Finding A Contractor For Your Radon Home
Finding A Contractor For Your Radon Home
Many of the techniques used to reduce radon on a long-term basis require the services of a professional contractor. Radon is a relatively new issue. There are not many contractors in most regions of Canada with experience in radon reduction methods. To find a contractor, ask the company that supplied your radon detector for recommendations. Also ask for recommendations from friends, relatives and neighbours who have recently had work done to their homes.
Try to compile a list of at least two or three contractors and then make inquiries about their reputation. Contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Note that not all contractors are members of the BBB and that membership itself does not necessarily guarantee high quality work. If the contractor is a member, the BBB will advise you of the contractor’s “Business Performance Record” according to its record.
Finally, inquire whether the contractor or his staff have received any special training on radon and radon reduction techniques.
As part of its certification program for radon, Health Canada is developing certification requirements for radon mitigation companies. Again, in the interim, Health Canada recognizes the certification programs offered by National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Individuals holding the Residential Mitigation Provider certification from these bodies will have demonstrated knowledge of radon mitigation techniques. This certification is specific for reducing radon in buildings such as homes; however, it does not preclude the ability to apply the skills to larger building. Canadian consumers are encouraged to use service providers holding certification. Information on these certification programs may be found at: http://www.radongas.org or http://www.nrsb.org
For further information on how to deal with a contractor, or to ensure that a company has approved training and experience, contact your provincial or territorial authority for consumer issues.
What the Estimate Should Say
Once you have selected two or three contractors, have them visit your home and review the results of your radon tests. Ask the contractors for a detailed, written proposal on what they suggest to reduce the radon levels in your home.
Before providing you with an estimate, a good contractor will give the area to be worked on a thorough examination. Accompany them on the tour. Watch for the contractor’s attention to detail and do not be afraid to ask questions related to the material and installation procedures. Consider the following when evaluating the contractor:
- How many homes has the contractor worked on to reduce radon levels? Were any of the homes similar to yours? What were the radon levels before and after their work?Were the reductions in radon levels measured independently?
- Can the contractor supply referrals? This may be difficult because most homeowners consider the radon reductions work done by the contractor for them to be confidential. However, a contractor who has done work on a large number of houses should have a few clients willing to act as referrals.
- Is the contractor able to clearly explain the proposed work? If the contractor’s proposal differs from the recommendations given in this booklet, are the reasons given clear? Does the proposed design include features that would warn you if the reduction system were to malfunction?
Important information that should appear in the contractor’s written estimate includes:
- the name, address and telephone number of the contractor
- the cost and details of material (including quantity, size, capacity, brand name, style, colour, etc.)
- the cost of labour
- the total cost of the job, including all applicable taxes and permit fees
- the estimated starting date and completion date for the work
- a statement that liability insurance and applicable workers’ compensation coverage is carried by the contractor to protect you in the event of injury to persons or damage to property while the work is being carried out
- responsibility placed on the contractor for patching holes, cleanup after the job and incidental damage
- details of warranties or guarantees
- a description of what the homeowner is expected to do (e.g., make the work area accessible).
When evaluating proposals from contractors, the lowest estimate may not be your best choice. Make sure that the various bids cover the same work. If the proposed work differs, ask the contractors to explain why.
An unusually low bid may simply mean that the contractor has made a mistake or does not know enough about the work to estimate properly. In these cases, the contractor may cut corners or add unjustified extras to the bill to avoid losing money. In extreme cases, the contractor may simply abandon the job.
Signing the Contract
The next step is to ask the contractor you have chosen to prepare a contract based on their proposal.
Do not sign the contract until you have read it carefully. Never sign an incomplete contract.
Check all standard terms and conditions – read the fine print. Make sure everything in the contract matches the original proposal. In some provinces or territories, you may be able to change your mind and cancel a contract within a specified time limit if you signed an agreement with a door-to-door salesperson. For information about your cancellation rights and responsibilities, contact your provincial or territorial authority for consumer issues.
Follow-up Measurements
After taking action to reduce radon levels, conduct a follow-up measurement,
using the procedures described on page 12. It is best to measure for a least one
month in the heating season, when windows are closed
When doing follow-up measurement, deal with a testing company that has no affiliation with the contractor who performed the radon reduction work. This eliminates a potential conflict of interest and will give you more confidence in the test results.
After these initial measurements are completed, consider making further longterm measurements on a regular basis. This will enable you to monitor whether the performance of the radon reduction work is maintained over the years.
Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice if you have concerns you have Radon in your home.
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