Guide

How to Choose a Radon Mitigation Contractor

What to verify

• Active PA DEP radon certification, checked in the state's public database, not just taken on the contractor's word
• A written system design specific to your foundation type, not a generic flat quote given sight-unseen
• Whether post-mitigation testing is included in the price or billed separately
• General liability insurance, separate from DEP certification
• A clear explanation of where the fan and exterior vent pipe will be placed, since a poorly placed vent can create a nuisance for neighbors or re-entry into the home

Red flags

• Anyone who can't produce an active DEP certification number when asked directly
• A quote given without ever seeing the foundation
• No mention of post-mitigation testing to confirm the system worked
• Pressure to sign immediately with a large same-day discount

Why certification matters more here than in most trades

This isn't a "nice to have" credential, it's the law in Pennsylvania (see our home page for the specific statute), and it exists because a poorly designed system can fail to actually lower radon levels while giving a false sense that the problem is solved. A DEP certification means the installer has completed training specifically in system design and radon physics, not just general HVAC or construction experience.