Free Radon Systems
Free Radon Systems for Qualified Ann Arbor Michigan Homes
Did your home fail the radon test? Many pre-1986 Ann Arbor homes will qualify for a free mitigation system, provided that the seller agrees to have the existing foundation draintile rerouted from sanitary to storm sewer. The program is funded by developers who need to find offsets if they are to be allowed to connect to city sewers.
This program is available only through Protech, and is limited to homes listed with a REALTOR®.
Background
To relieve capacity problems in the Ann Arbor sanitary sewer system, the City Council approved an ordinance (28.2:51.1) to fund rerouting of residential footing drains, so that they dump into the storm sewer rather than into the sanitary. Five study areas have been defined for the pilot phase, and the City anticipates that the program will be extended to include the whole community. More info at the program's website.
The work requires installation of a sump in the basement, and inevitably creates disruption during jackhammering and excavation. Participation is voluntary, but eligible homeowners who decline to "volunteer" face $100 increases in their monthly utility bills. The City pays up to $3,700 of the cost, and additional payment may be authorized on a case-by-case basis.
The ordinance also specifies that developers wishing to connect to already burdened portions of the system must offset their additional effluent by recruiting homeowners who are willing to have their drains rerouted. These must be outside the "study areas."
Here's the Deal
Participating developers have agreed to pay for Protech to install a full radon system for homeowners who volunteer for the program. The entire process, drains and radon system, is absolutely free, and the $3700 cap does not apply. Protech's no-hassle radon warranty is included.
Who Qualifies
Homes built before 1986, within the Ann Arbor City Limits but not in one of the pilot program's five "study areas" shown shaded in the maps below. Dark blue areas are "Group A" homes, with the highest potential for flooding. Isolated green spots are other flood locations, to be treated by 2004 after the Group A are completed.
Some areas of Ann Arbor are without storm sewers; those homes are of course excluded from the free radon system program. A larger map with annotations is presented on the City website. Click here.
Dartmoor, Glen Leven, Morehead subdivisions in SW Ann Arbor
Bromley and Orchard Hills subdivisions in NE Ann Arbor
There is also another condition. Qualifying homes must have a 24" deep catch basin between the property lines. In front of a neighbor's house will not do.
This catch basin is 24" deep. Some are only 12" deep.
Advantages
It's a rare win-win situation for buyers and sellers alike. Sellers faced with paying for a radon system will save $700-plus, in exchange for some inconvenience. Buyers will not have to face future hassles and cost when the City-sponsored program extends into their neighborhood … as the City has announced will eventually happen.
Getting Started
An inspection is required to confirm feasibility, determine layout, and provide a price to the sponsoring developer. The work itself takes about three days. Lead times have been running about a week.
We have an immediate need for 35 homes. The best candidates will be homes that have already failed a radon test (especially if they are now vacant), but other homes with basement humidity problems are also attractive, because "radon systems" also reduce intrusion of water vapor and make for a more pleasant environment.
Contact Kurt Hudgins at Protech (Ext. 23) to arrange a convenient time for the inspection.
Learning more
We are happy to give brief presentations and answer questions for individual REALTOR® offices. Please call to schedule a meeting.