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  • No outdated or recalled brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific)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:
16707 State Highway 180 Unit 67, Gulf Shores

$209,500

↓ $4,500

16707 State Highway 180 Unit 67, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,095 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385394

SimpliHOM Alabama

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 258, Orange Beach

$209,500

↓ $14,400

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 258, Orange Beach

0 Beds 1 Bath 392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370022

Kaiser Sotheby's Int-GS PHONE: 205-454-7751

1118 W Beach Boulevard Unit 4, Gulf Shores

$209,500

↓ $10,000

1118 W Beach Boulevard Unit 4, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 420 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380300

IXL Real Estate-Eastern Shore PHONE: 251-209-7770

325 E 22nd Avenue Unit 11, Gulf Shores

$209,000

↓ $6,900

325 E 22nd Avenue Unit 11, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 504 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383604

Realty Executives Gulf Coast PHONE: 251-269-3739

1118 W Beach Boulevard Unit 9, Gulf Shores

$209,000

↓ $10,000

1118 W Beach Boulevard Unit 9, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 420 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373764

Poole & Assoc. Investments, Inc.

12131 Gateway Drive Unit 17, Elberta

$208,999

↓ $10,001

12131 Gateway Drive Unit 17, Elberta

1 Bed 1 Bath 488 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375846

Auner And Associates Realty LL Main: 251-978-9797

9592 Redfish Drive, Elberta

$205,900

↑ $6,000

9592 Redfish Drive, Elberta

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,216 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382757

Skipper Land Company, LLC Main: 251-947-7700

13555 Nolte Creek Drive, Foley

$205,000

↓ $49,000

13555 Nolte Creek Drive, Foley

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 375415

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-554-1493

6194 St Hwy 59 Unit U3, Gulf Shores

$205,000

6194 St Hwy 59 Unit U3, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,004 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385322

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

16707 State Highway 180 Unit 35, Gulf Shores

$204,900

16707 State Highway 180 Unit 35, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,216 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386816

Newcastle Homes, Inc

325 E 22nd Avenue Unit 4, Gulf Shores

$202,500

325 E 22nd Avenue Unit 4, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 489 SqFt Residential MLS® # 367394

Signature Properties

16207 Laurent Road, Foley

$200,000

16207 Laurent Road, Foley

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 367810

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


Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

Gulf Coast Homes That Exude Gulf Grandeur: A Guide to Aesthetics, Balance, and Lifestyle
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 27, 2025

Gulf Coast Homes That Exude Gulf Grandeur: A Guide to Aesthetics, Balance, and Lifestyle


Gulf Coast Homes That Exude Gulf Grandeur: A Guide to Aesthetics, Balance, and Lifestyle I’m Meredith Folger. I am a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf…

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — New Beachfront Luxury Condos | Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 26, 2025

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — New Beachfront Luxury Condos | Meredith Folger

Orange Beach Luxury Condos STR ROI Guide: Turquoise Place & Phoenix Orange Beach II
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 25, 2025

Orange Beach Luxury Condos STR ROI Guide: Turquoise Place & Phoenix Orange Beach II

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — Pre-Construction Overview
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 25, 2025

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — Pre-Construction Overview


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.