Home & Design

,

Buying Power

How do you know if a house has good bones? Designer Stephanie Dickens offers insights gleaned from BOWA’s design-build professionals.

By HOME & DESIGN | Photography by Bob Narod

  • A dry basement is a sure sign of good bones. If it doesn’t smell damp, the house probably has fine grading, drainage and waterproofing.
  • Unfinished spaces allow you to check floor joists, plumbing pipes and ductwork.
  • A level floor indicates solid structural support. A dip where the ceiling and wall meet means the floor joists above are sagging.
  • Stand on tiptoe, then drop down hard on your heels. Too much bounce indicates insufficient structural support.
  • Straight hairline cracks above openings or at joints are fine, but jagged, diagonal cracks may indicate settlement issues or insufficient framing.
  • Have an expert look at mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems to make sure previous work was done properly.

You may also like:

 Bold Moves
Nature and a rich design legacy inform an exuberant Cleveland Park makeover
 Weekend Oasis
A design team transforms a mundane Maryland rambler into a plantation-style riverfront home
 Remodeling 101
Winners of the NARI COTY Awards share project challenges and offer advice on planning a stress-free renovation
HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

Stay Connected with HOME & DESIGN Newsletter

Copyright © 2026 Home & Design. All rights reserved. | Back to top
magnifier