Buying a home is a major financial investment for most people. In an active real estate market, homebuyers may be tempted to remove conditions from their offer to purchase, such as omitting a roof inspection, to help their bid win the house.
Hiring a roofing professional to inspect your roof, however, can offer important information regarding the value of the property, such as whether the home’s roof requires replacement or repairs.
Why I Should Get a Roof Inspection?
Your home’s first line of protection against the elements is its roof, which safeguards both your family and your investment. An certified roofing inspector will confirm that the roof was installed correctly and discuss any present issues with the roof’s condition, even if you are purchasing a newer home.
Before providing a homeowners insurance estimate, many insurance companies also request recent information on the state of your roof. Based on the age of your roof and the time since its last inspection, your coverage and premium may change.
If the seller provides you with a report outlining the general state of the house, be aware that many different kinds of roof damage are not obvious from the ground or to the untrained eye. An independent inspection is designed to offer particular information that could enable you to prevent future surprises, such as discovering a leaking roof after moving in.
What Does A Roof Inspector Look For?
It should only take a few hours or less for an experienced roofer to do a complete inspection, which could prevent you from incurring unexpected charges in the future. Roof inspections typically cost between $120-$300, though they may cost a little more for more intricate roofing systems.
Your roof inspector will search for evidence of storm- or wear-and-tear-related damage, such as damaged, peeling, or missing shingles or panels, sagging supports, or rotting wood. They’ll examine your roof’s underside as well as other parts of the roof for moisture damage. Additionally, the inspector has the option of walking inside the house to check for leaks or water damage and to examine the flashings in the attic.
An inspector will also check the soffit, fascia, vented sections, and skylights to make sure they’re in good shape. Additionally, they make sure that the gutters are free of leaves and other debris and that the downspouts are directed away from the home. Additionally, your inspector might advise pruning any climbing plants or branches that could harm your roof.
Whether your roof is flat, your inspector will search for any indications of sagging and check to see if the membrane is split, pierced, or cracked. All of these problems may weaken your roofing system and result in water leaks.
What Questions Do I Ask My Roof Inspector?
Find out in advance from the sellers if your roof inspector is allowed access to the inside of the home you’re hoping to buy. Inquire with your inspector about how long the procedure will take and whether you should be present so they can show you the situation firsthand. Your roof inspector might suggest any enhancements or modifications if you intend to construct an addition that would need changing the roofline.
What If My Roof Needs Repairs?
If the inspector determines that the roof requires significant repairs or replacement, they might be able to give you a price estimate on the spot or refer you to a roofing expert for a quote.
A thorough professional roof inspection will not only provide you peace of mind prior to purchasing a home, but if the inspector highlights any issues, such as the immediate need for a complete roof replacement, you will have a documented report that you may use to haggle the seller’s price. Sometimes vendors would prefer to complete the task in advance of the sale. Paying for a roof inspection ultimately pays off since, before you move in, you’ll know the true state of one of your home’s most crucial components.