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  • No outdated or recalled brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific)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:
15142 Marem Drive, Foley

$270,000

15142 Marem Drive, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,236 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379337

Elite Real Estate Solutions, LLC PHONE: 251-256-6819

389 Clubhouse Drive Unit E1, Gulf Shores

$270,000

↓ $8,000

389 Clubhouse Drive Unit E1, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,217 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380290

Prestige Realty Experts

101 Monteith Circle, Foley

$270,000

101 Monteith Circle, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,086 SqFt Residential MLS® # 387108

Port City Downtown Branch

375 Plantation Drive Unit 5205, Gulf Shores

$269,900

↓ $28,700

375 Plantation Drive Unit 5205, Gulf Shores

0 Beds 1 Bath 410 SqFt Residential MLS® # 359740

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

216 W Orange Avenue, Foley

$269,000

216 W Orange Avenue, Foley

2 Beds 1 Bath 960 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379730

The Compass Property Co PHONE: 251-747-4600

1517 Regency Road Unit 126, Gulf Shores

$269,000

↓ $10,000

1517 Regency Road Unit 126, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,424 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381995

EXP REALTY,LLC PHONE: 205-531-4245

620 W Beach Boulevard Unit 14a, Gulf Shores

$269,000

620 W Beach Boulevard Unit 14a, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 531 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374800

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-752-5720

17015 Sugar Loop, Foley

$269,000

↓ $5,000

17015 Sugar Loop, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,481 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381659

Elite Real Estate Solutions, LLC PHONE: 251-213-8112

820 Carrozza Lane, Foley

$269,000

↑ $10,000

820 Carrozza Lane, Foley

1 Bed 1 Bath 283 SqFt Residential MLS® # 354782

World Impact Real Estate

400 Plantation Road Unit 1213, Gulf Shores

$269,000

↓ $30,000

400 Plantation Road Unit 1213, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 785 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373347

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-228-2115

13765 Shea Circle, Foley

$267,900

↓ $2,000

13765 Shea Circle, Foley

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,410 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386166

Mobile Bay Realty PHONE: 251-269-2640

16089 Mansion Street, Foley

$266,900

↓ $3,000

16089 Mansion Street, Foley

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,458 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379804

RE/MAX Paradise


Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

Best Income-Producing Condo in Orange Beach, Alabama | Investor Insight by Meredith
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 1, 2025

Best Income-Producing Condo in Orange Beach, Alabama | Investor Insight by Meredith

What Is the Best Income-Producing Condo in Orange Beach, Alabama?

Investor’s Resource for Orange Beach Condos I get asked this constantly: “Meredith, what’s the best condo in Orange Beach to buy for income?” It’s a smart question. But it’s also the wrong way to look at it. The better question is,…

Alabama Income Tax: What Buyers on the Gulf Coast Should Know | Meredith Folger Amon
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 31, 2025

Alabama Income Tax: What Buyers on the Gulf Coast Should Know | Meredith Folger Amon

Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Investment Properties | SearchTheGulf.com
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 30, 2025

Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Investment Properties | SearchTheGulf.com

Caribe Seaside — Orange Beach Pre-Construction Condos with Seaside, Riverside & Skyside Amenities
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 30, 2025

Caribe Seaside — Orange Beach Pre-Construction Condos with Seaside, Riverside & Skyside Amenities


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.