How to Tell If a Home Has Been Updated Well — A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Over the years, I’ve guided clients through Gulf Coast properties—some truly well-renovated, others... less so. Just because a home looks shiny and staged doesn’t mean the work behind the walls is sound. So when a home is labeled as "updated," I encourage my clients to look closer.

Below is my personal checklist of what I look for to determine whether a home has been updated thoughtfully, safely, and to last.

Buyer Checklist Home Remodel


Electrical Panel: Function Before Finish

Start in the place most buyers overlook: the electrical panel. A modern home update begins with safety and functionality.

Look for:

  • Breakers, not fuses

  • At least 200-amp capacity in larger homes

  • Clearly labeled circuits

  • No outdated or recalled brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific)

    Gulf Coast Electrical Panel Home Remodeling

Kitchen Cabinets: Painted or Premium?

Kitchens are often a home's biggest showpiece—but dig deeper than the paint.

Signs of quality:

  • New cabinets (not just painted originals)

  • Soft-close drawers and doors

  • Dovetail joinery on drawers for strength

  • Consistent hinges, hardware, and installation


Interior Doors: Hollow or Solid?

Knock on a few doors. Hollow-core doors are light and cheap. Solid-core doors feel substantial and provide better sound insulation.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor


Windows & Glass Doors: Efficiency Is Everything

Coastal homes especially benefit from modern, impact-rated windows and doors.

Check for:

  • Double-pane, energy-efficient glass

  • Recent installation stickers or serial numbers

  • Smooth-gliding sliding doors

  • Storm or impact resistance in hurricane-prone zones


 Roofing: More Than Just Shingles

Ask about the age and type of roof. New roofs should comply with current wind codes and be well-installed.

What to ask:

  • Is it architectural shingle, metal, or tile?

  • Was it replaced within the last 5–10 years?

  • Is there a transferable warranty?

  • Are there visible signs of sagging or patchwork?


Plumbing Fixtures: Substance Over Shine

Shiny finishes don’t always mean quality plumbing.

Look for:

  • Updated shut-off valves

  • New traps and piping under sinks

  • Quality brand fixtures (Kohler, Moen, Delta)

  • No signs of water damage or mold beneath


 Flooring & Trim: Craftsmanship Counts

Poor flooring installs can suggest rushed flips.

What to check:

  • Flush thresholds between rooms

  • Professional trim and baseboard installation

  • Consistent material and color

  • No hollow sounds or lifting when tapped


 Lighting & Electrical Features

Smartly placed lighting and updated outlets are a good sign.

  • Recessed LED lights

  • Under-cabinet kitchen lighting

  • Dimmer switches and modern outlets

  • Coordinated fixtures throughout the home


HVAC & Ductwork

Don’t overlook heating and cooling systems.

Check:

  • System age (ideally

  • Clean, insulated ductwork

  • Return vents in multiple rooms

  • Smart thermostats or zoned HVAC controls


Trim & Molding Details

Well-done crown molding, baseboards, and window casing elevate a renovation—and show attention to detail.


Closets & Storage

Bonus points for:

  • Custom closets or organizers

  • Quality drawer pulls and shelving systems

  • Attic or garage storage upgrades


Laundry Room Features

Often overlooked, but a sign of functional living:

  • Utility sink

  • Built-in shelving

  • Proper dryer venting

  • Waterproof flooring


 Garage Condition

Look for:

  • Painted drywall

  • Epoxy floors

  • Updated door mechanisms

  • Ceiling-mounted storage or utility systems


Smart Home Features

Tech-savvy homes are both convenient and valuable.

  • Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee)

  • Wi-Fi-enabled garage openers or locks

  • Security systems and video doorbells


Permits and Paperwork

Always ask:

  • Were renovations permitted?

  • Is documentation available for the work completed?

  • Are warranties transferable?

Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Real Estate


Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. My goal is to help you not just find a beautiful space—but a smart investment that’s built to last.

– Meredith Amon
Your Local Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor

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903 W Beach Boulevard Unit 212, Gulf Shores

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✅ Buyer’s Checklist: Is It a Quality Update?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether a home has been thoughtfully and thoroughly updated:

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on

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