A flipped property certainly has a lot of strong selling points. Most, if not all, flipped houses come with new or improved features and fixtures, helping you save on the time and hassle of doing renovations. Additionally, flipped houses are also typically sold at lower price points than other homes in the area.
That being said, flipped houses aren't always the best investments. Some flipped houses can come with issues related to the quality of renovations done.
If you're considering purchasing a home that was recently flipped, here are some signs to watch out for.
Shoddy Job on Cabinets
Cabinets are often one of the go-to improvements that home flippers make, primarily because they appeal to a lot of potential buyers. When viewing the property, take some time to see how the cabinets open and shut. If they are misaligned or if the moldings are uneven, that is a red flag.
Tip: Apart from cabinets, you can also check if the doors and drawers are functioning properly.
Old Outlets
Electrical outlets are often overlooked, but they are perhaps one of the most important things to check when viewing a flipped house. In many cases, flipped houses come with old smoke detectors, switches, and outlets. Old outlets and electrical systems can put the potential homeowner at risk in the future. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, faulty home electrical systems cause about 51,000 fires in the United States each year.
Poor Tile Installation
Tiling is a complicated and very technical process. If installed incorrectly, the tiles can crack over time. The grout can also crumble, leading to floor failures that can be costly to repair.
When viewing the property, look for uneven tiles, grout against tubs or woodwork (instead of caulk), and sloppy grout lines. You could also ask the listing agent for a copy of the permits and information on who did the tile work.
Poor Plumbing
A lot of house flippers focus on cosmetic renovations, which means they may skip improving or replacing the home's plumbing. Ultimately, we recommend hiring a licensed plumbing expert to ensure everything is up to code. You can also check for messy solder on copper joints, mismatched pipes and fittings, and temporary fixes.
In addition, plumbing updates require permits, so make sure to ask your listing agent for documentation.
Non-Permitted Structural Work
In older homes, open floor plans can be disastrous, especially if the structures aren't updated. The same goes for building decks and patios. If not done correctly, they could require expensive renovations and pose a great risk to safety.
If there are any indications of a newly installed deck, an open floor plan, or a room addition, ask the listing agent for permit paperwork.
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