If your radon level is 4.0 pC/L or greater, you can call your state radon office to obtain more information, including a list of EPA or State-approved radon contractors who can fix or can help you develop a plan for fixing a radon problem. Reduction methods can be as simple as sealing cracks in floors and walls or as complex as installing systems that use pipes and fans to draw radon out of the building.

EPA maintains a comprehensive web site on radon at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/ where you can find internet versions of all of EPA’s documents, brochures and publications relating to radon.

Below are descriptions of three of the more common EPA publications on radon, copied from site http://www.epa.gov /iaq/radon/pubs/index.html

A Citizen’s Guide To Radon (second edtition) The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon.
This booklet was developed by the EPA, the U.S. Department of Health, Human Services and the U.S. Public Health Service.  This is a complete guide to taking action to lower the radon level in your home. It offers strategies for testing and discussions of what steps to take after you have tested, discussions of the risk of radon and radon myths.
EPA Document Number 402-K-92-001. September 1994. (www .epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html)

Consumer’s Guide To Radon Protection How To Reduce Radon Levels In Your Home …
This booklet is for people who have tested their home for radon and confirmed that they have elevated radon levels. EPA Document Number 402-K-*93-003.  (www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/consguid.html)

Home Buyer’s And Seller’s Guide To Radon
This guide has been developed for anyone buying or selling a home who wants to learn about radon. For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328. Order Number – ISBN: 0-16-041680-9. EPA Document Number: 402-R-93-003, March 1993. (www.epa.gov/radon/pubslhmbyguid.html)

Typical Home Inspections

Buyers are encouraged to conduct any and all inspections by qualified experts to verify the condition of a property. This list summarizes many types of inspections, but you should investigate anything that concerns you. Be careful to watch the dates and other requirements about inspections in your sales contract.

Order a C.L.U.E. report from www.choicetrust.com to determine any potential insurance issues for your or the property.

Research School Information (School District – Be sure to ask about any upcoming school boundary changes.)
Covenants and Restrictions

Talk to Neighbors

Builder’s References and Reputation (for new home purchase)

Building Site Info (i.e. excessive fill, built over pond site, etc.) Check with engineering firm that developed the area.

Whole House Inspection (for plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, appliances)

Structural Engineer (for foundation, roof structure and chimney)

Termites & Wood Destroying Insects

Radon Gas (EPA Radon Gas)

Chimney Sweep

Roof

Sewer Line (house to street) Sewer Hook-up (Is it actually hooked up to the public system?)

Septic system (Johnson County Sewer / Septic Inspection)

Masonite Siding (Masonite Siding Claims)

Mold & Microbials (EPA Airduct Information)

Synthetic Stucco Exterior (EIFS)

Polybutylene Pipes (http://www.plumbing911.com/)

Proximity to Toxic Areas (www.epa.gov)

Proximity to Sexual Predators (Contact local Sheriff’s Department)

Swimming Pool

Sauna, Hot Tub

Inground Sprinklers

Alarm system

Taxes & Zoning & City or County Master Plans – Contact local city and county governments.

Cistern / Well (EPA Safewater)

Lead Based Paint (EPA Lead)

Asbestos EPA Asbestos

Electromagnetic Fields

Carbon Monoxide

Underground Storage Tanks

Hillside Stability

Air and Water Quality (EPA Air & Water Quality)

Causes of Moisture in Basement (Water in Basements)

Other Information: Consumer Housing Advocates – HADD) and Better Business Bureau

Inspectors are supposed to be licensed and insured in Kansas but not Missouri.

Many belong to National Home Inspection Associations. –

ASHI(American Society of Home Inspectors)

NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)

NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors)

PITI (Professional Inspection Training Institute)

ACI (Association of Construction Inspectors)

IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America)

Another consideration is a “re-inspection” by your own inspector after the Seller has completed the agreed-upon repairs.

Always hire the most qualified person you can find. Ask about their experience, education, references and insurance. Many of the above inspections require an engineer to conduct a “Phase 1 Inspection.” Making informed decisions about your home avoids surprises. You can eliminate the guesswork and reduce the potential for problems by hiring qualified inspectors. Your cousin Bob might not be that person.

Here is a short 4 minute video showing some before and after staging photos and tips.

Here are some things to consider as you prepare to move:

4 weeks before your move

2 weeks before your move

Week of your move

Contact and contract with a reputable moving company

Have school records transferred

If you are moving out of town, arrange to transfer (or take with you) medical,

dental and other important records

Prepare to transfer your homeowners and auto insurance to be sure you will be

covered for unforeseen disasters

Hold a garage sale to get rid of unneeded items and/or arrange to place excess

items in storage

Obtain and mail change-of-address cards to the post office, subscriptions, credit

card companies and important contacts

Cancel and order utilities (gas, electric, water, telephone, cable).

If you are moving out of town, close or transfer bank accounts

Terminate newspaper delivery service

Arrange for transfer of vehicle and driver licenses

Keep money, valuable jewelry and important records/documents with you; do not

pack them with the rest of your household goods

On closing day, the home purchase documents will be recorded

Review preliminary settlement documents with agent

Clean property for buyers