Radon testing and mitigation is a highly-specialized trade, and choosing the right radon mitigation contractor is critical. According to health experts, exposure to radon gas through inhalation or ingestion is the second leading reason for lung cancer infections in the U.S. High concentrations of radon can arise in most places across the U.S. Since it is a common and serious issue, choosing the right contractor is also serious business. There are a number of basic issues you need to look at before hiring a contractor.
Is the Contractor Licensed?
Since there is no national license for radon contractors, you should start by finding out if there is a particular radon contractor license issued by the state. Some states have a State Radon Office, but many states do not have a licensing program for radon contractors. In case you happen to be living in such a state, try to find a radon mitigation contractor who is certified by:
* The Radon Proficiency Program under the National Environmental Health Association
* National Radon Safety Board
* Other State Radon Office certification program
Find out If the Contractor Is Insured
It is important to remember that radon mitigation is risky business. Consequently, the mitigation systems at times involve major alterations or changes to the property. Ensure that you check the contractor’s insurance certificate before hiring them to do the job. This will help to ensure that the contractor’s insurance cover is up to date and that it can cover any damages that might occur during the work.
What Is Your First Impression?
First impressions really matter when it comes to hiring a radon mitigation contractor, and your gut feelings can act as a strong indicator of whether you can trust the contractor to meet your expectations. Some of the questions you need to ask yourself at the initial stages of hiring a mitigation contractor include:
* Did you get the impression that the contractor really cares about their profession?
* Was the contractor respectful and presentable?
* Does the contractor sound like they are truly competent?
In most cases, you will not have a good last impression if you already had a bad impression in the beginning. Remember that a person’s attitude or demeanor can tell you a lot about their work ethics and quality.
What Guarantees Does the Contractor Offer?
The best radon mitigation contractors will often provide a written assurance of performance. Other contractors will offer stronger warranties and assurances than others. A good radon mitigation contractor should be able to guarantee that the remediation system will surely lower the levels of radon concentration within your property to levels that are recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
You will get all the information and advice that you need to make an informed decision on how to ensure your home is radon free. Our experts at SWAT Environmental will also offer a quick, free, no-obligation radon mitigation price quotes.
