Radon Mitigation Contracts and Performance Verification

​ A guide to understanding bids, contracts, and the protections you should expect.
​A radon mitigation project is not just a construction job — it is a health‑protection system that must be designed, installed, and verified according to national standards. Understanding the difference between a bid and a contract, and knowing what must be included in your agreement, protects you from unexpected costs, unclear expectations, and systems that fail to reduce radon levels.
​​This guide explains the documents you should receive, the protections you are entitled to, and the performance verification that must occur before the job is considered complete.
​1. Before You Sign Anything: Understanding the Documents
1.1 Bid vs. Contract (What Homeowners Should Know)
​A bid is:
  • a price proposal
  • a preliminary system design
  • based on on‑site diagnostics
  • a tool for comparing contractors.
​A bid is not:
  • a warranty
  • a guarantee of performance
  • a final scope of work
  • permission to begin installation.
​A contract is:
  • the final, binding agreement
  • the document that defines the system you will receive.
  • the protection that prevents price changes or design changes
  • the basis for warranty and legal recourse
​Key point:
​A bid helps you choose a contractor.
A contract protects you once you have chosen one.
​2. What a Proper Radon Mitigation Contract Must Include
​2.1 Final Scope of Work
  • number and location of suction points
  • pipe routing and discharge location.
  • fan model and placement.
  • sealing requirements
  • crawlspace or sump work (if applicable)
​2.2 Materials and Equipment
  • fan model and warranty.
  • pipe type and diameter.
  • monitoring device (U‑tube or digital)
  • electrical components
  • crawlspace barrier specifications (if used)
​2.3 Warranty Terms
  • fan warranty length.
  • workmanship warranty
  • what is covered and what is excluded
  • how warranty claims are handled
​​ 2.4 Exclusions and Limitations
  • conditions that may affect performance
  • items not included in the price
  • homeowner responsibilities
​2.5 Payment Schedule
  • deposit (if any)
  • final payment timing
  • acceptable payment methods
​2.6 Start and Completion Dates
  • installation date
  • estimated duration.
  • conditions that may affect timing
​2.7 Cleanup and Property Protection
  • debris removal
  • patching and sealing
  • protection of finished surfaces
​3. Required Contractor Credentials (Verification in the Contract)
​A radon mitigation contract should confirm that the contractor:
​•     holds a valid Utah contractor license
•     carries required liability insurance and bonding
•     is certified as a Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS) through NRPP or NRSB
•     will provide written proof of all credentials upon request
​Why this matters:
​Proper licensing, insurance, and certification protect the homeowner from liability, ensure the contractor is qualified, and provide recourse if something goes wrong.
​4. Required Clause: Post‑Mitigation Testing and Final Payment
​A radon mitigation project is not complete until a certified post‑mitigation radon test verifies that the system is performing as intended.
​Your contract should state:
  • The contractor will arrange or perform a certified post‑mitigation test (preferably a CRM).
  • The homeowner will receive written test results.
  • Final payment is due only after the post‑mitigation test confirms acceptable radon levels.
  • Leaving a homeowner‑run charcoal test does not constitute completion of the job.
​Why this matters:
​Radon mitigation performance cannot be verified at the moment installation ends. Requiring a certified post‑mitigation test protects you from paying for an unverified or underperforming system.
​5. When to Request the Contract
​You should request a contract after:
  • reviewing multiple bids
  • selecting the contractor, you trust
  • confirming the final design
  • agreeing on the price
​The contract should match the design you approved — not a generic template.
​6. Performance Guarantee
​A reputable contractor will guarantee that the installed system will reduce radon levels to an acceptable level, typically:
​•     below 4.0 pCi/L, or
•     as low as reasonably achievable, depending on the home
​The contract should state:
​•     the guaranteed post‑mitigation radon level
•     the timeframe for achieving it
•     what happens if the system does not meet the guarantee
•     whether additional work or adjustments are included at no cost
​Why this matters:
​A performance guarantee ensures the contractor is accountable for results, not just installation.
​7. What to Review Before Signing
​Before signing, confirm that the contract:
  • matches the bid’s system design.
  • lists the correct fan model.
  • specifies suction point locations.
  • defines pipe routing and discharge placement.
  • includes sealing requirements.
  • states the total price.
  • includes warranty terms.
  • includes the post‑mitigation testing clause.
  • defines when final payment is due.
​A reputable contractor will not pressure you to sign immediately.
​8. After the Contract Is Signed
​Once the contract is signed:
  • the contractor must follow the agreed‑upon design.
  • the price cannot change without a written change order.
  • you should receive a copy of the signed contract.
  • you are entitled to the warranty terms in writing.
  • the job is not complete until the post‑mitigation test confirms performance.
​If the contractor deviates from the contract without your approval, you have the right to request correction.
​9. Key Takeaways
  • A bid is an estimate.
  • A contract is a legally binding agreement.
  • Never sign a bid as if it were a contract.
  • A proper contract protects your rights and ensures the system performs as promised.
  • Final payment should occur after a certified post‑mitigation test confirms acceptable radon levels.
Why it matters:
A proper contract turns verbal promises into written protections. It defines the design, price, and responsibilities so you can move forward with confidence and avoid misunderstandings.