I do radon testing as an extra service (add-on) along with inspections. Sometimes home buyers wonder why it is isn’t just included, since I’m already on site. I usually say it is a separate license and equipment and leave it at that. But it got me thinking about the costs that are involved with radon testing.
In 2012, I took a 16 hour pre-licensing class for $400, then the exam fee to the state of Illinois was $125. Annual license fee was $125 for the first year or partial year. Before the state of Illinois approves the license application, they require a Quality Assurance Plan. I was able to purchase one from my pre-license class instructor for $500. Total cost to get the license: $1,150.
The annual license fee is $500 for a radon measurement professional. The state of Illinois requires 6 hours of continuing education. The best way to get these credits is to attend the annual spring meeting of the Indoor Environments Association (IEA). This requires an annual membership in IEA of $200, and then the fee for the event is $120. Total annual cost for licensing: $720.
The test devices I use are continuous radon monitors (CRM) from Rad Elec. They cost $1200 each and I have six of them. I also use inexpensive camera tripods that cost $20 each. So far I’ve bought 7 tripods. I also bought a laser measurer for $100. Total cost for equipment: $7,440.
The CRMs require annual calibration that includes shipping both ways to Rad Elec in Maryland. This costs $200 each. Total annual calibration: $1,200.
Testing often requires access to a lockbox. To make things easier for a listing agent, I have sentry-lock access. This costs $500 per year.
Radon testing is required to be at least 48 hours, so a second trip is required to either set up or retrieve the test. One of the trips is for the inspection since I rarely do only a radon test at a property. The fee is the same regardless of distance and number of devices needed for the test. (Some testers charge a travel fee or an upcharge if more than one test device is needed.) If a home is 20 miles away, it costs $27 for the round trip using the IRS mileage allowance of $0.67/mile.
Testing for radon is important but there are also costs to provide the service.