Radon in New Homes

Can a new home have high radon?

Yes. Radon comes from the ground, not from the age of the house. Modern homes are built to be much more airtight, which is great for energy efficiency but can also mean radon that gets in has fewer ways to escape. The only way to know is to test.

What is a radon rough-in?

Canadian building code changes around 2010 led to new homes in Saskatchewan being built with radon "rough-in" measures. Typically this is a capped pipe that passes through the basement slab into a gravel layer underneath, often labelled "radon".

A rough-in is not a working mitigation system on its own. If your home tests high, a certified professional can usually activate it by extending the pipe outdoors and adding a fan. Because the hardest part, getting through the slab, is already done, activating a rough-in is often quicker and less expensive than a full installation.

How to find out if you have one

• Look for a capped pipe, usually 4 inches in diameter, coming up through the basement floor, often near the furnace room or in an unfinished corner.
• Check for a label that says "radon" or "soil gas".
• Ask your builder or check your home's documentation.

New home warranty

Some new home warranty programs cover radon mitigation if a newer home tests above the guideline. If your home is only a few years old, check your warranty documents or ask your builder before booking.