When you walk into a house that’s just been renovated, it is easy to get swept away by the scent of fresh paint and the gleam of new quartz countertops. However, as someone who has spent years looking behind the drywall, I can tell you that beauty is often only skin deep. A "lipstick on a pig" flip usually focuses entirely on the visual elements that trigger an emotional response in buyers while ignoring the structural and mechanical bones of the home. To spot the difference, you have to look past the staging and focus on the execution of the small details.

One of the most telling signs of a rushed flip is found in the kitchen and bathroom finishes. While the cabinets might look modern, a quick inspection often reveals they are just old frames with a cheap coat of paint that wasn't properly sanded or primed, meaning it will likely start chipping within six months. You should also run your hand along the underside of the countertops and check the tile work in the shower. If the grout lines are uneven or if there is an excessive amount of caulk used to hide gaps where the countertop meets the wall, it’s a clear indication that the contractors were prioritizing speed over precision. A well-maintained home, conversely, will show tight miters on the trim and cabinetry that operates smoothly without sticking or sagging.

The mechanical systems of the house often tell the truest story because they are expensive to upgrade and usually tucked out of sight. You might see a brand-new, high-end light fixture in the dining room, but if you open the electrical panel and find a messy "spaghetti" of wires or an outdated service that hasn't been touched in forty years, you are looking at a red flag. Similarly, a flipper might install a trendy waterfall showerhead but leave the original galvanized or corroded copper piping behind the wall. In a truly well-maintained home, you will often find service stickers on the furnace and a water heater that isn't covered in rust, suggesting that the previous owners valued the longevity of the home’s "organs" rather than just its outfit.

In our coastal climate, the basement and foundation are where the most expensive secrets hide. A common trick in a quick flip is to slap a thick coat of white paint on the basement walls or install new carpet over a concrete floor to mask moisture issues or foundation cracks. If the basement smells heavily of air freshener or a plug-in scent, your alarm bells should go off. A green-flag home doesn't try to hide its foundation; instead, it shows signs of proactive care, such as a clean, functioning sump pump, a dehumidifier that is actually being used, and grading outside the house that slopes away from the walls to keep the interior dry.

Finally, pay close attention to the flooring and the "boring" exterior elements. If the new vinyl plank flooring feels bouncy or "squishy" under your feet, it likely means it was laid directly over an uneven or damaged subfloor to save time. Outside, check the gutters and the perimeter of the roof. A well-maintained home will have clean gutters and shingles that aren't curling at the edges, whereas a flip might have a "roof-over" where new shingles were simply nailed over old ones. By focusing on these unglamorous details, you can distinguish between a house that has been properly cared for and one that is simply wearing a costume for the open house.

Don’t let a fresh coat of paint and trendy fixtures blind you to the reality of your potential investment. While these tips can help you spot the obvious signs of a rushed renovation, many of the most serious issues—from faulty wiring to hidden structural damage—require a professional eye and specialized tools to detect. I travel all across the island to ensure that Newfoundlanders can move forward with confidence rather than a list of expensive surprises. At Rocky Shores Home Inspection, I go beyond the surface to make sure your dream home isn't hiding a nightmare. No matter where you are looking to buy, reach out today to schedule your inspection and get the peace of mind you deserve before you sign on the dotted line.