Colorado ranks among the highest-risk states for radon exposure in the entire country, and Northern Colorado is no exception. For homebuyers in Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, and surrounding communities, adding a radon test to your home inspection is not just a smart precaution, it is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family’s long-term health.
At Front Porch Inspections, radon testing is a standard add-on we perform alongside buyer’s inspections across Northern Colorado. Here is what every buyer should understand about radon before they close.
What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter in Northern Colorado?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down underground. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and other openings at the ground level. Because it is colorless and odorless, you cannot detect it without testing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country, responsible for around 21,000 deaths per year. Colorado’s geology, particularly the granite-heavy soils along the Front Range, makes the state one of the highest radon-risk zones in the nation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment estimates that nearly half of Colorado homes have radon levels at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
In short: if you are buying a home in Loveland or anywhere in Northern Colorado, testing is not optional, it is essential.
How Radon Testing Works
During a radon test, a certified device is placed in the lowest livable area of the home, typically the basement or lowest floor. The device measures radon levels over a set period, usually 48 hours for a short-term test. Once collected, the results are analyzed and included in your inspection report.
At Front Porch Inspections, we use professional-grade electronic radon monitors that provide accurate, tamper-resistant readings. The results are delivered alongside your full inspection report so you have a clear picture of the home’s condition before making any decisions.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
If the test returns a reading at or above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. The good news: radon is very fixable. A radon mitigation system, typically a sub-slab depressurization system that vents the gas safely outside, can reduce levels significantly, often bringing them well below 2 pCi/L.
As a buyer, an elevated radon result gives you several options. You can negotiate with the seller to install a mitigation system before closing, request a price reduction to cover the cost, or factor the mitigation work into your post-purchase plans. Either way, knowing about the issue before you close puts you in control.
Radon in New Construction Homes
Many buyers assume that newer homes are naturally safer when it comes to radon. That is not necessarily the case. New construction in Northern Colorado can still have elevated levels depending on the soil conditions of the specific lot. In fact, because new homes are often better sealed and insulated than older ones, radon can sometimes accumulate at higher concentrations.
If you are purchasing a new build in Frederick, Firestone, Timnath, or anywhere along the Front Range, testing during your new construction inspection or 11-month warranty inspection is a wise step.
Why You Should Test at Every Transaction
Radon levels can change over time. Seasonal shifts, changes in foundation conditions, and even nearby construction can affect how much radon enters a home. Just because a home tested clean five years ago does not mean it is safe today. Every real estate transaction is an opportunity to get a current, accurate reading.
Explore Loveland While You Plan Your Next Steps
If you are in the middle of a home purchase and waiting on inspection results, Loveland has plenty of ways to spend the time. Stroll through the Benson Sculpture Garden in Benson Park, a free outdoor showcase of more than 150 works from the Loveland Sculpture in the Park show, one of the largest outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the country. It is a wonderful way to experience the creative spirit of the community you are about to join.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing in Northern Colorado
How long does a radon test take?
A standard short-term radon test runs for a minimum of 48 hours. We place the monitor at the start of your inspection window and retrieve it at the end of the testing period. Results are included in your inspection report.
Can I buy a DIY radon test kit?
DIY kits are available at hardware stores, but they require you to mail the device to a lab and wait for results. Professional testing with an electronic monitor provides faster, more accurate results and is handled entirely by your inspector, no extra steps required on your end.
What does radon mitigation cost?
In Northern Colorado, radon mitigation systems typically run between $800 and $1,500 installed, depending on the home’s foundation type and complexity. This cost is often negotiable as part of the inspection response.
Is radon testing required when buying a home in Colorado?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended, especially in high-risk areas like Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties. Most experienced real estate agents in Loveland and the surrounding area will encourage buyers to test.
Ready to add radon testing to your home inspection? Front Porch Inspections serves Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Timnath, Berthoud, and communities throughout Northern Colorado. Schedule your inspection online today.