How to Compare Mitigation Bids

​​ A guide to evaluating design quality, not just price 
​Radon mitigation bids can vary widely in price, detail, and quality. The goal is not to choose the cheapest bid, but the bid that reflects proper diagnostics, a clear system design, and compliance with national ANSI/AARST mitigation standards. This guide helps you compare bids fairly and confidently so you can choose the contractor who will design the safest, most effective system for your home.
​1. Why Comparing Bids Matters
​Radon mitigation is not a one‑size‑fits‑all service. Every home has different:
  • foundation types
  • soil conditions
  • slab characteristics
  • pressure dynamics
  • routing constraint
​A high‑quality bid reflects these differences.
​A low‑quality bid ignores them.
​Comparing bids helps you distinguish between:
  • standards‑based system design and
  • shortcut‑based pricing
​ 2. What a High‑Quality Bid Looks Like
 A strong bid includes:
​Clear diagnostic findings
  • foundation type and condition
  • soil and sub‑slab characteristics
  • PFE test results
  • identified soil‑gas entry points.
​A detailed system design
  • number of suction points
  • fan model and size.
  • pipe diameter
  • routing plan
  • discharge location
  • safety considerations
​Required documentation
  • Utah contractor license
  • proof of insurance
  • RMS/RMFT certification
  • warranty terms
  • post‑mitigation testing plan.
​A high‑quality bid shows the contractor understands your home and has designed a system specifically for it.
​​3. What a Low‑Quality Bid Looks Like
​Red flags include:
​​No on‑site visit
  • Phone‑only or photo‑based bids violate national standards.
​No diagnostics
  • No PFE testing, no foundation characterization, no soil evaluation.
​Generic system design
  • Same fan, same suction point, same routing for every home.
​Flat‑rate pricing
  • A single price for all homes indicates no design work was done.
​Missing documentation
  • No license, no certification, no warranty, no testing plan.
​Vague or incomplete descriptions
  • ​​“Standard system,” “typical installation,” or “basic radon fan” are signs of shortcuts.
If a bid looks too simple it probably is.
​4. How to Compare Bids Side‑by‑Side
​Use these criteria to evaluate each bid:
​​A. Diagnostics
  • Did the contractor perform PFE testing?
  • Did they evaluate the foundation and soil?
  • Did they identify entry points?
​B. System Design
  • Are suction points clearly identified?
  • Is the fan model specified?
  • Is the pipe diameter appropriate?
  • Is the routing plan explained?
  • Does the discharge meet ANSI/AARST clearances?
​C. Safety
  • Did they check combustion appliances?
  • Are safety steps documented?
​D. Documentation
  • Is the Utah contractor license included?
  • Is certification listed?
  • Is insurance provided?
  • Are warranty terms written?
​ E. Post‑Mitigation Testing
  • Is a CRM test included?
  • Will a certified RMFT perform it?
​  F. Professionalism
  • Is the bid clear and complete?
  • Does it reflect actual diagnostics?
  • Does the contractor answer questions transparently?
​​5. A Simple Comparison Checklist
​​You can use this checklist to compare bids:
  • [ ] Contractor visited the home in person.​
  • [ ] Diagnostics performed (foundation, soil, PFE)
  • [ ] Suction points identified
  • [ ] Fan model specified
  • [ ] Pipe diameter specified
  • [ ] Routing and discharge explained
  • [ ] Safety checks documented
  • [ ] License and insurance provided
  • [ ] RMS/RMFT certification provided.
  • [ ] Warranty terms included
  • [ ] Post‑mitigation CRM test included.
  • [ ] Bid is clear, detailed, and specific.
​If a bid fails multiple items, it is not standards‑based.