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  • No outdated or recalled brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific)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:
1041 W Lagoon Avenue Unit 201, Gulf Shores

$319,900

1041 W Lagoon Avenue Unit 201, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 972 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383166

Wellhouse Real Estate LLC

1206 Crown Walk Drive, Foley

$319,900

↓ $15,100

1206 Crown Walk Drive, Foley

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,713 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374209

Ryals Realty Services, Inc almatorres@ryalsrealty.com

342 W Shoreway Drive Unit 5, Gulf Shores

$319,500

342 W Shoreway Drive Unit 5, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,260 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383085

InLand Bay Realty LLC PHONE: 251-543-6094

317 W Orange Avenue, Foley

$319,500

317 W Orange Avenue, Foley

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,387 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384688

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-404-9011

1748 Breckinridge Place, Foley

$319,472

1748 Breckinridge Place, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386735

DSLD Home Gulf Coast LLC Baldw wgrice@dsldhomes.com

S County Road 12, Foley

$319,000

S County Road 12, Foley

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 376796

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

14381 Headlands Lane, Foley

$319,000

14381 Headlands Lane, Foley

4 Beds 2 Baths 2,073 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380091

Coldwell Banker Reehl Prop Fairhope PHONE: 251-510-3246

5601 State Highway 180 Unit 3202, Gulf Shores

$319,000

5601 State Highway 180 Unit 3202, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,135 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385718

Signature Properties

New
Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

$319,000

Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 387508

Goode Realty, LLC

102 Holmes Avenue Unit 102, Foley

$319,000

↓ $10,000

102 Holmes Avenue Unit 102, Foley

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,860 SqFt Residential MLS® # 372341

Bellator Real Estate LLC Gulf PHONE: 251-504-6484

4375 Lindsey Lane Unit A, Orange Beach

$319,000

4375 Lindsey Lane Unit A, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,125 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386488

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-609-9994

215 W Palm Avenue, Foley

$318,900

215 W Palm Avenue, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,748 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380772

Coldwell Banker Reehl Prop Fairhope PHONE: 251-401-5243


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.