Renovating a basement in Conifer is the perfect time to build in radon‑ready features that protect your health and save you money later. Colorado homes frequently show elevated radon, and Jefferson County treats radon as a communitywide concern. If you plan ahead during a finish or remodel, you can make any future mitigation simple and affordable. This guide explains what to add, when to test, what permits to expect, and how radon affects home sales in Colorado. Let’s dive in.
Why radon prep matters in Conifer
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter through your foundation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends fixing homes that test at or above 4.0 pCi/L and notes there is no known safe level of radon exposure (EPA action level guidance).
Jefferson County and most of Colorado are considered high potential areas for radon, and the county provides outreach and testing resources to residents (Jefferson County radon program). State leaders emphasize that elevated radon is common and now require licensure for radon measurement and mitigation professionals to protect consumers (Colorado DORA licensure update).
What “radon‑ready” means in a remodel
Radon‑ready features mirror national Radon‑Resistant New Construction (RRNC) guidance and can be added during a basement finish with limited disruption. These components create a clean pathway for soil gases and a simple way to add a fan later if tests are high (EPA RRNC resources).
Sub‑slab suction point
Create a small suction pit by coring through the slab in a mechanical room or closet. The pit connects to the gravel under the slab so soil gas can be drawn off later if needed. This is the anchor for your future system.
Vent pipe routing
Run a vertical 3 to 4 inch PVC pipe from the suction point up through the house to above the roofline. Label it “Radon Vent.” Keep the pipe accessible near mechanical equipment so a fan can be added without opening finished walls.
Gas‑permeable layer and liner
If you remove or replace any slab during the project, place clean gravel beneath it to allow air movement to the suction point. For crawlspace areas, use an intact 6‑mil polyethylene membrane sealed to the walls.
Seal sump and penetrations
Install a gas‑tight sump lid if you have a sump and seal obvious slab cracks and the floor‑wall joint. Sealing alone does not solve radon, but it helps any active system work efficiently (CDPHE testing and mitigation basics).
Electrical for a future fan
Plan a 120V outlet or junction box near the intended fan location, usually in an attic or mechanical area. This small step makes future activation quick and low cost.
Permits and local coordination
Finishing a basement or altering mechanical and electrical systems often requires a building permit. Coordinate with Jefferson County Building Safety early, especially if you plan to core the slab, add penetrations, or run a new circuit (Jeffco permitting guidance). For local health resources and test kit options, check the county program page (Jefferson County radon program).
Costs and timelines
- Active mitigation in an existing Colorado home typically costs about $1,000 to $3,000, and complex projects can run higher. Adding radon‑ready rough‑ins during construction is often only a few hundred dollars (CDPHE guidance).
- Colorado offers Low‑Income Radon Mitigation Assistance for eligible homeowners through CDPHE.
- Adding a suction point, vent pipe, sealed sump, and an outlet can be folded into your basement finish schedule, often adding only hours to a couple of days depending on layout and access.
When and how to test
- Test the lowest level you use as living space. If you finish your basement, that becomes the level to test.
- Retest after any major renovation that changes airflow or the foundation, and retest after a mitigation fan is installed. Periodic follow‑up testing is a good habit (CDPHE testing guidance).
- For real estate transactions, use a Colorado‑licensed measurement professional and an approved device for reliable results (Colorado DORA licensure update).
Colorado disclosures and your sale
Radon is a contract‑level disclosure item in Colorado. Sellers must provide known radon test results and the state brochure as part of the transaction under SB23‑206 (Division of Real Estate advisory). If you add radon‑ready features and keep your test records, you can show buyers that the home is set up for easy mitigation if needed. Pair any marketing statement with current test documentation.
Quick checklist for your Conifer remodel
- Test first to establish a baseline on the lowest living level.
- Confirm permits and inspection steps with Jefferson County.
- Core a sub‑slab suction point in a discreet, accessible spot.
- Run and label a 3 to 4 inch PVC radon vent to above the roof.
- Seal the sump lid and visible slab cracks.
- Add a dedicated outlet or junction box near the future fan location.
- After the project, test again. If results are 4.0 pCi/L or higher, hire a licensed mitigation professional to activate the system and verify performance.
If you are planning a basement finish in Conifer and want to align your project with Colorado testing and disclosure rules, we can help you think through timing, documentation, and resale impacts. Reach out to Greg Drake for practical guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
What is a radon‑ready renovation for a Conifer basement?
- A radon‑ready remodel adds a sub‑slab suction point, a labeled vent pipe to the roof, a sealed sump, and an outlet for a future fan so mitigation can be activated quickly if testing shows high levels (EPA RRNC basics).
At what radon level should I fix my home?
- The EPA recommends taking action at or above 4.0 pCi/L and considering mitigation even between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L since there is no known safe level (EPA action level).
Do I need to retest after finishing my basement?
- Yes. Renovations can change airflow and how you use the space, so test the finished basement after the project and again after any mitigation work (CDPHE testing guidance).
Who should I hire for testing or mitigation in Colorado?
- Use Colorado‑licensed radon measurement and mitigation professionals, and for transactions ask for a professional device and a written post‑installation test if a system is installed (DORA licensure update).
Will a passive vent work without a fan?
- Sometimes, but not reliably in high‑risk areas. The passive vent is mainly to make future fan activation easy. Test first, then add a fan if needed to reach target levels (EPA RRNC basics).
