Radon and buying a home in Worcester County

Test before you buy

The state health department recommends testing every home, and Worcester County is a high radon potential county. A test before closing tells you whether you're buying a fix.

Ask for it in the purchase agreement

If you want a radon test before you buy, raise it with your agent or attorney before you sign, so the purchase agreement says when the test happens and what happens if the result is high.

Ask the seller for their results

If the house already has a system, don't assume it has fixed the problem. The state says to ask the seller for the original radon test result. If that original level was above 100 pCi/L, additional safeguards may be needed, and the Massachusetts Radon Hotline can help: (800) 723-6695.

Newer homes

A one- or two-family home built in Worcester County since 2015 should have a passive radon system. Builders aren't required to test, so a passive system alone doesn't tell you the level. More on that rule →

If the result is high

A mitigation system is a routine fix. The state puts most systems at $1,000 to $1,500. Buyers and sellers often settle it in the price or the terms. Put your closing date in the request form if you need someone quickly.