26 Feb How to Tell if a House Has Good Bones
Anyone who watches HGTV has heard the phrase “this house has good bones”. But what does that mean? There’s a lot about a house that you can change, but when a house has good bones, usually what it refers to is how the home was built and if it’s a solid house. Perhaps there are some cosmetic issues but nothing major or structural. Let me break down the 3 main things I look for to see if a house has good bones!
1. What’s the structure/foundation like?
The foundation is arguably the most important part of the house. Consider how old the home is, and what type of foundation they have. Are there any signs of major settling? Look for signs of sloping floors, cracks in the walls, ceilings, or foundation walls. Are there signs of foundation deterioration or major water damage? Look for signs of efflorescence, water staining, or active water, and ask the seller about any past water issues.
2. Has the home been maintained?
Outdated wallpaper and wood paneling can be overlooked if the home has clearly been looked after and is clean. When you see homes that look neglected, take care to see if essential repairs and maintenance were ignored over the years. Checking that the major aspects of the home have been taken care of is always recommended. Windows, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are usually your big-ticket items.
3. What is the layout like?
Theoretically, nearly anything in a home can be changed, it’s just a matter of how much it will cost. The layout is one of the main things I look for in older homes. Look at where your front and back doors are, what kind of flow there is in the living spaces, where the windows are and what kind of natural light is available, and how spacious the rooms are in the home. All these things are expensive to change if they aren’t already up to your standards.