How to Select a Mitigation Contractor
A guide to selecting a professional, standards‑based mitigator
Choosing a radon mitigation contractor is about finding someone who follows national standards, explains their design clearly, and earns your trust through transparency—not pressure. A qualified contractor will base their bid on real diagnostics, describe how the system will work in your home, and answer questions in plain language.
This guide helps you understand what professionalism looks like, what red flags to avoid, and how to feel confident in the contractor you select
1. Confirm National Certification
A qualified radon mitigator must hold one of the two national credentials:
- NRPP – Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS)
- NRSB – Radon Mitigation Specialist
This is the only certification level qualified to perform the diagnostics required to design a mitigation system.
Require:
The certified RMS must be physically present at your home to conduct diagnostics before preparing any bid.
2. Verify Utah Contractor Licensing
The State of Utah requires radon mitigators to hold a valid state contractor license, which provides:
- insurance
- bonding
- business registration
- regulatory oversight
Ask for:
- Utah contractor license number
- Proof of liability insurance
3. Require compliance with All EPA ANSI/AARST standards
A qualified mitigator must comply with all EPA ANSI/AARST soil gas measurement and mitigation standards, including:
- diagnostic requirements
- system design requirements
- installation practices
- post‑mitigation testing
- performance verification
- the national mitigation threshold of 4.0 pCi/L
4. Verify the Contractor Completes On‑Site Diagnostics Before Developing a Mitigation Plan
A certified Radon Mitigation Specialist must perform on‑site diagnostics before preparing a mitigation plan and the plan must remain separate from the mitigation contract.
A mitigation plan prepared without diagnostics is not compliant with national standards.
A mitigation plan cannot be created from:
- photos
- floor plans
- a phone call
- a “standard system” template
Diagnostics must include:
- pressure field extension testing
- evaluation of foundation type
- identification of suction point locations
- routing and discharge feasibility
- fan sizing considerations
If diagnostics are not performed, the bid is not valid.
5. Require a Written, Standards‑Based Mitigation Plan
A professional plan should include:
- diagnostic findings
- system design description
- fan type and location
- discharge location
- sealing plan
- electrical requirements
- warranty terms
- total cost
Important:
The mitigation bid and plan is not a contract.
The contractor must provide a contract separate from the bid and plan. You should only sign a contract after reviewing the mitigation plan and confirming it reflects the diagnostics and complies with national standards.
6. Require a Post‑Mitigation Test Using a CRM
After installation, the mitigator must perform a post‑mitigation radon test using a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM).
The test must be conducted by a certified:
- Radon Measurement Field Technician (RMFT), or
- Radon Measurement Professional (RMP)
You should receive written results.
7. Watch for Red Flags
Walk away if you encounter:
- no national certification
- no Utah contractor license
- refusal to perform diagnostics
- “standard system” pricing
- pressure to sign a contract immediately
- no CRM post‑test
- claims that standards are “optional”
A qualified mitigator will never rush you or minimize standards.
8. Choose the Professional Who Follows Standards and Respects Your Home
A trustworthy mitigator will:
- explain diagnostics clearly
- provide credentials without hesitation
- prepare a standards‑based bid
- answer questions calmly
- perform a CRM post‑test
- offer a clear warranty
Your goal is not the cheapest bid — it’s the most competent, standards‑based professional.