The investment one may make when starting a radon mitigation business will certainly depend upon what tools and equipment you already have. If you are currently engaged in the remodeling, plumbing or HVAC business you probably have many of the tools already. In fact, we would not recommend someone consider entering the radon mitigation field unless they have had some experience in the remodeling trade and therefore would likely already have many of the tools needed such as, ladders, extension cords, cordless hand drills, sawsall, and hand tools.

Initial Radon Mitigation Certification and Administrative Costs

Before you can really hang your shingle out you need to go through the certification process. Although there are some states that do not require certification, becoming nationally certified makes a lot of sense. If for nothing else, being certified for radon mitigation is a great marketing tool. It puts you on third party websites for consumers to find you, it adds credibility to your website and yellow page ads and is likely a requirement when you seek liability insurance.

There are three basic steps to becoming nationally certified for radon mitigation (for more details see: Steps to Certification).

Tools

Assuming you already have basic carpentry remodeling tools, there are a few items you will probably need to acquire. Think about what you would need to cut a 4-6 inch hole through a concrete slab, apply some caulk and route a 3-4 inch pipe up through a building and exiting its roof. Since you will be doing this often you will need contractor grade equipment. Here is a short list of devices we have had experience with-but please shop around before buying.

Certainly as you expand your business you will consider more tools, such as core rigs, chop saws, etc., but initially the list above is a good place to start.

Diagnostic Equipment

The intent of a radon mitigation system is to mechanically create a vacuum in the soil completely under the foundation so you preferentially draw out radon laden soil gasses and vent them safely outside of the home. Sometimes soil conditions or construction details offer obstacles to this. Certainly, you could stick in a system and hope it works (we call this “Poke and Hope”), but that approach can be costly in call backs or loss of credibility with your clients.

Seasoned mitigators use devices that can help determine the area of influence of a mitigation system as well as conduct diagnostics before providing a bid to better assure performance. The following is a list of diagnostic equipment that you should consider buying either initially or eventually as your business increases or you get tired of call backs.

Certainly, there are more diagnostic equipment you may eventually want to acquire such as radon monitors, etc., but initially the list above is a good place to start.

The following is a summary of the costs we estimated above. Again, this is approximate and depends upon what equipment you already have. Also, CERTI has worked with a number of students in obtaining workforce redevelopment funding, so if qualify under a state workforce redevelopment program, we can assist in providing documentation to receive tuition and sometimes even even equipment funding.

Hopefully this discussion is helpful but do not hesitate to give our lead instructor a call to talk about gear as well as other questions you may have as you consider entering the expanding field of radon mitigation.

Doug Kladder
719-477-1714