Radon testing,
marketed right.

The economics of radon testing are favorable:

• Equipment runs unattended — you drop off a continuous radon monitor, retrieve it 48 hours later. Total inspector time is ~30 minutes round trip.
• Pricing supports the model — $125-$200 standalone, $100-$175 as add-on. Higher per labor hour than general inspections.
• Stackable with general inspections — drop monitor at the inspection, retrieve when convenient. Marginal cost is near zero.
• Recurring demand — EPA recommends testing every 2 years. Past clients are retest candidates.
• Mitigation referrals — when results are above 4 pCi/L, the homeowner needs mitigation. Optional referral relationships with local mitigation companies.

Radon levels vary by geology. The EPA classifies counties into three zones:

• Zone 1 — predicted average indoor radon screening levels >4 pCi/L. Most testing demand. Includes much of the Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Mountain West.
• Zone 2 — predicted levels 2-4 pCi/L. Moderate testing demand. Most of the Southeast, parts of Texas, parts of California.
• Zone 3 — predicted levels <2 pCi/L. Lower demand but still real. Florida, parts of the Gulf Coast, Hawaii.

For inspectors in Zone 1 markets, radon should be a featured service line on your website with its own page and clear pricing. For Zone 2-3, it's an important add-on that supports general inspection pricing.

The channels that work for radon testing:

• Bundle with general inspection — most volume comes from real estate transactions. Make radon a default-included add-on, not a separate decision.
• Standalone landing page — "Radon Testing in [City]" page on your website targets standalone-test searches.
• EPA-month content — January is National Radon Action Month. Content and outreach around this seasonal hook converts well.
• Past-client outreach — every two years, email past inspection clients reminding them to retest. High open and conversion rates.
• Real estate agent education — many agents are vague about whether to recommend radon. Educate them; they'll recommend more.

Common pricing:

• Standalone radon test — $125-$200 in most markets. Higher in Zone 1 markets where awareness drives premium pricing.
• Add-on with general inspection — $100-$175.
• Multi-monitor (large homes or multiple zones) — $200-$350 for proper sampling.
• Reinspection after mitigation — $100-$175. Pure margin since the equipment is already deployed in the area.
• Long-term tests (90 days) — $200-$350. More accurate but longer turnaround.

Don't race to the bottom on radon pricing. The cheap charcoal-canister tests (drop-and-mail) cost the inspector $20 in materials but produce the same revenue as a continuous radon monitor that costs $1,500. Continuous monitors are the professional standard and worth the price differential.

Radon testing operations:

• Equipment — continuous radon monitors ($1,000-$2,500 each). One per active test. Most inspectors operate 3-10 monitors at a time.
• Closed-house conditions — the home must be closed (windows shut) for 12 hours before and during the test. Brief homeowners clearly.
• Drop-off and retrieval scheduling — adds two trips per test if not bundled with an existing inspection. Plan routes.
• Reporting — most monitors generate PDF reports automatically. Add cover letter explaining results, levels, and EPA action thresholds.
• Mitigation referrals — have 1-2 trusted mitigation contractors in your network for when results are high. Don't cross RESPA lines (no paid referrals).
• Certification — most states require radon-specific certification (NRPP or NRSB). Costs $200-$500 to obtain plus ongoing renewal.