Millennial Home Buying: Silent Deal Killers

Hidden hazards could turn your dream home into a costly nightmare.

In this guide, we’ll uncover three hidden hazards every millennial homebuyer must eliminate before purchasing their next home.

Beware of the Invisible: Radon Gas

What is Radon?

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and radioactive gas that forms naturally from uranium decay in the soil. It’s a leading cause of lung cancer and can accumulate in homes without detection, posing long-term health risks.

Where is Radon a Concern?

Radon levels vary by location, but it's especially common in the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S., where uranium-rich soil increases the risk of exposure. However, radon can be found in any home, regardless of region, making testing essential during the homebuying process.

How to Check for Radon in your potential Home

✅ Step 1: Check the EPA Radon Map to see if the home is in a high-risk area.

✅ Step 2: Ask the Seller for Radon Testing Results

• Many sellers are required to disclose past radon test results, so ask for documentation upfront.

• If the home has never been tested, request that the seller perform a test before closing or follow steps 3 and 4 below during your due diligence period.

  
  

✅ Step 3: Use a DIY Radon Test Kit (If no prior tests exist)

• Affordable radon test kits (under $10 + $40 lab fee) are available at Home Depot.

• Tip: Start testing early in due diligence to allow time for results.

  
  

✅ Step 4: Hire a Professional Radon Inspector for Accuracy

• Professional testing costs $300 - $1,000 and is conducted over 24-72 hours.

• Ideal for: Buyers with a short due diligence window or those wanting precise, fast results.

  
  

Why It Matters

Radon exposure is preventable—but only if you test. If elevated levels are found, mitigation systems can be installed for around $1,200 - $2,500, making it a manageable fix before closing on a home.

Check out our detailed blog post about the Radon investigation process for more information about Radon Testing.

2. Beneath the Surface: Lead Paint

What is Lead and Why is it Dangerous?

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was commonly used in paint, plumbing, and household materials before its dangers were widely recognized. Exposure can lead to serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women, including:

• Cognitive and developmental delays in children

• Kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults

• Complications during pregnancy

Where is Lead a Concern?

Lead exposure is most common in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was federally banned. However, it can also be found in:

• Old plumbing systems (lead pipes, fixtures, and solder)

• Soil contamination (especially near industrial sites or heavy traffic areas)

• Dust from lead-painted surfaces that deteriorate over time

How to Check for Lead Before Buying a Home

✅ Step 1: Ask the Seller for Lead Disclosure Documents

• Federal law requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to disclose any known lead hazards.

• Request any past lead test results or details about remediation efforts.

  
  

✅ Step 2: Inspect for Peeling or Chipping Paint

• Lead-based paint is not dangerous if intact, but peeling, chipping, or sanding can release toxic lead dust.

• Pay close attention to windows, doors, trim, and railings, where friction can break down old paint.

  
  

✅ Step 3: Use a DIY Lead Test Kit (If No Disclosure Exists)

• Affordable test kits (around $10 - $30) are available at Home Depot or hardware stores.

  
  

✅ Step 4: Hire a Certified Lead Inspector for a Full Assessment

• Professional testing costs $300 - $700 and includes a detailed lab analysis of paint, water, and dust samples.

What to Do if Lead is Found?

✔ Lead Paint Mitigation – If lead-based paint is intact, sealing it with encapsulation paint is a cost-effective solution. If deteriorating, professional lead abatement (removal) may be necessary.

✔ Plumbing Replacement – Homes with lead pipes may require full pipe replacement or certified lead filtration systems to prevent contamination in drinking water.

✔ Soil Testing & Remediation – In cases of soil contamination, replacing topsoil or planting grass can help reduce exposure risks.

Why It Matters

Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, but only if you test. Before closing on a home, ensure it’s safe for you and your family—especially if you have young children.

Out of Sight- Not Out of Mind: Asbestos

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, leading to serious health risks such as:

• Lung diseases like asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue)

• Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer

• Chronic respiratory issues

Where is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos can be found in homes built before the 1980s, particularly in:

✔ Insulation (attics, walls, and pipes)

✔ Flooring tiles & adhesives 

✔ Popcorn ceilings & textured paints

✔ Roofing & siding materials

✔ HVAC duct insulation

How to Check for Asbestos Before Buying a Home

✅ Step 1: Ask the Seller for Asbestos Disclosures

• Sellers are not always required to disclose asbestos presence unless tested, but you should ask if they have any prior asbestos reports.

  
  

✅ Step 2: Identify Potential Asbestos Materials

• Look for older popcorn ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, or cement siding in homes built before the 1980s.

• Asbestos cannot be identified by sight, so testing is required for confirmation.

  
  

✅ Step 3: Use a DIY Asbestos Test Kit (For Basic Screening)

• DIY asbestos test kits ($30 - $50) can be purchased at Home Depot and other retailers.

• You’ll need to send a sample to a lab for results, which may take several days.

  
  

✅ Step 4: Hire a Licensed Asbestos Inspector for Full Testing

• Professional asbestos testing costs $400 - $1,500, depending on the number of samples taken.

• An inspector will collect samples safely and provide a certified lab report on asbestos presence.

What to Do if Asbestos is Found?

✔ Leave It Alone – Asbestos is only dangerous when airborne, so if it's in good condition, it can be left intact and sealed.

✔ Encapsulation (Sealing) – A professional can apply a special coating to asbestos materials to prevent fiber release.

✔ Professional Asbestos Removal – If asbestos is damaged or must be disturbed (e.g., during renovations), only licensed professionals should handle removal. Costs range from $1,500 - $20,000, depending on the extent of contamination.

Why It Matters

Asbestos exposure can have severe long-term health consequences, but testing before purchasing a home can prevent costly remediation surprises. If the home you’re considering was built before 1980, an asbestos inspection is a smart investment—especially if renovations are planned.

Conclusion

Buying a home is a stressful process.

Ensuring that your new home is safe and livable is key during the due diligence process.

Here at BuyWise Home, our mission is to empower your purchasing decisions with comprehensive home information, ensuring every step you take towards home ownership is confident and informed.

We hope you consider the BuyWise Home and Neighborhood Due Diligence report to streamline the due diligence process for you.

This comprehensive report includes a radon, lead paint, and asbestos risk assessment as well as:

• Other environmental risk assessments (flood, hurricane, wildfire, tornado, and other climate change hazards)

• Human Health Hazards (cancer index, air quality index, lead paint index, nearby hazardous sites)

• Crime (sex offenders, local crime hotspots, violent crime incidents)

•  Internet Speed

• Access to shopping/groceries

• Access to entertainment, gyms, coffee shops, nail salons and other lifestyle amenities

• Home owner association reviews

• School/daycare system access and quality

• Property maps and images

• Historical property record search (tax, deed, and liens)

Happy home buying!

BuyWise Home