WHAT “GOOD BONES” ACTUALLY MEANS

Aug 10

AND HOW TO SPOT FAKE GOOD BONES

"Good bones" gets thrown around like it's a guarantee. It's not. Good bones means the structural stuff is sound: foundation, framing, roofline, load-bearing walls. It has nothing to do with whether the kitchen is cute or the floors are original hardwood. Most agents use the phrase to describe a vibe. I use it to describe a structure.

What Actually Counts as Good Bones

Foundation with no active settling (hairline cracks are normal in Louisiana clay soil; stair-step cracks or doors that won't close are not)
A roof with real life left in it, not just "no current leaks"
Original layout that doesn't require moving load-bearing walls to function for how people actually live now
Plumbing and electrical that haven't been quietly ignored for 40 years

What Gets Mistaken for Good Bones

Original hardwood floors*. That's cosmetic, not structural.
High ceilings and crown molding. Also cosmetic.
A "solid feel" when you walk in. That's just a house standing up, which is the bare minimum.

Why This Matters Before You Buy or Renovate

If you're looking at older Baton Rouge neighborhoods for renovation upside, the difference between real good bones and staged-to-look-that-way good bones is the difference between a smart flip and a money pit. This is where growing up around a commercial construction and development company actually pays off for you. I can tell the difference between a wall that's decorative and one that's holding up the second floor, and most agents walking that same house with you cannot.

FAQ

Does "good bones" mean a house doesn't need work?
No. It means the expensive, hard-to-fix stuff is fine. Everything cosmetic can still need work.

Can you tell if a house has good bones just by looking?
Not fully. A structural inspection is still worth it. But an experienced eye can flag red flags, like uneven floors, cracked brick veneer, or water staining near the foundation, before you even get to that step.

***
One exception worth noting: hardwood floors made the cosmetic list above, but they're the one item on it I'd argue belongs in both categories. Flooring is a real expense, and solid wood in good shape holds value in a way cheaper materials never will. In an older, heritage-style Baton Rouge home, original hardwood in good condition is arguably good bones and good vibes at once.

PS: NEW HERE?

I’m Hope Johnson, Baton Rouge Realtor, designer, and wallpaper enthusiast who thinks knowing the numbers and having vision aren’t mutually exclusive.

If you’re not already on my newsletter list (not just for buyers and sellers), come join.