Young home buyers are being warned to beware of the hazards of tackling renovations themselves as they battle to get on the property ladder.
A lawyer who deals with cases relating to the toxic building substance asbestos told 9News she's "concerned" young Aussies snapping up cheaper homes that need work might risk exposure.
Hannah Murray from Slater and Gordon Lawyers said she had seen young people posting DIY videos online, unaware of potential dangers of asbestos.
"It's a scene I think we're all familiar with," Murray said.
"A first-time home buyer moves in next door and plans to renovate their home to save money.
"Soon enough the new owner starts ripping it apart, and before you know it there's a pile of debris out the front.
"As an asbestos lawyer this scene concerns me."
Murray said she wasn't aware of asbestos and the risks until she got her job, and feared other younger people might not know either.
"In Australia, a home that was built before 1990 almost certainly has asbestos in it," she said.
"Before you begin any home renovation project it is important to check that you are not disturbing deadly asbestos building and insulation products.
"If you are unsure, you should have your home checked by a qualified tester."
It said one in three homes in Australia built before 1990 contain the deadly asbestos fibre.
It's only hazardous when broken up and can cause diseases including cancer.
Asbestos was a popular building material until the mid-1980s in Australia and was used widely because it was cheap, lightweight, versatile and fire-resistant.
November is asbestos awareness month