What is Radon Testing?
Radon Testing
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that seeps up from the ground and can build up inside a home.
The danger is real; long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right behind smoking.
The only way to know if a home is safe is to test.
Radon Testing Options
EPA recognized methods, tamper checks, clear results. White glove handling from setup to report.
- 48 to 96 hour short term test using EPA recognized charcoal canister
- Tamper seals, timestamped photos, and periodic duplicate QA checks
- Lab analysis with a clear, easy to read report
- Additional canisters or rooms: $75 each
- 2 to 4 day deployment window with proper placement and documentation
- Lab verified results and summary for your records
- Ideal when you only need radon data without a full inspection
- Additional canisters or rooms: $75 each
Inside the Box uses professional-grade equipment to monitor radon levels, not just a store-bought kit you leave on the counter.
Our tests run for a minimum of 48 hours to capture a true picture of your home’s air quality.
Results are delivered quickly and explained clearly, so you’ll know whether your home is safe; or if mitigation steps are needed.
Radon doesn’t care how new, old, big, or small a house is. Every home can have it, and every homeowner deserves to know the truth.
Type 1 Bundle Add-On Testing Baseline screenings that stack smart. Bundles are a thank you for choosing Inside the Box. Click to expand Click to collapse
What’s in Type 1
- Radon: 2 charcoal canisters, lab analysis
- Mold and IAQ Snapshot: 2 air samples, spore ID and levels
- Essential Water Check: screening for coliform, nitrates, nitrites
- WDO for Loans: visual plus targeted moisture
- Well System Check: head, cap, casing, tank review
- Septic Dye Screening: noninvasive dye and load
- Sewer Scope: main line camera up to 100 ft
- Pool and Spa: visual, function, safety notes
Single Type 1 screening
Choose any one Type 1 test.
Popular value combo
Pick any two Type 1 tests. Suggested pairs: Mold + Sewer or Water + Radon or Well + Septic.
Balanced coverage
Pick any three Type 1 tests. Typical trio: Radon + Mold and IAQ + Essential Water.
Wide net for surprises
Pick any four Type 1 tests. Common mix adds a systems check like Well, Septic, or Sewer Scope.
Keep stacking without full price
Add as many as you want at the add-on rate. Examples: round it out with Pool and Spa or WDO.
How bundles work
Type 1 screenings are fast snapshots that surface issues.
If results or site conditions suggest more complexity, I recommend targeted Type 2 testing so you get real answers instead of guesswork.
On-site findings are usually same day. Lab timing varies by test.
Smart upgrade pricing
Upgrade credit: if we move from a Type 1 to a deeper Type 2, every dollar already paid is credited. You pay the difference only. No restart tax.
When upgrades make sense:
- Lab flags or on-site readings suggest more detail
- Loan or insurance needs stricter documentation
- Health concerns or water quality red flags
- Agent or buyer wants deeper due diligence
Fair-play policies
- Free remediation re-test within 3 years
- If a lab result is inconclusive for no clear reason or due to my obvious error, I re-test at no cost
- Add-on results don’t carry the $100 same day guarantee for the main inspection
- Most on-site findings are same day. Lab results are typically 1 to 3 business days
- No trip fees ever
- If access is denied after you’ve paid, I’ll find an alternative or refund or switch the test
Type 2 Bundle Add-On Testing
Mix and match any Type 2 test. Type 2 includes everything in Type 1 plus more. Upgrade credit applies when we move from Type 1 to Type 2 during the same appointment.
Click to expand
Click to collapse
Type 2 Bundle Add-On Testing
1 Test
2 Tests
3 Tests
4 Tests
What’s in a Type 2 Test? Click to expand Click to collapse
Radon Testing FAQ
Straight answers to the most common questions homeowners ask about radon and why testing matters in Michigan.
What is radon and why should I care?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it, but it enters homes through cracks, crawl spaces, sump pits, and even well water. Long term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Michigan has many high risk zones, so testing is a smart move for any homeowner.
How does radon get into a house?
Any opening between your home and the soil is a doorway. Radon slips in through slab cracks, gaps around plumbing, porous concrete, sump basins, crawl spaces, block walls, and drain tiles. Pressure differences inside the home pull it upward like a vacuum.
Does every home need radon testing?
Yes. Radon levels vary house to house. Age, size, cleanliness, or foundation type do not matter. Two homes next to each other can have completely different results. Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level.
div>How long does a radon test take?
A standard real estate test runs for 48 hours under closed house conditions. Inside the Box uses professional charcoal canisters for accurate, lab verified results.
Is radon only a basement problem?
No. Radon migrates upward through the entire home. Slab homes, crawl space homes, and multi story homes can all test high. Basements often show the highest numbers, but radon affects the full living space.
What if my radon level comes back high?
A certified mitigation company installs a radon reduction system, usually a PVC vent pipe and fan that pulls radon from beneath the home and vents it outside. Most Michigan systems cost around 900 to 1500 dollars. After installation, a follow up test confirms the fix.
Do radon levels change with time?
Yes. Levels can rise or fall depending on weather, soil conditions, HVAC use, renovations, or even season changes. Retesting every couple years is a safe choice.
Is winter a good time to test?
Winter often produces the highest readings because homes stay closed and the stack effect is stronger. That makes winter one of the best times to test for radon.
Does Michigan require radon testing during a home sale?
Michigan does not require it, but lenders, real estate agents, and informed buyers request testing because high radon levels can impact health and the value of the home.
Can air purifiers or houseplants fix radon?
No. Radon does not come from the air. It comes from the soil beneath the home. Only a mitigation system reduces levels.
Are low radon levels still a concern?
There is no completely safe level of radon. The EPA recommends fixing anything at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, but many homeowners choose mitigation at 2.7 pCi/L or above for added protection.
How does Inside the Box test for radon?
Inside the Box uses calibrated charcoal canisters placed in the lowest livable area for 48 hours. After exposure, the canisters are sealed and sent to a certified lab for analysis. You get a clean, easy to understand report.
Why do you use two canisters instead of one?
Two canisters increase accuracy, reduce error, and catch spikes or inconsistencies that a single test might miss. It is the industry gold standard for short term real estate testing.
Should crawl space homes be tested?
Yes. Crawl space homes can test high because radon enters through the floor, plumbing penetrations, rim joists, and duct leaks. Foundation type does not prevent radon.
Have questions or want to schedule radon testing?