Radon Mitigation Cost in Des Moines
Iowa's health department doesn't publish a price range, so we pulled together what Des Moines homeowners were actually quoted, plus Iowa and national benchmarks.
Local quotes
$1,195 – $1,800
That's the spread of five quotes from Des Moines-area companies that homeowners shared in a public r/desmoines thread. Published Iowa contractor cost guides list a wider $800–$2,500.12
How Des Moines compares
| Benchmark | Price |
|---|---|
| Five Des Moines-area quotes shared by homeowners1 | $1,195–$1,800 |
| Iowa contractor cost guides2 | $800–$2,500 |
| U.S. average (National Radon Program Services)3 | About $1,200 |
| West Des Moines grant, eligible homes4 | Up to $5,000 |
The local quotes are a small sample from one public thread, not a survey. We don't name the companies, and none of them is affiliated with us.
What changes a Des Moines quote
- Foundation. Basements and slabs usually take sub-slab suction. Crawl spaces need a sealed membrane first.5
- Pipe routing. National Radon Program Services notes that part of the price depends on hiding the system. Exterior pipes can work as well as interior ones but look different.3
- Diagnostics. EPA says many contractors give free estimates but may charge for diagnostic tests.6
- Standards. Every Iowa install must meet EPA and ASTM standards, so very low bids deserve a hard look at what's included.7
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Get my free referralTakes under a minuteThe West Des Moines radon grant
The City of West Des Moines runs a Radon Mitigation Program that pays up to $5,000 per home for radon testing (before and after) and mitigation, as a grant you don't repay.4 To qualify:4
- The home is inside West Des Moines city limits. It can be a single-family house, duplex or townhouse, owner-occupied or rented.
- Owners are current on the mortgage and property taxes, have home insurance and owe no city fines. Rentals need a valid rental certificate.
- Total household income is at or below 80% of area median income.
| Household size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $64,150 | $73,300 | $82,450 | $91,600 |
Income limits as posted by the city. Larger households have higher limits. Check the city's page for current funding and how to apply through its online portal.4
What should be in the contract
EPA's consumer guide says the contract should spell out:6
- The total cost, including taxes and permit fees, any deposit, and when final payment is due.
- How long the work will take.
- That the contractor will get the necessary permits and follow building codes.
- Proof of liability insurance, and responsibility for damage and cleanup.
- Details of any guarantee to reduce radon below a set level, plus warranties on the hardware.
Selling a Des Moines home
Iowa doesn't require radon testing or mitigation in a sale. But the seller's disclosure statement asks about any known radon tests, with the date and results, and the buyer must receive the Iowa Radon Home-Buyers and Sellers Fact Sheet.8 A high result on file often turns into a mitigation negotiation, so a written bid from a credentialed specialist helps.
Common questions
How much does radon mitigation cost in Des Moines?
Five quotes from Des Moines-area companies shared in a public homeowner thread ranged from $1,195 to $1,800. Iowa contractor guides list $800 to $2,500.
Is there a radon grant in West Des Moines?
Yes. West Des Moines offers up to $5,000 per home for testing and mitigation as a grant, for homes in city limits with household income at or below 80% of area median income.
What's the national average cost of radon mitigation?
National Radon Program Services puts the U.S. average at about $1,200, with a range of about $800 to $2,500.
Do radon contractors charge for estimates?
EPA says many contractors give free estimates but may charge for diagnostic tests, so ask up front.
Does an Iowa seller have to pay for radon mitigation?
No Iowa rule requires it. The seller must disclose known radon tests and give the buyer the Iowa radon fact sheet. Who pays is negotiated.
General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, medical or legal advice. A licensed professional who inspects your home can tell you what it needs.
Sources
- r/desmoines, "Radon mitigation" (public homeowner thread listing five local quotes)
- Published Iowa contractor cost guides (dsmradon.com and iowaradonexperts.com), each listing $800–$2,500
- National Radon Program Services (Kansas State University, EPA-funded), "Installing Mitigation"
- City of West Des Moines, "Radon Mitigation Program"
- MDH, "Radon Mitigation Systems"
- U.S. EPA, "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home" (2010)
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), "Radon"
- Iowa HHS, "Radon Resources" (Real Estate section)