Buying in Sandy puts you close to the mountains and right on the Wasatch Front. It also means you should plan for two safety essentials that many homes need after closing: radon mitigation and basic earthquake upgrades. You want a clear budget so there are no surprises once you move in. This guide gives you simple cost ranges, timelines, and a step‑by‑step plan tailored to Sandy.
Let’s dive in.
Why radon and seismic matter in Sandy
Sandy sits in a radon‑prone region where roughly 1 in 3 Utah homes test above the EPA action level. Because levels vary house to house, averages are not a substitute for testing your property. The state program offers guidance and low‑cost kits to help you start testing. See the Utah radon program for details on local testing and certified pros at the Utah DEQ Radon Program.
Sandy is also near the Wasatch Fault, which has a well‑documented earthquake risk. Older homes and unreinforced masonry are more vulnerable, but practical retrofits can reduce collapse risk. Learn more about regional hazards from the Utah Geological Survey.
Radon mitigation: what to expect and budget
Start with testing
Test before or right after closing if it was not done during inspection. Utah provides low‑cost kits, and you can also hire a certified tester. Keep your written results. The state program outlines testing steps at the Utah DEQ Radon Program.
Typical system and costs
Most homes use sub‑slab depressurization, which vents radon from beneath the home using a pipe and in‑line fan. Typical professional installs often range from about $800 to $2,500, with many Utah homes landing near the middle of that range depending on complexity. The EPA explains cost drivers at the EPA radon mitigation cost page. Expect small ongoing costs for fan power and a fan replacement about every 10 to 15 years.
Timeline, verification, and permits
Most installs take a few hours to a day, with more complex homes taking longer. After startup, complete a follow‑up test to confirm performance. The EPA shares how to verify your system at the EPA guidance on verifying mitigation. In Sandy, certain electrical or mechanical work may need permits. Contractors usually handle this, but you can confirm with Sandy City Building Permits.
Seismic upgrades: options and cost ranges
Life‑safety retrofits
For many homes, practical first steps include foundation bolting, bracing short crawlspace walls, and tying chimneys and roofs to framing. These measures are designed to help prevent sliding and partial collapse during shaking. Typical small packages often land in the lower thousands, while moderate life‑safety scopes commonly range higher. National cost ranges are summarized by industry sources like HomeAdvisor’s earthquake retrofit guide.
Larger retrofits
Homes with soft‑story conditions or extensive unreinforced masonry usually require engineering and more substantial work. These projects can reach the tens of thousands and may take weeks to months. Local programs sometimes prioritize life‑safety work first; Salt Lake City’s grant‑based “Fix the Bricks” is an example program for SLC residents only. You can review that program context at Fix the Bricks.
Permits and professionals
In Sandy, most structural work needs a building permit, inspections, and in some cases engineered drawings. Check requirements early with Sandy City Building Permits. Hire licensed contractors and verify credentials through the Utah DOPL construction registry. For larger scopes, consult a structural engineer.
How to build a post‑close budget
Follow this simple plan and plug in quotes for your home:
- Test for radon
- Budget: about $10 to $150 depending on kit vs. professional testing. Start with the Utah DEQ Radon Program for low‑cost kits and certified pros.
- Scope and price mitigation if needed
- If your result is above 4.0 pCi/L, get 2 to 3 written quotes that specify system location, guarantees, who handles permits, and a post‑test. Use a working budget around the middle of $800 to $2,500 unless your home is more complex. See the EPA radon mitigation cost page for typical ranges.
- Assess seismic needs
- Start with an experienced retrofit contractor or a structural engineer. Small bolting and bracing jobs can fall in the lower thousands, while moderate life‑safety packages often range from about $5,000 to $15,000. Larger soft‑story or masonry work can reach $20,000 or more. Reference ranges at HomeAdvisor’s earthquake retrofit guide.
- Add non‑construction line items
- Permits and inspections: check Sandy City Building Permits and include a placeholder in your budget.
- Radon post‑mitigation testing: include a small allowance if not covered by your contractor.
- Contingency: add 10 to 20 percent for surprises.
- Operations: allow for radon fan electricity and eventual fan replacement.
Quick budget examples
- Radon only (typical basement slab): test, install, and post‑test often total near the low thousands with a small contingency.
- Small seismic package (bolts + crawlspace bracing): plan for several thousand including permit and a basic engineering review.
- Larger retrofit (soft‑story or URM work): plan for the tens of thousands and longer timelines.
Financing and insurance basics
Small projects can be paid from savings or a credit card. Larger scopes often use a HELOC, home‑equity loan, or contractor financing. Grant programs like Salt Lake City’s Fix the Bricks are limited and do not apply citywide to Sandy.
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake. Coverage is usually a separate policy or endorsement with a percentage‑based deductible. Discuss options with your insurance agent and review guidance from the Utah Insurance Department.
Post‑close checklist
Radon
- Test now if not done at inspection; keep written results. Start with the Utah DEQ Radon Program.
- If elevated, get 2 to 3 bids from certified mitigators and confirm who handles permits and post‑testing.
- After installation, complete a follow‑up test and check the warning device periodically. See EPA system verification.
Seismic
- For older homes, raised crawlspaces, tall chimneys, or wide garage openings, schedule a retrofit evaluation.
- Confirm permit needs and inspections with Sandy City Building Permits. Expect drawings for larger scopes.
- Keep an earthquake insurance conversation on your to‑do list if it fits your risk tolerance; see the Utah Insurance Department.
Documentation
- Save permits, receipts, licenses, certifications, warranties, and radon test reports. These support future resale and insurance.
Ready to prioritize health and safety while protecting your investment in Sandy? If you want help timing upgrades around your move and budget, connect with Amanda House for local guidance aligned with your goals.
FAQs
What should Sandy buyers budget for radon after closing?
- Plan for testing plus a typical mitigation range from about $800 to $2,500, with a small allowance for a follow‑up test and future fan replacement.
How long does a radon mitigation install take in a Sandy home?
- Most systems install in a few hours to a day, followed by a short follow‑up test to confirm the system is working.
What seismic upgrades give the best first impact for older homes?
- Foundational bolting, crawlspace cripple‑wall bracing, and chimney or roof‑to‑wall ties are common life‑safety steps that many homes start with.
Do I need a permit in Sandy for retrofit work?
- Most structural work requires a building permit and inspections; confirm specifics with Sandy City before scheduling contractors.
Is earthquake damage covered by standard homeowners insurance in Utah?
- Earthquake is usually excluded and is typically purchased as a separate policy or endorsement with a percentage‑based deductible.
