If you are building a new home, you are no doubt making a lot of decisions regarding the number of bedrooms, kitchen layouts, closets, etc. But have you considered addressing radon? In the Johnson County area you should, as EPA has designated Johnson County as "Zone 1" (high potential) for radon.

Talk to Your Builder

You and your builder can design your house to be radon-resistant. In the Johnson County area, as of this publication date (June 2001) radon-resistant features added to your house prior to construction might average only $350-$500. If you add the system after construction, however, the approximate cost for this area is about $800-$2,500 (a 128% to 400% saving!).

1. Gas Permeable Layer
   This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4" layer of clean gravel.
2. Plastic Sheeting
   Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor.
3. Sealing and Caulking
   All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home.
4. Vent Pipe
   A 3-4" gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house.
5. Junction Box
   An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later.