Planning to turn that New Paris basement into a cozy living space or home office? In Elkhart County, you live in a high‑potential radon area, so a smart plan protects both health and budget. You want more room without surprises later, especially if you might sell. In this guide, you’ll learn when to test, what to add during construction, how mitigation works, and what it can mean for resale. Let’s dive in.
Why radon matters in New Paris
New Paris sits in Elkhart County, which is identified locally as a high‑potential area for elevated indoor radon. That means every home should be tested, especially before finishing a basement. The county health department explains that Zone 1 areas can see screening levels above the EPA action level and recommends testing in all homes. See the local overview from the Elkhart County Health Department.
Radon is a proven carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The EPA recommends fixing homes at or above 4.0 pCi/L and considering reduction between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. Learn more about planning for air quality during projects from the EPA’s remodeling guidance.
Test before you design
Finishing a basement changes airflow and often seals floors and walls, which can raise radon levels. The EPA recommends testing the lowest lived‑in level before you remodel or finish space. Starting with testing helps you decide whether to install mitigation now or rough‑in components while everything is open. Find step‑by‑step testing basics from the CDC.
How to test your basement
- Use a short‑term test first. These run 2 to 90 days and offer fast results.
- For a better year‑round picture, follow with a long‑term test that lasts more than 90 days.
- If your short‑term result is at or above 4.0 pCi/L, confirm with a repeat test and plan mitigation. Retest after any mitigation or major renovation. See testing workflows from the CDC.
Who to hire in Indiana
Indiana requires radon testers and mitigators who perform residential services to be certified. When you need professional testing or mitigation, use the Indiana Department of Health’s certified list.
Build with radon in mind
If you are moving forward with finishing, design for radon control while the space is open. It is usually more effective and less costly than retrofitting later.
Add a passive rough‑in
Installing radon‑resistant new construction elements during finishing is a smart hedge, even if current levels are low. Core components include a gas‑permeable layer below the slab, a heavy‑duty plastic vapor retarder, a 3 to 4 inch PVC vent pipe to the roof, sealing of slab joints and penetrations, and an electrical box near the pipe for a future fan. See a basic RRNC overview from the California Department of Public Health.
Seal key pathways and sumps
Seal slab perimeter joints, cracks, and openings where utilities enter. If you have a sump pit or interior drain tile, use a sealed cover and integrate it into the mitigation design if needed. Sealing helps, but on its own it is not a complete fix in higher‑radon homes. Learn more from the EPA’s publications on mitigation practices.
Plan ventilation and materials
Work with your HVAC pro to avoid strong negative pressure at the slab that can draw soil gas. Include appropriate vapor control layers under finished flooring. The EPA’s remodeling guide outlines key air‑quality checks during projects. Review the EPA’s remodeling guidance.
After finishing, verify performance
Always retest after construction, whether or not you installed mitigation. If you added a passive rough‑in and post‑finish testing shows elevated levels, a certified mitigator can usually add a fan to make the system active without major demolition. Find retesting guidance from the CDC and homeowner tips for activating systems in industry guides like CERTI.
Mitigation options and costs
The most common and effective fix for basements is active soil depressurization, also called sub‑slab depressurization. A suction point under the slab connects to a continuously running inline fan that vents above the roof. Other methods adapt to sump pits, drain tile, block walls, or crawl spaces. Review system types in the EPA’s mitigation publications.
Typical standalone mitigation installs often range from about $800 to $2,500 for a single‑family home. Operating costs are modest and fans usually carry multi‑year warranties. Get several local quotes and plan to retest within a few months, then every couple of years. See national cost and maintenance guidance from National Radon Program Services.
Local rules and resale considerations
- Certification: Indiana requires residential radon testers and mitigators to be certified and to follow national standards. Confirm credentials on the state’s certified list.
- Building code: Radon‑resistant rough‑ins are recommended in high‑risk areas, although statewide mandates vary. Ask your builder to include RRNC features and always verify local requirements with the building department. See the EPA overview of RRNC and codes.
- Disclosures: Indiana’s Seller’s Residential Real Estate Sales Disclosure asks sellers to disclose known hazardous conditions, including radon, plus any testing and mitigation history. Buyers are encouraged to test during inspections. Read a summary of the form’s scope here.
Quick planning checklist
- Test your basement before you draw up plans. Use a short‑term test first.
- If results are 2 to 4 pCi/L, consider a rough‑in or mitigation. At 4.0 pCi/L or higher, plan mitigation.
- During finishing, add RRNC components, seal slab penetrations, and use a sealed sump cover.
- Coordinate HVAC to avoid strong negative pressure at the slab.
- Retest after finishing and after any mitigation. Keep documentation for your records and for future resale.
Ready to plan a basement finish or prepare your New Paris home for the market? For clear guidance on timing, documentation, and how radon factors into negotiations, reach out to Ashley Lambright for a friendly, local consult.
FAQs
Is New Paris, Indiana considered high risk for radon?
- Yes. Elkhart County is identified locally as a high‑potential area, so testing every home is recommended before finishing a basement. See the county’s guidance from the Elkhart County Health Department.
What radon level means I should fix my basement?
- The EPA recommends mitigation at or above 4.0 pCi/L and considering reduction between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L; confirm results with repeat or long‑term testing per the CDC.
When should I test if I plan to finish my basement?
- Test before you start design or construction, then retest after the project and after any mitigation; this aligns with EPA remodeling guidance and the CDC.
Who is allowed to do radon work in Indiana?
- Use a professional certified by the Indiana Department of Health for residential testing and mitigation; search the state’s certified list.
How much does mitigation usually cost near New Paris?
- Nationally, many systems fall in the $800 to $2,500 range for a typical single‑family home, with modest operating costs; see guidance from National Radon Program Services.
Will finishing my basement increase radon levels?
- It can, because finishing often reduces natural ventilation and seals surfaces; the EPA recommends testing the lowest lived‑in level before remodeling and retesting afterward using the EPA remodeling guide.
