Today we picked up a radon test and the results show elevated radon levels in a Condo that was on the 7th floor. That is not unusual (FL DOH "1 out 2 in some areas") but this condo had a radon mitigation system. The homeowner just wanted an independent FL DOH certified Measurement Business to check it 2 years after the install.
The certified mitigation business that installed the system is allowed to do diagnostic testing but since they are not a certified MEASUREMENT Business they are not allowed to perform a post mitigation test, which they did and gave to the Real Estate agent and the homeowner (buyer).
"A follow up test must be done by an independent contractor no earlier than 24 hours after the mitigation system is installed" FL DOH http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/radonFAQ.htm
Only FL DOH Radon Measurement Business can do radon testing for a fee; this includes post mitigation testing. Florida certified radon measurement business list.
Now the situation gets ugly, the client had an "illegal post mitigation test" and the homeowners association NOW requires service companies to have insurance when they work in the high rise.
The certified radon mitigation business (no insurance) is NOT allowed in the building to perform repairs to the system for the homeowner. (Mitigation warranty useless)
The Real Estate agent recommended a FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Business that does not carry liability or worker comp insurance and performs post mitigation testing when not certified to do so.
The homeowner will have to hire a second FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Business that does carry the required insurance to fix the system at an additional expense.
There are only 14 certified radon mitigation businesses in Florida and it appears many of them do not carry insurance and some carry insurance for other types of work such as home inspections. To let someone drill holes in walls and do electrical work without proper liability insurance is asking for trouble.
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/mitbuslst.htm
More and more associations are requiring service companies, home inspectors, mold inspectors, radon testers, radon mitigation companies, mold remediation companies and termite companies to provide a current certificate of insurance to work in their complex or high rise. Since our company has always carried $1million in liability and E&O insurance, I think is good for everyone.
It's just good common sense for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Real Estate Agents and Home owners Associations to require a current certificate of insurance of any service people they hire or recommend.
Many companies form a corporation for less than $1,000 instead of paying for insurance; this protects them but not the client.
We have been involved with thousands of Real Estate inspections since 1999 and never has a Real Estate Agent or firm asked for a certificate of insurance.
Builders, developers, commercial building, national relocation companies, US inspect, and a few homeowners associations always ask for proof of insurance. It only takes a couple mintues for a company to have their certificate of insurance faxed or emailed to a client or agent.
Can anyone explain why Realtors do not request proof of insurance from the people the recommend?
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