How Finishing Your Basement Can Change Radon Levels in Your Home

Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home improvement projects for homeowners in Georgia looking to get the most out of their home. It adds valuable living space, boosts property value, and can completely transform how you enjoy your home. But there’s one critical factor that often gets overlooked in the planning stages: radon gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the Earth's soil. Radon will enter your home through cracks and openings in the foundation, and it will also pass directly through the concrete slab of a basement. Since basements are below grade, they are the most common entry point for radon infiltration. Finishing a basement can actually change the way radon moves and accumulates inside the home, which is why radon testing and mitigation planning should always be part of the basement finishing project.

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Install Radon Mitigation During Basement Finishing

If you’re planning to finish your basement, the ideal time to install a radon mitigation system is during the finishing process. This allows the system to be integrated seamlessly into the aesthetics of your new space. For example, if piping needs to run from one side of the basement to another, it can often be concealed behind walls or mechanical chases during construction.

If the system isn’t installed until after the basement is complete, it may still be possible—but installation can be more complex, less discreet, and sometimes more expensive. That’s why consulting with a certified radon mitigation contractor early in your planning process can save time, money, and design headaches.

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Retesting is Critical After Finishing a Basement

Even if your home already has a radon mitigation system in place, it’s important to retest after finishing the basement. Why? Because changes to the building envelope, flooring, walls, or HVAC systems can create pressure differentials. This alters the natural stack effect of the home, which is the upward movement of air throughout the house. As this air rises, it carries radon along with it, bringing the gas into your living spaces. These changes can significantly increase radon levels in the home, raising the risk of lung cancer with prolonged exposure to the gas.

In some cases, your existing system may need adjustments—or even additional components—to ensure it’s maintaining radon levels as low as reasonably achievable.

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Consulting a Certified Radon Mitigation Specialist

If your home has a mitigation system and you’re planning a basement renovation, it’s best to consult with a certified radon mitigation specialist before construction begins. An experienced professional will evaluate your specific project and look for:

• Potential radon entry points such as cracks or unsealed openings.
• Optimal placement of the mitigation system to maintain effectiveness.
• Changes in airflow or pressure differentials that could increase the stack effect, drawing more radon into the home.

This level of foresight helps protect your investment in the finished basement while ensuring the health and safety of your household.

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Long-Term Testing and Maintenance

Even after the basement is finished and a radon mitigation system is in place, radon safety is an ongoing process. The EPA recommends retesting your home every two years to verify that your system is working properly. Radon levels can fluctuate over time due to soil conditions, foundation settling, or changes in the home’s ventilation.

Routine testing ensures your system continues to do its job and provides peace of mind that your family is protected.

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Final Thoughts

Finishing your basement is an exciting way to expand your home’s living space, but it also comes with new considerations for indoor air quality. By planning ahead, consulting with a certified radon mitigation specialist, and following up with regular testing, you can enjoy your new basement with the confidence that it’s safe, comfortable, and healthy.

If you’re considering finishing your basement, contact Ensign Building Solutions to schedule a consultation. We can help you plan for a safe, radon-free home while protecting the beauty and value of your finished space.