Flipper Fails: Faux Beams, Real Regret
When Tacky Trends Undermine Timeless Homes

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

In the rush to slap on that “modern farmhouse” label, some flippers go all-in on cosmetic gimmicks—most notably, faux wood beams that serve no structural purpose and even less design value. Done right, a beam can ground a space. Done wrong, it looks like a party store prop nailed to the ceiling.

When Faux Turns to Flop

Faux beams might seem like an easy way to add drama or “rustic charm,” but in many cases, they clash with the home’s original architecture—or worse, feel like a plastic afterthought. Especially when paired with overdone shiplap and farmhouse signs, the space starts to feel less like a home and more like a bad HGTV parody.

What’s the Real Issue?

• No authenticity – Faux beams lack the craftsmanship or context of real exposed wood.
• Overuse – One beam might add interest. Five? Now your ceiling looks like a stage set.
• Mismatched style – Adding rustic touches to a mid-century home or urban loft doesn’t elevate the design—it confuses it.
• Poor execution – Many faux beams are poorly installed or made from cheap materials, which buyers notice instantly.

Let the House Speak

The best design choices honor the home’s architecture. If it’s a true farmhouse, real wood beams might make sense. But in a 1970s ranch or a 1920s Tudor? Not so much. Good flippers know when to hold back—and let the home’s natural character shine.

Advice for Buyers

Don’t be fooled by decorative distractions. Look past the trends and ask: Does this design make sense for the house? Is it timeless—or just TikTok bait? A thoughtfully renovated home will feel cohesive, not confused.

Flipper Fails: Swapping Solid History for Hollow Doors
Why Cutting Costs on Character Doesn’t Pay

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

Historic homes come with craftsmanship you just don’t see anymore—thick plaster walls, original trim, and solid wood doors that have stood the test of time. But too often, flippers eager to modernize on the cheap make a costly design mistake: replacing those original, heavy wood doors with hollow-core, big-box-store specials.

A Shortcut That Shows

Yes, a fresh coat of paint and a trendy faucet can wow on a walkthrough. But open one of those new interior doors and suddenly the illusion falls apart—literally. Hollow-core doors feel flimsy, sound hollow (because they are), and lack the substance buyers expect in a well-built home, especially one with historic bones.

What’s the Real Cost?

Hollow-core doors:

• Offer poor sound insulation between rooms
• Damage easily with regular use
• Lack the charm, weight, and quality feel of solid wood
• Diminish the perceived value of the home

In short, they cheapen the entire experience—and in a historic home, that’s not just a design fail, it’s a character crime.

Better Choices, Better Results

If you’re considering purchased a flipped vintage or historic home, consider this: preserving or upgrading to solid wood doors shows respect for the property and its potential buyer. It tells the story of a renovation done right, not rushed.

Advice for Buyers

When touring a flipped home, don’t stop at countertops and lighting. Close a door. Knock on it. Feel the weight. If it sounds like a cardboard box, ask what else was downgraded behind the scenes.

Flipper Fails: Pretty Tile, Poor Drainage

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

A beautifully tiled shower can make a bathroom feel like a spa retreat—but looks can be deceiving. One of the most common flipper shortcuts? Ignoring proper drainage. While the tile might be Instagram-worthy, poor slope or cheap drain installations can lead to costly problems lurking just beneath the surface.

Real-World Examples
In one flipped home, a shower was redone with trendy stone tile and a decorative drain cover—but there was no slope to guide water toward it. The result? Standing water, slow drainage, and the potential for long-term water damage beneath the surface.

Why It Matters
Proper drainage isn’t just a technical detail—it’s essential. Without it, water can seep into walls and subflooring, causing leaks, mold growth, and expensive repairs. Even worse, the problems may not appear until months after the sale, leaving buyers frustrated and stuck with the bill.

Conclusion
A sleek tile job means nothing if the installation fails at the basics. Function should always come first, especially in areas prone to moisture. Poor drainage is more than an inconvenience—it’s a hidden hazard.

Advice for Buyers
When touring a flipped home, test the shower. Run the water. Watch where it flows—or doesn’t. Don’t be shy about asking who did the work and whether it was inspected. The prettiest bathroom can be a nightmare if it wasn’t built to last.