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DIY Radon Mitigation vs. Hiring a Professional: The Real Costs

With average professional mitigation systems costing between $1,200 and $1,800, many homeowners ask: "Can I just install this myself?" The answer is yes, you can. But a better question is: *Should* you?

The True Cost of a DIY System

On paper, a DIY radon mitigation system looks like an incredible deal.

• Radon Fan: $150 - $250
• PVC Piping (3" or 4"): $60 - $100
• Manometer (Liquid Gauge): $15 - $25
• Sealants & Coring Bits: $100 - $150

Total Material Cost: ~$325 - $525

If the average professional installation is $1,500, you're looking at nearly $1,000 in savings. However, DIYers routinely overlook the specialized tools required for this project, specifically the heavy-duty hammer drills and concrete coring bits required to cut a perfectly round hole through a 4 to 6-inch basement slab.

The 3 Major Risks of DIY Mitigation

1. Pressurization Failures (Creating an Exhaust Leak)

The core of an Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (ASD) system isn't blowing air *out*. It's creating negative pressure *beneath* the house so radon never enters. If your PVC piping leaks in the attic, or you fail to properly seal the foundation cracks, the fan will actually pull radon gas *into* your living areas before exhausting it.

2. State Code and Electrical Violations

Radon fans must be installed outside the conditioned living space (typically the attic or exterior). This means running hard-wired electrical lines to locations that usually don't have outlets. If you do this without an electrical permit, your home insurance could be voided in the event of a fire.

3. The Resale Liability

This is the ultimate deal-breaker. When you go to sell your home, the buyer's inspector will invariably flag a DIY radon system. Buyers heavily rely on certifications and warranties. If the system was not installed by a state-certified professional to EPA standards, a buyer will likely demand a completely new system be installed before closing. Your $1,000 "savings" evaporates instantly at the negotiation table.

The Verdict

We strongly advise against DIY radon mitigation. The structural risks of drilling your foundation, the potential electrical hazards, and the guaranteed friction when selling your home vastly outweigh the labor savings.