Nothing is more infuriating than settling into a new home only to realize it needs a lot more work than expected. Whether the seller overhyped the property or you simply didn’t do enough research, a fixer-upper can quickly turn into a downer. If you plan to buy a home, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re not spending money on a property that isn’t going to be worth it in the long run. And to help you dodge that, Danielle Mathews, co-owner of Reborn Renovations, is here to explain how to spot the poor renovation jobs versus the good ones.

Here are three signs that a home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The quality of work is poor.

You can tell a lot about a home by its quality, and luckily, homes that have bad renovation jobs are pretty hard to miss. Here are just some of the telltale signs:

• Uneven tile work
• Sloppy paint jobs
• Poorly installed fixtures
• Faulty electrical work
• Inconsistent grout lines

According to Danielle, “Visible signs of poor workmanship indicate a lack of skill or care during the renovation process. Buyers should proceed with caution.”

If you happen to see one or more of these signs, it’s a good idea to inquire about it before making an offer on the home.

The materials and finishes don’t match.

A super easy way to tell that a home renovation is dodgy is by checking out the materials and finishes. If they match, and work well together, then you’re in the clear.

But if you notice things like mismatched tiles or inconsistent window treatments, then you might be looking at a bad renovation.

Danielle explains, “Mismatched materials can be a red flag for shoddy workmanship. It suggests that the renovation was rushed or completed without proper planning.”

It doesn’t have the right permits.

Contractors are responsible for making sure your home is safe to live in, and permits are kind of like proof of that. In order to renovate a home, they have to obtain certain permits that prove their work complies with local building codes and regulations. And if they don’t have that, it could mean your potential home isn’t safe.

So before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to ask for proof of permits for any major renovations. Permits guarantee that the work was inspected and approved, giving you peace of mind.

Signs of a Good Renovation

After learning about signs of a poor renovation job, you may be wondering how to tell whether a renovation was done well. Here are some signs of a good renovation:

The materials are of good quality.

Remodeling an entire home requires expert skill. But without the right materials, even the best contractors can’t make a property look good. When checking out a home, look for high-quality materials like hardwood or natural stone flooring, quartz or granite countertops, or solid wood doors and cabinetry.

“Quality materials contribute to the longevity and value of the property, ensuring a sound investment for the buyer,” Danielle advises. Plus, when a home renovation job is done right, it can save you a lot of money on repairs down the line.

You notice the attention to detail.

When someone decides to renovate their home, they typically put a lot of thought into it. Due to this, you can expect a certain level of detail when touring a home. Because if a home isn’t very well thought out, it’s likely that the renovations weren’t either.

According to Danielle, “A well-executed renovation showcases careful planning and execution, resulting in a cohesive and visually pleasing outcome.” Here are some examples of the things you should look for:

• Consistent trim, molding, and architectural features
• Smooth transitions between materials and finishes
• High-quality paint with clean lines
• Well-fitted doors and windows
• Secure fixtures and hardware

Everything works great.

A home that’s been properly renovated should function like a well-oiled machine, meaning no leaks, no electrical issues, and definitely no surprises.

So before you buy a home, be sure to test everything out. From flipping light switches to turning on faucets, no area should be exempt from inspection.