But behind those flawless new fixtures and finishes may be hiding ugly truths about the quality of the bathroom renovation. Worst case scenario? You’re looking at a cheap flip.
A cheaply flipped bathroom is usually the result of hasty workmanship or a money-saving strategy from cash-strapped owners. In the business of home flipping, the quicker you can get the property remodeled and sold, the more successful you’ll be. But renovations take time, and some bathroom updates such as plumbing, painting, and tile laying can’t be rushed.
So if you’re in the market for a move-in-ready home, take heed of the following telltale signs of a cheaply flipped bathroom so you can avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.
1. Bathtub blunders
The idea of soaking in the huge bathtub is a big sell for you, but don’t let that sway you just yet.
“Some flippers choose to refinish a tub instead of paying for a more costly replacement,” says Laurie March, a remodeler and designer whose work has been seen on HGTV and DIY Network.
If you see a tub that’s been refinished, March recommends finding out if all plumbing fixtures match.
Take a look at the surface of the tub, too.
“If you can see visible cracks or chipping, that’s a problem that won’t go away,” says March.
2. Tiling issues
