Even though there’s no such thing as a picture-perfect home, statement elements and attractive add-ons can make a space suddenly feel much more elevated and appealing, especially as a potential buyer.

But whether they’re modern and on-trend or nostalgic and retro, there are some architectural home features that aren’t exactly what they seem; these are the ones experts say to look out for during your viewings.

Spiral Staircases

Although show-stopping sculptural features like spiral staircases are eye-catching when touring potential homes, architect Miles Smith says prioritizing accessibility and day-to-day use over appearance is key.

“Spiral staircases add drama to any space, but are more aesthetically pleasing than practical,” Smith says. “They can be awkward and unsafe to navigate, especially for children and older adults—and if you wouldn’t want to carry a full load of laundry up the stairs, the house may not be for you.”

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Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Nothing feels better than stepping into a home drenched in natural light during a viewing, but our architecture pros say the reality of statement walls made entirely from windows includes expensive monthly bills, and potential fading on furniture and decor.

“One important factor to keep in mind is that windows this big reduce the insulative properties of a structure, potentially leading to higher utility bills in hot summers and cold winters,” Smith says.

You’re not only letting in the outside temperature, though, you’re also subtly letting in the elements.

“Many of us want to bring in as much light and view as possible, however, with that, comes very strong sun,” architect Patrick Cunningham says. “If you have a custom couch or artwork directly in that line of sun, the damage on those items can be costly.”

Enclosed Porches and Balconies

Enclosed porches, patios, and balconies might seem like an ideal space for year-round hosting, but they’re not always built with the right permissions or zoning permits. This can lead to an expensive and disappointing situation after move-in.

“We’ve seen enclosed porches or balconies become major headaches for new homeowners, because they were originally added without proper approvals,” architect Philip Consalvo says. “If a home is deemed ‘overbuilt’, the structure may need to be removed, resulting in unexpected demolition and repair costs, possible city fines, and the loss of a space you may have envisioned using.”

Guest Houses, Extensions, and Annexes

Much like enclosed porches, patios, and external structures—especially in older homes—are also often built without permission.

If you’re drawn in by a property with an addition, guest house, or annex, make sure to check its blueprints and see if all the zoning permits are in order; make this an even bigger priority if you’re considering any remodels or renovations.

“Sometimes, people fall in love with the converted garage or the accessory structure built on the property line in the rear,” Cunningham says. “But when doing a major remodel in most jurisdictions, you have to bring everything up to code, which can result in saying goodbye to the little pool house you loved so much.”

Popcorn Ceilings

According to Consalvo, popcorn ceilings aren’t just an outdated home feature, they’re also a major architectural red flag and could be discretely covering up serious structural issues or decades-old damage.

“The spray-on texture was super popular from the ‘50s to ‘90s because it was an easy, inexpensive way to hide imperfections,” he says. “If you see one today, it is most often hiding something like cracks, uneven joints, or moisture stains.”

Indoor Planters

Bringing the outside in for a nature-inspired home has been on the rise over the past few years, and indoor planters—a retro feature popular in the ’70s—might initially feel like a great way to lean into this trend.

But Cunningham cautions they can actually be a secret source of moisture damage.

“Indoor planters were once very popular, but could indicate compromised waterproofing,” he says. “We’d advise to check for mold and any spread of water before deciding to keep them as is.”