Buying or building a brand-new home often comes with the assumption that everything beneath the surface is in top condition. However, radon does not discriminate by age or construction date. At Great Lakes Radon, we regularly work with homeowners in Livonia, Kalamazoo, and Indianapolis who are surprised to learn that newly built homes can still have elevated levels and be in need of our radon mitigation expertise. Understanding why this happens is an important step in protecting your household’s long-term health.
How Can New Homes Have Radon Issues?
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is that radon is only a concern in older homes with aging foundations. In reality, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Because it originates below ground, the age of the structure above it matters very little.
New construction can actually increase the likelihood of radon accumulation in some cases. Modern homes are often built with energy efficiency in mind, using tighter building envelopes, advanced insulation, and sealed windows and doors. While these features are excellent for reducing drafts and improving comfort, they can also limit natural air exchange. When radon enters through foundation cracks, sump pits, crawl spaces, or utility penetrations, it may remain trapped inside.
Additionally, construction practices such as grading, backfilling, and soil disturbance can change how gases move beneath a home. Even a well-poured foundation can develop small openings as materials settle. Crawl spaces, which we specialize in encapsulating, are another common entry point that is frequently overlooked in new builds.
At Great Lakes Radon, we design custom radon mitigation systems based on each home’s specific structure and foundation type. Our experienced, certified professionals understand how new construction methods interact with radon movement, allowing us to address issues effectively and in compliance with local building codes.
Is Radon Common Near Me?
According to statewide data, approximately 1 in 4 homes in Michigan test above the recommended action level for radon. This includes older properties and brand-new builds alike. Radon is also recognized as the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, which is why awareness and mitigation matter regardless of a home’s age. Because radon levels vary from property to property, two houses next door to each other can have very different readings. Soil composition, foundation design, and ventilation all play a role.
In areas like Livonia and Kalamazoo, as well as parts of Indiana such as Indianapolis, radon potential is well-documented. Every property in Michigan should be tested at some point, including newly constructed homes, to understand what is happening below the foundation. While we do not provide testing services, we work closely with homeowners who already have results and need a reliable mitigation solution.
What Are Normal Radon Levels in a House?
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action when indoor radon levels reach 4.0 pCi/L or higher. However, there is no known level of radon exposure that is completely without risk, which is why many homeowners choose mitigation even at lower readings.
In new homes, radon levels can sometimes be unexpectedly high due to the factors discussed earlier. Basements, slab-on-grade foundations, and crawl spaces can all influence how radon accumulates indoors. Without a mitigation system in place, these levels may fluctuate depending on weather conditions and air pressure differences between the home and the soil.
Great Lakes Radon offers a 4.0 low-level guarantee with our mitigation systems, and we often achieve post-mitigation levels below 2.7 pCi/L. Our systems are custom-designed for each home, installed efficiently, and backed by lifetime warranties. We also place a strong emphasis on transparency, walking homeowners through how the system works and what results they can expect.
Work With Certified Radon Mitigation Professionals You Can Trust
Even in a brand-new home, radon should never be an afterthought. If testing results indicate elevated levels, mitigation is a proactive step that can make a meaningful difference. At Great Lakes Radon, we combine expertise, innovation, and a customer-focused approach to deliver quality work homeowners can rely on. From custom system design to courteous, efficient installation, our goal is to exceed industry standards. Contact us for more information and learn how our radon mitigation solutions can support a healthier living environment.