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  • No outdated or recalled brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific)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

#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere


Search Coastal Alabama Homes and Real Estate For Sale

  • All Listings
Sort by:
1477 W Lagoon Avenue Unit 202, Gulf Shores

$324,000

↓ $1,000

1477 W Lagoon Avenue Unit 202, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 980 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376779

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach 251-504-1171

1048 Hayward Loop, Foley

$323,304

1048 Hayward Loop, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,510 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385616

DHI Realty of Alabama, LLC

1383 Fenton Circle, Foley

$323,245

↓ $1,000

1383 Fenton Circle, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,680 SqFt Residential MLS® # 372639

DSLD Home Gulf Coast LLC Baldw wgrice@dsldhomes.com

W Laurel Avenue, Foley

$323,000

↓ $25,000

W Laurel Avenue, Foley

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 374846

Bellator Real Estate LLC Gulf PHONE: 251-269-9797

1752 Breckinridge Place, Foley

$322,822

1752 Breckinridge Place, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385662

DSLD Home Gulf Coast LLC Baldw wgrice@dsldhomes.com

873 Sumter Loop, Foley

$322,670

873 Sumter Loop, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,660 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384642

DSLD Home Gulf Coast LLC Baldw wgrice@dsldhomes.com

1355 Fenton Circle, Foley

$322,175

↓ $1,000

1355 Fenton Circle, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,680 SqFt Residential MLS® # 367912

DSLD Home Gulf Coast LLC Baldw wgrice@dsldhomes.com

New
1058 Hayward Loop, Foley

$321,604

1058 Hayward Loop, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,510 SqFt Residential MLS® # 387270

DHI Realty of Alabama, LLC

930 W Beach Boulevard Unit 106, Gulf Shores

$320,800

↓ $100

930 W Beach Boulevard Unit 106, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 643 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379003

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-923-8390

28027 Autumn Lakes Circle, Elberta

$320,452

28027 Autumn Lakes Circle, Elberta

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,490 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384947

DHI Realty of Alabama, LLC

331 E 1st Avenue Unit 102, Gulf Shores

$320,000

331 E 1st Avenue Unit 102, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,013 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386107

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 256-366-0665

331 E 1st Avenue Unit 302, Gulf Shores

$320,000

331 E 1st Avenue Unit 302, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,013 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382702

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-240-5287


Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

Gulf Coast Home Maintenance in Orange Beach & Ono Island | Search The Gulf
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Gulf Coast Home Maintenance in Orange Beach & Ono Island | Search The Gulf

Owning on the Water: My Gulf Coast Maintenance Playbook for Orange Beach and Ono Island



I live and work where salt air, sun, and water meet the Orange Beach shoreline and the canals of Ono Island. Coastal homes here are a lifestyle investment, and they reward steady care. Below is the practical…

Where to Rig Fish near Orange Beach + Best Boats to Use  | Search The Gulf
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Where to Rig Fish near Orange Beach + Best Boats to Use | Search The Gulf

Freeman vs. Invincible 35–37 Catamarans for Orange Beach
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Freeman vs. Invincible 35–37 Catamarans for Orange Beach

Morning Light on Ole River: A November Walk on Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 2, 2025

Morning Light on Ole River: A November Walk on Ono Island


Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent



✅ 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

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.