing a client as a real estate agent, understanding how radon testing fits into the transaction timeline can help avoid delays and surprises at closing.
TL;DR: Radon Testing in Real Estate Transactions
- Radon testing is not legally required in Illinois, but it is strongly recommended and commonly requested during a home sale.
- Most radon tests during a real estate transaction are short-term tests, completed in 48 hours, to meet closing timelines.
- Elevated radon results don't have to end a sale — mitigation is typically affordable and can often be completed before closing.
Is Radon Testing Required When Buying a Home in Illinois?
Radon testing is not legally required in Illinois for most residential sales. However, it is one of the most commonly requested tests during a home purchase, and many buyers choose to include a radon contingency in their purchase agreement. Because radon levels can vary significantly from property to property — even between neighboring homes — a previous test result or a neighbor’s clean test is not a reliable substitute for testing the specific home being purchased.
Should I Get a Radon Test Before Selling My House?
Yes, testing before listing a home can prevent delays later in the transaction. A seller who tests early has time to address elevated levels through mitigation before a buyer’s test reveals the same issue during the closing process. Sellers who wait until a buyer requests testing often face tighter timelines and added pressure to resolve the issue quickly in order to keep the sale on track.
What Happens If a Home Inspection Reveals High Radon Levels?
A radon level at or above 4.0 pCi/L is generally considered actionable, meaning mitigation is recommended. This does not mean the sale is over. In most cases, the buyer and seller negotiate who will pay for a radon mitigation system, which is typically installed by a licensed mitigation contractor. Once installed, a follow-up test confirms that radon levels have been reduced to a safe range.
Schedule a Radon Test for Your Real Estate Transaction
Whether you’re buying, selling, or representing a client, Callaway & Associates provides accurate, timely radon testing to keep your transaction on schedule. Contact us today to schedule a test or ask questions about how radon testing fits into your closing timeline.
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Radon Testing for Real Estate FAQs
A standard short-term radon test takes 48 hours to complete. This is the most common testing method used in real estate transactions because it fits within typical due diligence and closing timelines.
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L. However, since no level of radon exposure is completely risk-free, some homeowners choose to mitigate at lower levels as well.
No. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and can enter any home, regardless of age, construction type, or whether or not it has a basement. New construction homes should be tested just like older homes.
It's not recommended. Radon levels can change due to seasonal weather, soil conditions, and changes to the home itself, such as foundation repairs or HVAC updates. A fresh test ensures the result reflects the home's current condition.
After a mitigation system is installed, a follow-up radon test confirms that levels have been reduced to an acceptable range. This retest is typically done shortly after installation and provides documentation that the issue has been resolved.
Callaway & Associates specializes in radon testing. If a test reveals elevated levels, we can help connect you with a licensed mitigation contractor to resolve the issue before your transaction closes.
