Measure What You Can't See or Smell

Professional radon testing for residential and commercial properties in Hawthorn Woods and throughout Chicagoland.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes through foundation cracks, sump pits, and gaps around plumbing, and it's impossible to detect without testing. If you're buying a home in Chicagoland or want to understand what's present in the air your family breathes, radon testing gives you a measurement of radon levels using industry-accepted methods that produce results you can rely on.

Short-term testing is commonly used during real estate transactions because it delivers results quickly without delaying closing timelines. M&M Home Inspections places testing equipment in the lowest livable area of your home, usually a basement or below-grade living space, and monitors radon levels over a continuous period to capture an accurate reading of what's accumulating indoors.

If you need radon testing for a home purchase or want to check your current property in Chicagoland, contact M&M Home Inspections to schedule your test.

How Testing Works and What the Numbers Mean

You'll see a small testing device placed in the lowest occupied level of your Hawthorn Woods or Chicago home, positioned away from windows, doors, and air vents to avoid interference. The device runs continuously for the duration of the test period, collecting data on radon concentration in the air without requiring you to do anything other than leave it undisturbed.

Once testing is complete, you'll receive results explained in clear, easy-to-understand terms that show whether radon levels exceed the recommended action threshold. If elevated levels are detected, the report will support your decision to install a mitigation system, which can reduce radon concentrations significantly and lower long-term health risks.

Testing is especially important for below-grade living areas where radon tends to accumulate most heavily. M&M Home Inspections does not install mitigation systems, but the results from your test provide the data needed to move forward with a qualified contractor if levels warrant action.

Most people ask similar things before testing

Radon testing raises practical questions, especially for buyers who need results quickly or homeowners who've never tested before.

How long does radon testing take?
Short-term radon tests typically run for 48 to 72 hours depending on the method used. You'll have results within a few days after the device is retrieved, making it practical for real estate transactions.
What radon level is considered unsafe?
The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels measure 4.0 picocuries per liter or higher. Your test results will show the measured concentration and whether mitigation is recommended.
Why is radon more common in basements?

Radon enters through the foundation and accumulates in lower levels because it's heavier than air. Testing the lowest livable area of your home in Chicago captures the highest concentration and gives the most accurate picture of risk.

What happens if my test shows high radon levels?
You'll receive documentation of the test results, which you can share with a mitigation contractor who installs ventilation systems designed to redirect radon before it enters living spaces. Mitigation is effective and reduces levels in most homes.
When should I test for radon?
You should test during a home purchase, after major foundation work, or if you've never tested your current home. Radon levels can vary over time, so periodic testing supports long-term health awareness.

Radon testing performed using industry-accepted methods supports buyer confidence and helps you make informed decisions about your property in Chicagoland. If you're ready to measure radon levels, reach out to M&M Home Inspections to schedule your test.