Jun 18, 2025
SIGNS YOUR HOME HAS GOOD BONES
It can be easy to fall in love with a home’s low price or aesthetics. But, for new homeowners or homebuyers, ensuring that your future home has a solid structure is more important for both your safety and the home’s longevity. Fortunately, there are ways to check if your home has ‘good bones.’
For an extensive and most accurate analysis of the home’s condition, an inspector is recommended. Read on to learn more about the parts of your home you should examine to reveal your home’s ‘good bones’ status.
Strong Foundation
A home with a good foundation means it can support all the rooms and levels it holds. If you see cracks forming in the corners, floor, or ceiling, it could be a sign of structural damage. Hairline vertical cracks could be harmless depending on the age of the home, but problematic fractures tend to be longer than 15mm and thicker than 1/4 inch. Structural damage is incredibly expensive to repair— a brand-new foundation could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Take a lap around the exterior of the home as well, looking out for any suspicious cracks. Some other red flags include sticky doors, gaps in between the ceiling and molding, and uneven floors.
Sturdy Roof
Like the foundation, a roof’s condition is indicative of how well the home is maintained. An expert is recommended, as they can examine its state most accurately. However, some signs of damage include buckling shingles, algae growth, or gathered water. A poorly-maintained roof can cause irreparable damage to the inside of a home, and all of your precious belongings.
All Systems Go
From air conditioning and plumbing to electrical, a home with great potential will have all these systems, ideally well-functioning. Fortunately, if there are issues, they usually can be easy to spot. Keep an eye out for discoloration and unevenness in the floor and ceiling, a possible sign of water damage. If it is raining, make sure no water is pooling around the house and that the surrounding grounds slant away for effective drainage. Plumbing is also a great indicator of a home’s condition. Check the pipes for bumps, leaks, or discoloration. Ask what they are made of: copper pipes have a lifespan of 60-80 years, brass, steel, and iron last for 80-100 years, whereas PVC only lasts 25-45 years.
Prime Location & Layout
A home with good bones has a functional layout. Pay attention to how the rooms flow and their size. It is possible to renovate the space, but not without a large price tag. Another important factor is the location. Listen for loud roads, bright street lights, or anything that you might grow to dislike. A home’s location and orientation cannot change— keep this in mind when observing window placement and natural lighting.
A Few Other Things to Consider
If this is your future home, it’s necessary to be curious! Other things to inquire about:
- Has the home had past renovations?
- When was the roof last replaced?
- Does the basement or crawlspace have any signs of water damage?
- Is the electrical system outdated? Are the wires worn or unorganized?
- How is the water pressure? Run a few of the faucets at once to check.
If you notice your home has any issues or red flags mentioned above, it’s important to call a professional. For exterior home remodeling needs, check out how POWER can help here.
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