New Construction Radon Systems (Radon-Resistant Rough-Ins)

Building a new home is the perfect time to think about radon. Instead of waiting until after construction is complete, radon-resistant rough-ins allow the right foundation and piping to be installed from the very beginning. At BreatheWell Radon Solutions, we work with builders, contractors, and homeowners to make sure every new home starts off safe and ready to protect families from the dangers of radon gas.

Why Radon Matters in New Construction

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that naturally seeps into homes from the soil. Over time, breathing high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Because new homes are often built to be tightly sealed for energy efficiency, they can trap radon inside more easily than older homes.

That makes prevention at the construction stage especially important.

Think of radon-resistant construction like installing smoke detectors or a strong foundation—it’s about peace of mind before problems have a chance to appear.

What Is a Radon-Resistant Rough-In?

A radon rough-in is the framework of a mitigation system placed inside the home during construction. It doesn’t include the full active system (like the radon fan), but it sets up the “backbone” so a full system can be activated quickly if needed later.

Typical features include:

• A vent pipe routed from beneath the slab or crawlspace up through the home and out the roof.
  
  
• Sealed sump pit covers, floor drains, and foundation cracks to keep radon from leaking inside.
  
  
• A gravel or perforated pipe layer beneath the slab to allow soil gases to move freely toward the vent.
  
  
• Electrical outlet placement in the attic or garage, so a radon fan can easily be added in the future.
  

Benefits of Installing Radon Rough-Ins During Construction

• Cost-Effective: Installing the piping and barriers during construction costs far less than retrofitting a system later.
  
  
• Future-Ready: If a radon test ever shows elevated levels, converting to an active system is simple and affordable.
  
  
• Peace of Mind: Builders can market the home as radon-ready, giving buyers confidence in its safety.



• Code Compliance: Some states and municipalities require radon-resistant construction in certain areas.
  
  

How BreatheWell Makes It Simple

Our team partners directly with homebuilders, contractors, and homeowners to design and install radon-resistant rough-ins tailored to the property. We follow EPA guidelines and local building codes to ensure the system is installed correctly from day one.



If levels are ever tested and found high after move-in, the system can be “activated” by adding a radon fan, making it fully operational in just a few hours. That means no major renovations, no tearing into finished walls, and no expensive rework.