Buying a Newly Renovated Home? Here’s Why a Home Inspection is Essential.

The Shine of a Flip — and the Risks Beneath It

With Charleston’s home prices staying high, more and more buyers are turning to lower-priced neighborhoods and freshly renovated “flipped” homes that promise move-in-ready charm. These properties often look beautiful at first glance — fresh paint, updated kitchens, and brand new floors — but beneath the surface, nothing else may have been fixed.

At Solid Ground Home Inspections, we’ve seen homes that look picture-perfect yet have aged roofs and HVAC equipment, old or leaking plumbing, old or damaged wiring, and unpermitted structural changes. The truth is, not all "flips" are created equal. While there are renovators who do a great job through and through, unfortunately many rehab projects are rushed, done under tight budgets, with investors focused on turning a profit rather than ensuring long-term quality.

Why Flipped Homes Require Extra Scrutiny

Flipping a home is a simple formula: buy low, renovate quickly, sell high. The faster the sale, the bigger the profit. That pressure often leads to cosmetic improvements being prioritized over critical repairs.

Some investors skip hiring licensed contractors to save money, opting for quick, inexpensive labor—or even doing the work themselves.

While not all flippers cut corners, poor workmanship can lead to costly repairs for buyers down the road. We frequently find issues like missing GFCI outlets, deteriorated air ducts, lack of attic insulation, old HVAC systems and water heaters and sub-floor damage hidden under brand new flooring.

Television shows make flipping homes look easy and profitable—but reality often tells a different story. Many first-time flippers underestimate what’s required to properly repair and update a home, and many buyers assume that a “fully renovated” home means problem-free.

Common Issues in Flipped Homes

• Old shingles not replaced, new shingles installed in an amateur manner, insufficient flashing hidden by new shingles

• Old, deteriorated plumbing pipes or patched plumbing

• Aged HVAC systems and air ducts that need to be replaced

• Aged electrical systems, power not sufficient for a modern home

• Sub-standard or unpermitted electrical work

• Structural shortcuts—like removing load-bearing walls without adding support

• Wood rot or termite damage concealed under paint or trim

  
  

In many cases, these shortcuts aren’t immediately visible. A freshly renovated home can look flawless while concealing water intrusion, foundation settlement, or unsafe wiring.

Due Diligence: Checking Permits and History

Before purchasing a flipped home, it’s smart for buyers (or their agents) to review local building permits. Permits verify that major renovations—like structural work, roof replacement, or electrical updates—were completed correctly and inspected by city officials.

Checking permits can also help buyers identify the contractors involved and any available warranties. While home inspectors can’t pull permits for you, we can always guide you on what questions to ask your Realtor or the local building department.

Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

There are newly renovated homes that are well done for both cosmetics and function. Flipped homes can absolutely be solid investments—but only when renovated properly. That’s why a thorough, independent inspection is essential.

A professional inspection reveals what’s really behind the fresh paint and new fixtures—and ensures you’re not buying someone else’s shortcuts.

Buying a "flipped" home doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right inspection, you’ll know whether the renovation was done right—or just looks that way.

Charleston Home Inspectors You Can Trust

At Solid Ground Home Inspections, we’ve helped thousands of Lowcountry buyers make confident home purchases—flipped or otherwise. If you’re considering a recently renovated home, let us give you the peace of mind that comes from a detailed, objective inspection.

Source attribution: Adapted from InspectorPro (October 2025) with additional insights from Solid Ground Home Inspections, Charleston, SC.