Radon Testing When Buying a Home in Will County & Northwest Indiana

Of all the add-on services buyers consider during a home inspection, radon testing is the one we recommend most consistently — because in our region, elevated radon is genuinely common, and it's the one hazard you can't see, smell, or taste.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced when uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, sump pits, and gaps around pipes, and it can accumulate to unhealthy levels in any home — new or old, with or without a basement. According to the EPA, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and roughly 1 in 15 U.S. homes has elevated levels.

Why Our Region Is at Risk

The glacial soils across northeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana give much of our service area moderate to high radon potential, and elevated readings turn up regularly in Will, Cook, and DuPage County homes as well as across Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties in Indiana. Two identical houses on the same street can test completely differently — which is exactly why the only way to know your home's level is to test it.

When Should You Test?

• Before buying a home — testing during your inspection period lets you negotiate mitigation with the seller

• Every two years in your current home, per EPA guidance

• After major renovations, foundation work, or finishing a basement

• After installing a mitigation system, to confirm it's working

What Happens If Levels Are High?

The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. If your test comes back at or above that, don't panic — radon mitigation is a well-established fix. A mitigation system typically vents soil gas from beneath the foundation to above the roofline and usually costs far less than buyers expect. If you're under contract, a high test result is a repair negotiation item, not a reason to walk away from a good house.

Certified Radon Testing with Your Home Inspection

Onyx Inspection Services offers certified radon testing as a standalone service or bundled with your home inspection throughout Cook, Will, and DuPage Counties in Illinois and Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties in Indiana. Call or text 708-623-6699 or schedule online at onyxinspections.com.