Why a Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspection Is a Smart Move During a Home Sale

When buying or selling a home with a radon mitigation system, most people assume that a radon test is enough to check that everything is safe and sound. But here's the truth: radon testing only tells you if the radon levels are low—it doesn't tell you why.

This is where a Soil Gas Mitigation (SGM) Compliance Inspection becomes not just helpful, but essential.

What's the difference?

A radon contingency in a home sale contract only covers the results of a radon test. If the levels come back below the action threshold (typically 4.0 pCi/L), the deal moves forward. But here's the problem:

A home can have low radon levels and still have a mitigation system that is unsafe or non-compliant.

Think:

• Exposed wiring
• Improper exhaust locations
• No warning device
• Missing labels
• Systems not installed according to ANSI/AARST standards

And yet, because the radon test came back low, the seller has no obligation to fix the faulty system—and the buyer is left inheriting a hidden safety risk.

Enter: The Compliance Inspection

A Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspection evaluates the system itself—not just the air quality. This inspection follows ANSI/AARST standards and checks over 30 key components of the system including:

• System labeling (who installed it, when, contact info)
• Proper placement of suction points, exhausts, and fans
• Electrical safety (including use of GFCIs and properly protected wiring)
• System performance indicators (like manometers and alarms)
• Fan accessibility and placement (e.g., not in conditioned spaces)
• Discharge distance from windows, doors, and walkways
• Overall workmanship and adherence to standards

It's like a home inspection, but specifically for the radon system.

Why this matters during a sale

If you're a buyer, this inspection gives you real peace of mind that you're not buying a home with a system that just looks fine. If problems are found, you have the leverage to request repairs before the sale is finalized—even if the radon levels are low.

If you're a seller, proactively doing a compliance inspection shows that you care about safety and quality. It can become a selling point and reduce back-and-forth with buyers.

Not just anyone can do this

Certified radon measurement professionals are experts at testing radon levels—but not all of them are trained to inspect the systems themselves.

A certified Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector has specific training to evaluate these systems for safety, code compliance, and performance. This is a distinct certification—and it matters.

The bottom line

Whether you're buying or selling, if there's a radon mitigation system in place, don't stop at a radon test. Ask for a Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspection to ensure the system is not just working—but working safely and correctly.

Your lungs (and your liability) will thank you.