Website links to various associations, community organizations, product suppliers and manufacturers and vendors that service home owners. NOTE: Michelle Buckman Does not Endorse any of the companies and or the products listed.The use of these products, companies and or services is at the discretion of the individual.
Michele Buckman has put together some videos discussing the current DC market and what the future may hold for the real estate market in the Washington DC area.
While there are many joys that come with owning a home, there are also many dangers. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to inform yourself of such dangers to ensure your individual safety as well as the safety of loved ones and your investment. One such danger is exposure to radon gas.
Radon gas is a silent threat because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The gas originates from the ground and can enter your Washington D.C. home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, (DC and MD), Forest Hills, Capitol Hill, Takoma Park (DC and MD), Silver Spring and Dupont Circle, there is no indication of an average radon level. One common misconception about radon gas is that homes outfitted with basements are more at risk than homes without. This is not the case. The only way to determine if your metropolitan Washington D.C. home is being exposed to radon gas is to have it tested. Each individual home, even ones next to each other, must complete different tests.
If you decide to complete a radon test of your home the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a "Short" test be conducted first. Radon is measured in pico-curies per liter (PCi/L). The national average indoor radon level is 1.3 PCi/L. A second test may be recommended if the results of your test are 4 PCi/L. The EPA then recommends that you complete a "Long Term" test for a better understanding of your home's particular year round radon level. A "Long Term" test samples the radon level in a home for the span of 90 days. Radon If your home's radon level is high, a radon removal kit can cut the levels to below 2 PCi/L. The average radon removal kit cost $1,200, a small price to ensure your safety. Contact www.epa.gov to find a trained professional.