It’s important to “kick the tires,” check under the hood, and scrutinize the condition and maintenance/repair history of a used car before committing to a purchase. Likewise, it’s vital to perform your due diligence on a home for sale before buying. That’s because homes can hide many hidden flaws and deficiencies – including inferior renovation work and home improvement shortcuts that can lead to buyer regret, the pros concur.
“It’s shockingly frequent for home seekers to encounter amateur yet aesthetically pleasing renovation work. They might discount, disregard, or trivialize these issues due to the home’s overall attractive appearance or an enticing deal,” cautions Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer with Arsight. “But upgrades that look good on the surface can often be misleading, disguising underlying issues.”
Roman Smolevskiy, a general contractor and the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, says this phenomenon occurs more frequently than many realize.
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“In my experience, it’s far too common for house hunters to overlook or downplay poorly done upgrades,” he says. “I remember touring a home with a client who was charmed by the home’s aesthetics. They didn’t notice the poor tile work in the bathroom, the haphazard kitchen cabinet installation, or the uneven paint job. Without my insights and feedback, they could have made a costly mistake.”
Smolevskiy recalls touring a home for sale that look perfect on the surface; but when he began examining more closely, “I discovered substandard electrical wiring that was not only outdated but also unsafe.”
Truth is, many home sellers cut corners or opt for subpar craftsmanship to save money or complete projects quickly.
“It’s not uncommon for home seekers to overlook, ignore, or shrug off these inadequacies, especially if they are captivated by other desirable aspects of the operating,” Velody FoyeByrd, a real estate investor and founder/CEO of Eagle Home Partners, explains. “But they should remain vigilant and be on the lookout for signs of shoddy workmanship during their property searches. This can buyers assess the true value of the property and negotiate a fairer price while also saving them from significant headaches and unexpected expenses down the line.” The experts agree: Always hire a professional to have the home comprehensively inspected before committing to the transaction. A pro can check on structural integrity and the condition of major systems, components and appliances and spot concealed issues that could demand expensive fixes in the future, Korpovinsky adds.
It’s also smart to keep your eyes peeled during tours and private showings. Here are some of the major red flags every prospective buyer should be on the lookout for when visiting homes for sale:
Any indication of rushed work: “For example, sloppy paint and damaged trim or outlets can all point to poor quality work,” says Savannah Walker, a Realtor at Maison Real Estate in Charleston, South Carolina.
Old or outdated systems: “I’ve walked into homes that still have the original knob-and-tube wiring from the early 1900s. Upgrading antiquated systems like these can cost a pretty penny,” Smolevskiy cautions.
Design choices that don’t make sense: If the home’s layout or interior design appear visually bizarre or truly don’t provide for the best use of the space, “it’s showing you that the person who conducted the renovation was focused on saving money, not doing quality work,” Walker says.
Mismatched materials: If you spot different types of flooring, mismatched kitchen cabinets or various brands of windows, it can suggest that the upgrades were done in a piecemeal fashion, possibly resulting in inconsistent quality.
Uneven flooring: A sloping, creaking floor might indicate a botched renovation, Kropvonsky continues.
Cracks and water damage: Investigate ceilings, walls, and floors for cracks, water stains, or signs of moisture damage. “These issues may suggest underlying structural problems or inadequate repairs,” warns Foye-Byrd.
Electrical and plumbing problems: Leaky pipes, erratic light fixtures, or amateur electrical work are all cause for major concern.
Permitting gaps: “Were the proper permits filed for the work that was done? Or was this a homeowner special who skirted the rules? Often you can search public records for existing permits on a property,” advises Walker.
The presence of one or more of these signs – especially serious structural issues or foundation problems – could be a deal-breaker.
“Poorly executed home improvement should be approached with caution,” Foye-Byrd recommends. “If the extent of required repairs or upgrades exceeds your budget or comfort level, it may be prudent to consider other properties and walk away.”
