Radon in Nova Scotia: What Homeowners Should Know Before Renovating

If you’re planning a renovation in Nova Scotia; especially in your basement or lower levels, radon should be on your radar. It’s invisible, odourless, and naturally occurring, but when it builds up indoors, it can pose serious health risks over time.

At Han-Cor Construction, we believe good renovations aren’t just beautiful, they’re safe. Here’s what homeowners in Halifax and surrounding areas should know about radon, especially before opening up floors, finishing a basement, or building a secondary suite.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It seeps up naturally through the ground and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, sump pits, floor drains, or unfinished slab floors. You can’t see or smell it, but it can collect in enclosed spaces like basements, crawl spaces, or tightly sealed homes.

In high concentrations, long-term radon exposure has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer. Health Canada considers it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Why It Matters in Nova Scotia

Much of Nova Scotia sits on granite-based soil, which naturally contains more uranium than other areas; meaning radon is more common here than many homeowners realize. Some parts of HRM have tested especially high, even in newer homes.

That’s why radon should always be part of the conversation if you're planning to renovate below grade.

When Should You Test?

The best time to test for radon is before you renovate; especially if you’re:

• Finishing a basement

• Adding a bedroom or living area below ground

• Creating a secondary suite or rental unit

• Sealing floors or altering the foundation

• Pouring a new slab or modifying drainage

Testing before the renovation allows you to identify any problems early and integrate solutions into the project, without having to rip up new finishes later.

You can purchase a long-term radon test kit or hire a certified professional to do it for you. Long-term tests (over 90 days) are more accurate and should ideally be done during the heating season when windows are closed.

What If Your Levels Are High?

If test results show radon levels above Health Canada's guideline of 200 Bq/m³, you’ll want to install a mitigation system. This often includes:

• A sub-slab depressurization system, which draws radon out from under your foundation and vents it safely outside

• Sealing cracks and gaps in floors, walls, and sump lids

• Installing proper vapour barriers and airtight detailing during slab work

• Adding vent piping and fan systems during construction if needed

These systems are discrete, energy-efficient, and often easiest (and cheapest) to install during a renovation, not after.

How Han-Cor Helps

While we’re not a radon testing company, we stay informed and up-to-date on health and building code guidelines for radon. When we renovate basements or build suites, we make sure to:

• Coordinate with certified radon professionals when needed

• Include radon mitigation rough-ins during concrete and slab prep

• Use sealed sump lids, proper vapour barriers, and slab-edge insulation

• Advise clients when radon testing makes sense (before finishing or adding bedrooms)

Our goal is to deliver not just great-looking spaces; but healthy ones too.

Don’t Renovate Blind

Radon doesn’t need to be scary, but it does need to be taken seriously. If you’re investing in a renovation that involves foundation work or below-grade living space, testing is a smart first step, and incorporating a mitigation plan early can save money and headaches down the road.

If you want a good job done by a reputable contractor, Han-Cor Construction is your company for the job.