Should Markham homeowners and buyers test for radon?Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can build up indoors, and the only way to know a home’s level is to test. Health Canada’s guideline is 200 Bq/m³, measured with a long-term test of at least three months, ideally in fall and winter. A York Region study found most local homes tested well below the guideline, but levels vary home by home. Kits cost about $45 to $70, and homes above the guideline can be fixed.
November is a good month to think about radon, because fall and winter are when Health Canada recommends testing. Windows are closed and readings reflect how the home is lived in.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, includes radon in the list of questions buyers can ask about a home’s basement and systems.
The guideline and timelines
| Radon level | Health Canada advice |
|---|---|
| Below 200 Bq/m³ | Below the guideline |
| 200 to 600 Bq/m³ | Fix within 2 years |
| Above 600 Bq/m³ | Fix within 1 year |
How to test
- Buy a long-term kit from a retailer, online or through a certified professional, for about $45 to $70.
- Test for at least three months, in the lowest lived-in level.
- Send the device to the lab and keep the report.
What the York Region data shows
A 2017 to 2018 York Region study of about 500 homes, each tested for at least 91 days, found most had radon levels well below the guideline. York Region still recommends testing, because two similar homes on the same street can differ.
Buying a home this winter?
Michael John Lau can help you build a list of questions about the basement and systems.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Mitigation
Homes above the guideline can usually be fixed by a C-NRPP certified professional, often with a sub-slab system. For new homes in Ontario, Tarion warranty coverage may apply in the first seven years if a home tests above the guideline. Some households may qualify for help through the Lung Health Foundation’s mitigation grant.
Questions for buyers
- Has the home been tested, and when?
- Is there a mitigation system, and who installed it?
- Is the home still under Tarion warranty?
A three-month test rarely fits inside a condition period, so many buyers test after closing. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information about the home.
A simple test gives a clear answer. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the radon guideline in Canada?
200 Bq/m3, set by Health Canada.
How long should a radon test last?
At least three months, ideally in fall and winter.
Is radon common in Markham?
A York Region study found most homes below the guideline, but testing is the only way to know.
How much does a radon test cost?
About $45 to $70 for a long-term kit.
Can radon be fixed?
Yes, usually by a C-NRPP certified professional.
Does Tarion cover radon?
It may cover mitigation for new homes in the first seven years if levels exceed the guideline.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Guideline levels, test length, kit costs, York Region study results, Tarion and grant information are from York Region's Radon: Test Your Home page. This is general information, not medical advice. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
