Help! My NJ Dream Home has Radon!

You made an offer on your dream home, and the buyer accepted. You are ecstatic, and you should be! Home inspection reveals, however, that the house has radon. What can you do?

What is Radon?

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Radon is radioactive and can be dangerous in large doses.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is also radioactive and can cause health problems such as lung cancer. Healthcare professionals believe that increased exposure levels increase the possibility of developing health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 1 out of 15 homes has a radon problem.

Where Does Radon Come From?

Radon is generated from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. As uranium decays, radon releases from the ground and can enter homes from any opening in contact with the soil. The gas often enters the house via cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes and sump pumps.

What Happens if Radon is Found during Home Inspection?

Your home inspector will check for many different things during the inspection. He will be on the lookout for damage to the property, items in need of repair, and wood-destroying insects. The inspector can also perform a radon test, and if any is found, the real estate contract (so long as it has the proper contingencies) will provide guidance on what the buyer and seller can do next.

How Can a Lawyer help with a Radon Problem?

If a radon test reveals levels above a certain threshold, the buyer will have several options. These options often include having the seller fix the problem, requesting a credit, or walking away from the deal. If you have a lawyer, he or she will help you negotiate a reasonable solution with the seller or the seller’s attorney. If no agreement is reached, the deal might be terminated. Regardless of the outcome, however, a good lawyer will fight on your behalf to protect your best interests.

The specific way that a radon problem is handled often depends on the details of the contract and can be subject to strict deadlines. This is why it is important to have a lawyer who can help you protect your rights and handle these types of issues that may unexpectedly arise. If you are thinking of buying a home in New Jersey, contact the lawyers at Tagliente & Shah today. We are happy to help you throughout the home-buying process.