Real Talk Interiors | Interior Design

We see these mistakes all the time. Here’s how to spot a bad reno before you buy:

→ Uneven or poor finishes. Look at the walls when light hits them, if they look wavy, they probably are. Drips, sloppy caulking, messy corners. That’s rushed or unskilled work, especially in the high-detail areas like trim and transitions.

→ Cheap materials disguised as luxury. Hollow-core doors sold as “solid wood.” Laminate peeling at the edges. “Stone” countertops that are anything but. Bad renos save money where it shows, and whoever buys it later pays to replace it.

→ Function ignored for looks. Cabinets that can’t open all the way. A shower that doesn’t drain right. The “designer look” falls apart fast when nothing works. Real quality includes both.

→ Hidden issues covered, not fixed. Fresh paint over stains, warped floors from old leaks, or new drywall over old wiring. Covering is just postponing the problem for the next owner.

→ Code and safety red flags. No GFCI outlets near water, wobbly stair rails, missing or incorrect venting. These are safety issues and they’re expensive to make right.

If you’re touring a flip or reviewing your own contractor’s work, this is your checklist.

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