have good bones

Of a house, to have solid structural integrity and a good floor plan that give it a lot of potential for a homebuyer, in spite of other more cosmetic work it might require. The house definitely has good bones. If you're willing to undertake some minor renovations, this house could be a great investment for you! You're better off buying a dated house that has good bones than a modern one with an unstable foundation. This house wasn't much to look at when we bought it, but it had good bones, and we could see ourselves raising our kids here.