In real estate, a house has good bones if it is considered to be a pretty good house with the potential to become a great home. Construction and Real Estate Experts say so. Homebuyers are frequently advised to seek out properties with good bones, but what exactly does this imply?
Fresh paint, new carpeting, and other cosmetic touch-ups can conceal a house’s many material flaws. When analyzing an older property, purchasers must look past the meticulously groomed facade to identify the building’s fundamental qualities—its “bones.” A house is defined as having “excellent bones” in the real estate and construction sectors if it has no serious problems that could lead to costly repairs.
To get more precise, listed below are 14 ways to tell that a house has Good Bones:
1. A Solid Foundation
It’s a big plus if a house’s foundation is solid. Rinal Patel, a certified Realtor, and co-founder of We Buy Philly Home, is a firm believer in the need for strong foundations. “It’s critical for me to have a strong foundation,” Patel says. “Without this, you’re looking at a significant renovation cost.” If you have a fantastic house but a poor foundation, it’ll be a lot harder and more expensive to restore.
2. Structure and Functionality
A house has two key characteristics: functionality and structure. The foundation of good bones is the basic structure. Look for good layouts, level floors, and no cracks in the walls. Look for “hidden gems” in a home, such as hardwood flooring concealed beneath carpeting. Do not get “caught up in cosmetic flaws,” as they are generally simple to resolve.
3. A House has Good Bones if it has a Good Drainage
One sign of that a house has good bones is excellent drainage. Water may cause a lot of damage to a home. Look for concerns with drainage, especially if the house is on a sloped property. Look for signs of water intrusion in the basement or other below-grade rooms. And, most crucially, have your Realtor check to see if the property is in a possible flood zone.
4. The Skeletal Structure
A good bone is the house’s skeletal structure, which includes the entire foundation. When appraising a house, one aspect that should be checked first is the basement. Wide horizontal cracks, which could suggest hydrostatic pressure, should be looked for. Next, look for joists and subflooring in the wood structure.
5. Roof Revelations
Be on the lookout for minor defects that can be signs of serious problems. For instance, a noticeable sag in a home’s roofline is an “absolute dead giveaway to tell if the house has good bones. Any visible sagging is an indication that there are possible issues with the framing.” No matter the age of the house. It is recommended that buyers get a home inspection.
6. A House has Good Bones if it has a Sensible Floor Plan
One of the ways a house has good bones is if the floor plan makes sense and does not require a lot of change. Moving walls, plumbing, and electrical can all become costly very quickly because it starts the rabbit hole of renovation. Look for a well-designed floor plan to cut down on renovation costs.
7. Plumbing Perks
“Intact plumbing” is among the most critical factors to say that a house has good bones, along with a sturdy roof and great floors. Good pipes for your sinks and bathrooms are a big deal, especially when buying a new home. If everything is in great condition and the pipes look new or good, you have a home with good bones.
8. Good Use of Space
Space is at a premium in many homes, so look for houses that make good use of its space. Evaluate the overall floor plan, if it is efficient or wasted space. Look for “oddly shaped rooms” and consider the potential solutions for reclaiming that space quickly and efficiently. The cost of changing the layout depends on the structure of the house, the number of levels, and the size of the rooms. Pay close attention to the locations of bathrooms and kitchens because relocating plumbing can be a challenge.
9. Corner Clues
“Building quality can be difficult to judge,” according to Corey Tyner, real estate investor and founder of Buy Yo Dirt. “But I usually take a quick peek at the corners of windows, stairs, doors, and other openings,” he says. In these areas, “large, diagonal cracks indicate that something is stretching unusually and may need significant labor (and money) to fix the fault.”
10. Original Elements
Sometimes, the presence of a home’s original features can indicate that a house has good bones. “Original features are what you want to look for,” Tyner says, “but features are not the same as finishes.” Original features include woodwork and built-in cabinets that are original to the home. Finishes, on the other hand, are simple to remove or replace: These are items like bathroom vanities and faucets. When original features are in good shape, it’s a sign that a house has good bones.
11. A Sense of Solidness
Paige Elliot, a Realtor with Elliot & Elliot Real Estate Group and Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, clarifies that she is not a foundation, roofing, or masonry expert. “But we are in so many houses that sometimes we can feel or see things that give us a sense of a solid home,” Elliot says. She starts looking while still outside the home, checking for cracks in the exterior. Then, she inspects the inside of the house for cracks in walls or around door frames. Elliot also looks for level floors. Those are “always a good sign of good bones,” she says.
12. Good Wiring
Mark Luongo, the master electrician and field safety representative for his company, Luongo Electric Inc., located in Vancouver, British Columbia, wants buyers to know that good bones are about more than just sound foundations and structures. “The electrical system can be equally as important,” Luongo says. “A house fire caused by faulty electric in a balloon-framed older home can overtake the home in a matter of minutes.” Wiring is one of the first things he checks in any house.
13. Captivating Character
While a sound foundation and structure are vital to the long-term durability of a home, having good bones can also mean that a house is filled with character and charm. Features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, ornate architectural trim, and high Victorian ceilings lend personality and charisma to a home. When they’re in good shape, desirable features like these are definite selling points.
14. Overlook Cosmetic Concerns
Even though charming features can be an indication of good bones, don’t get too wrapped up in decorative details. Things like grungy carpeting, paint, and wallpaper can all be replaced without spending too much money. Don’t be deterred by a kitchen full of dingy, avocado-colored appliances. Instead, look at what lies beneath the surface, particularly the home’s foundation and structural and mechanical aspects.
Are you Moving to Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is a fantastic place to live! There are endless options to explore the great outdoors having 300 days of sunshine and located close to the Alps. Brishen Combs has lived in St. Louis, Miami, Las Vegas, and Colorado Springs, among other places, which makes her the perfect realtor to assist you with the challenges of relocating to a new city or state. Let me help you identify which house has good bones!
