Asbestos
A mineral once common in insulation, flooring, and siding. It is mainly a hazard when disturbed, so testing matters before renovating older homes.
Related terms
A visual check of a home's structure and systems by a trained inspector, usually during the buyer's contingency period. It finds problems before you're locked in; it is not a pass or fail test.
A federal disclosure required when selling or renting most homes built before 1978. The seller must share known lead hazards and give the buyer a chance to test.
An odorless radioactive gas from the ground that can build up indoors and raise lung cancer risk. A short test can measure it, and a mitigation system can lower it.
A form where the seller lists known problems with the property, such as leaks, repairs or defects. Requirements vary by state; a few states lean toward buyer-beware rules.