Navigator Self-Guided Pathway

A Comprehensive Guide to Radon Mitigation
​Most homeowners only test for radon once every few years, but mitigation is a one‑time, high‑stakes decision. It can be confusing, expensive, and difficult to evaluate without guidance.
This is also where families are most vulnerable to misinformation, inconsistent standards, and unnecessary costs.
​The goal of this guide is to give you clear, trustworthy, step‑by‑step support so you can make confident decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the mitigation process.
​Each step includes a brief overview and links to deeper resources for homeowners who want more detail than the Q&A section provides.
Step 1 — Test Your Home and Understand the Results
Radon levels vary from home to home, even between neighbors. The first step is always to test.
​What to do
  • Use a certified radon test (short‑term or long‑term)​
  • Follow proper placement and timing instructions
  • If your result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, mitigation is recommended
  • If your result is close to 4.0 pCi/L, consider a confirmatory CRM test
​​Why it matters
Mitigation decisions should be based on accurate, properly collected test results — not assumptions or guesswork.
​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Step 2 — Request Standards‑Based Mitigation Bids
​What to require
  • A Certified Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS) visits the home​
  • Foundation characterization
  • Soil and sub‑slab evaluation
  • Pressure Field Extension (PFE) testing
  • Identification of soil‑gas entry points
  • Routing and discharge evaluation
  • Combustion appliance safety checks
​Why it matters
​A bid without diagnostics is a guess.
A system designed without PFE testing may not work.
​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Step 3 — Compare Bids
​​Not all bids are equal. The goal is to compare design quality, not just price.
​What to look for
  • Clear diagnostic findings
  • Fan model and size
  • Number of suction points
  • Pipe diameter and routing
  • Discharge location
  • Warranty terms
  • Post‑mitigation testing plan
  • Proof of Utah contractor license and insurance
  • Certification (RMS/RMFT)
​Red flags
  • Phone‑only bids
  • Photo‑based bids
  • Flat‑rate bids
  • “One‑size‑fits‑all” systems
  • No PFE testing
  • No written design details
​Why it matters
  • A low price doesn’t guarantee a working system.
  • Comparing bids helps you separate complete, standards‑based designs from guesses, shortcuts, and systems that may not reduce radon to safe levels.
​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​​Step 4 — How to Select a Contractor
​Choosing the right contractor is essential to ensuring your radon mitigation system is designed correctly and reduces radon to safe levels.
In Utah, homeowners should look for a licensed contractor who performs in‑home diagnostics, provides a detailed written bid, and follows national ANSI/AARST standards.
A radon mitigation system must be designed using on‑site diagnostics. National ANSI/AARST standards require contractors to evaluate the home before giving a price.
​What to require
  • Utah contractor license and liability insurance
  • National radon certification (RMS or RMFT)
  • In‑home diagnostic evaluation before pricing
  • A detailed written bid based on diagnostics
  • A clear contract that matches the proposed design
  • Post‑mitigation CRM testing to verify performance
​Why it matters
  • ​A qualified contractor designs a system for your home — not a template.
  • ​Proper diagnostics, licensing, and testing protect you from shortcuts and ensure the system works as intended.
​​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Step 5 — Request a Formal Contract (Not Just the Bid)
​Many radon companies treat the bid as the contract by adding a signature line. This is not standard practice in licensed trades and does not protect the homeowner.
A bid is an estimate.
A contract is a legally binding agreement.
​A proper contract includes
  • Final scope of work
  • Materials and equipment
  • Warranty terms
  • Exclusions and limitations
  • Payment schedule
  • Start and completion dates
  • Cleanup responsibilities
  • Safety requirements
  • Contractor license and insurance
​Why it matters
​Signing a bid leaves you without legal protections if the system is installed differently than promised.
​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Step 6 — Sign the Contract and Schedule the Work
​Once you have reviewed the contract and confirmed it matches the bid:
​Before signing
  • Confirm the fan model and system design match the bid
  • Confirm warranty terms are written
  • Confirm contractor license and insurance
  • Confirm the post‑mitigation testing plan
​On installation day
  • The contractor should follow the design in the contract
  • Any changes should be documented and approved
  • A post‑mitigation CRM test should be performed
​Why it matters
​Once the contract is signed, the contractor must follow the agreed‑upon design.
Clear expectations prevent surprises, protect your rights, and ensure the system is installed exactly as promised.
​Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Step 7 — Verify System Performance
​After installation, the contractor must perform a post‑mitigation test.
​What to expect
  • A continuous radon monitor (CRM) test
  • Results provided in writing
  • A final walkthrough of the system
  • Explanation of system operation and maintenance
​If the system does not reduce radon to acceptable levels, the contractor must adjust or redesign the system under warranty.
​Why it matters
​A mitigation system isn’t proven until it’s tested.
Post‑mitigation results confirm whether the system actually reduced radon to safe levels and give you written proof of performance.
​Without this step, you have no way to know if the system works — or if it needs adjustment under warranty.
Learn more: [Read Guide]
​Looking for more personalized support? The Radon Navigator™ program offers free, one-on-one guidance from trained volunteers who understand testing, bids, contracts, and mitigation.