Radon for home buyers and sellers
Radon is a regular part of Siouxland home inspections. Here's how to handle it on a deadline.
With all of Iowa considered high-risk, radon comes up in a lot of Sioux City home sales. Buyers often add a test during inspection, and a high result usually turns into a request for a system or a credit before closing.
For buyers
- Add a radon test to your inspection, and ask who will run it. For paid testing in Iowa, that person should be Iowa-certified.
- If the house already has a system, ask for the installer's paperwork and the post-mitigation test, and check that the gauge shows suction.
- If the number is high, you can ask the seller to install a system, ask for a credit, or plan your own install after closing.
For sellers
- Testing before you list avoids surprises during the inspection window.
- If you add a system, keep the credential number, proposal and post-mitigation result together.
- A working system with a documented low test can keep radon from becoming a negotiation.
Who can see a radon test result?
Iowa's 2026 testing rules generally bar certified testers from releasing results, addresses or owner names for nonpublic buildings without the owner's written waiver. There's an exception for a prospective buyer who made an offer and paid for the test, if the test was done within the past five years. Ask your agent how results will be shared in your deal.
Testing during a sale
Real estate tests usually use a continuous monitor under closed-house conditions. Opening windows, running exhaust fans or moving the device can skew the result, and many monitors record tampering. Keep the house closed up during the test.
Short timelines
Iowa's rules have the post-mitigation test start at least a day after the install is complete. Tell the radon company your inspection deadline and closing date when you call so they can schedule the install and the follow-up test before closing.
Buying across the river?
For a house in South Sioux City, the tester and installer should hold Nebraska DHHS radon licenses. Ask for license numbers and check them on Nebraska's online license lookup.
The radon company prices the job after it understands your foundation, usually after a visit. We don't quote prices, and a number over the phone is only a ballpark, not a written bid.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Who pays for radon mitigation in a sale?
It's negotiable. Sellers often install a system or offer a credit after a high buyer's test. Your agent can advise you.
Can a system go in before closing?
Often, yes, if you call early. Share your closing date so the company can schedule the install and the post-mitigation test.
Related services
More background: Siouxland radon guide.
Radon number higher than you hoped?
Call and a local radon mitigation company will look at the house and quote a system.