Buying a home is an investment in you and your family’s future. It can signify a right of passage, a change of life, or a large accomplishment. One of the most important aspects of a home is its roof. While you are going through the process of buying a home, it is crucial to inspect the roof and trust that it will last far beyond your initial viewing.
A roof is similar to an onion as it has many layers, each with their own function and responsibilities. Having several layers and components that make up the roofing system, you will want to know what to look for when going through a home. We are going to point out the key sections and what you can do before purchasing a home with problematic areas.
First impressions are everything!
When you initially go to an open house or schedule a tour with a real estate agent, you have the opportunity to perform an initial inspection of the house, including the roof. Below are a few key areas that you can easily inspect while looking at a home.
Proper Ventilation – A roof with proper ventilation will likely have a good lifespan, help reduce energy costs, and lower the temperature inside your home. While you are looking at the exterior of the home and roof, you can easily spot whether a home has ventilation or not. If you fall in love with a house that does not have proper ventilation, it can be installed at a cost.
Check the Ceiling – A common sign of a leak is water stains on the ceiling and sometimes the walls. While you are doing your walk through, check the ceiling and do not be afraid to ask questions about any abnormalities you see. If there has been a leak, a trusted agent will inform you or ask the homeowners to clarify.
Broken Tiles or Missing Shingles – Tiles can crack and shingles can blow off, sometimes the night before a house goes on the market. However, if there are missing tiles or shingles on home you are wanting to purchase, we recommend you ask a few more questions. Large problems can arise from missing coverings and this is not something you will want to inherit with a new home.
Sagging Roof – Another sign of a larger problem is a roof that sags on one side. Likely you will incur a costly repair in the future. When looking for roof sag, it is also a good time to inspect the gutters and ensure they are properly secured.
Wear & Tear Is Likely
While looking at houses, it is typically understood that some wear and tear is standard and buyers should be aware. Most houses are not listed with brand new roofs, unless they are new construction. This is actually pretty standard for the whole house, but does raise a good point for buyers to understand. A home is meant to be lived in and how much a home was enjoyed by the previous residence can come to light when you are inspecting their home.
If you are not in a position to complete the repairs or pay for a professional inspection on a prospective future home, we would recommend looking for one that better suits your financial ability. However, you feel like the home you are looking at is the one, no matter the condition of the roof, move forward with an offer to the owners.
So, now what?
Once you have narrowed your housing search down to one that you love and you go into contract, it is standard practice to have a home inspection completed. These inspections can be completed by a trusted professional and their report will show areas of improvement as recommended by the inspector.
Typically, a home inspector is not a roofing expert. As we stated before, purchasing a home is a large investment, but needing to install a new roof or having extensive repairs completed will add to the price of your home. Having a professional roofer complete an inspection will tell you how much you will need to invest in the roof in the near future. You can then take this information into account while negotiating the asking price of the home. A professional inspection may also help you decide that the selected home is no longer for you.
While hiring a professional roofer to inspect your roof might not seem like an added expense to the home buying process, it may also save you upwards of $10,000 in the end. If you are seeking an experienced roof inspector, contact Craven Construction. We are available to provide you with a detailed report and capable of any repairs necessary.
Are you purchasing a new home and need the roof inspected?
About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.