Many of Sarasota’s most prestigious and desirable neighborhoods offer older homes built decades ago. Prospective buyers often purchase for location and renovate the house to modern standards and their preferences. When searching for a home in historic areas of town, you may hear your real estate professional state that a home has “good bones.” What does that phrase mean for those looking for the perfect renovation project?
Sometimes the phrase “good bones” is used to describe a home that is built with solid construction but is lacking in curb appeal. The interior design elements are likely to need help as well – in other words, the house isn’t much to look at. However, it offers a practical floor plan that flows from space to space, and the house makes sense regarding layout. For instance, if the kitchen, dining room, and great room are in close proximity, the renovations are more straightforward – even if walls need to come down. Another popular adjacency that might make the home attractive is when the master bathroom – typically not incorporated into the main bedroom in older homes – is nearby and can be easily integrated.
Houses with good bones generally feel spacious rather than closed in and often include large windows to allow ample natural light. While not a part of the “bones” per se, the home’s orientation can lend to its appeal – such as a southern-facing wall of windows to let the sunshine stream in all day or a lanai that faces west for nightly sunsets.
Homes With “Good Bones” are Not Money Pits
These types of homes have a solid foundation and construction, and their electrical wiring and plumbing are generally sound – although they may need upgrading. In other words, the house should not require significant work on the foundation or framing. However, cosmetic upgrades and design decisions are definitely on the table. Homes with good bones do need work – but that work should not include unexpected major repairs to keep them structurally sound.
Sometimes you can get a sense of “good bones” just by walking through a home, especially as it relates to the floor plan flow and how it will work for your lifestyle and family. Also, most homes built in the last several decades may appear old and dated from a design standpoint but are still in excellent shape structurally.
It is important to note that detrimental aspects of an older home are often out of sight and cannot be determined by eyeballing alone. If you believe you have found a home in the perfect location, you must have the home inspected to understand all potential issues with the home. A professional inspector can ensure those “bones” are as good as you believe them to be.
If you have a renovation dream in mind, you may also wish to involve an architect at this phase. They will walk through the home with you to discuss your vision and provide insight into if your plans are feasible – such as if specific walls can be removed safely or an extra bathroom can be added without too much necessary plumbing work. The architect can also help you to make the home more contemporary – by suggesting an additional patio to take in the views or recommending a way to attach the garage to the main house.
The architectural design experts at JTL Studios are dedicated to bringing your residential vision to life. If you have purchased an older home or want to give your current house a fresh new aesthetic, call us today to learn more.
