Have you ever walked into a friend’s home and noticed similar design elements to your own house? You know, the same kitchen layout, or carpeting or even—heaven forbid—the same wallpaper. Sure, we all steal ideas, but some of us are more stealth, taking the idea itself and running with it.

Open house season is upon us, whether it’s someone’s daughter finally graduating high school, BBQ invites, garden tours or public viewings of for-sale homes, June is all about opening doors to friends and strangers. But don’t just hang around the bacon-wrapped scallops and Yellow Tail — there is a certain manner in which to approach open houses. But better yet … take a look around for reno inspiration.

It’s no surprise that a home for sale is typically a house that’s been recently renovated, so even if you’re not in the market (why move when it’s so much fun to renovate?), go in and see what they’ve done to the place. Not only will it give you ideas for new projects, but browsing also gives you a sense of how much your home is worth, and what you can do to raise the resale value.

So the next time you see that “Open House” sign with an arrow, consider it a personal invitation to learn from someone’s else home triumphs … or trials.