Buying a house comes with uncertainty. Will you like the neighbors? How long will it take for your kids to adjust? How will you find places for all your favorite furniture as you decorate the house? Since you are probably having all the structural issues of the house checked out by a home inspector as you’re going through the purchase process, your mind is likely on other matters about adjusting to the new space. However, before you sign the contract, you need to be sure you are happy with the condition of the roof of protecting your new property. When purchasing a new home, it's important to know the most common roof problems, understand your options, and know when to walk away.
Should You Buy a Home with an Old Roof?
Roof problems don’t always have to mean giving up on your dream home. Sometimes you can get away with repairs, while at other times you may inherit an issue that causes more trouble than it’s worth.
Before you purchase your home, ask the owners when they last replaced the roof. If the house has an old roof or the owner has never replaced it, that responsibility will fall on you.
You should know the longevity of the type of roof the home has since that will affect whether you’ll need to replace it within the next year—or the next ten years. Consider the climate in the area, because weather conditions like high winds, heavy snowfall and hail will shorten your roof’s lifespan. Some roofing materials can withstand cold climates, while others break down overtime. This holds true in hot climates as well. Be sure to ask your home inspector or a roofing specialist to come and take a look at it to let you know its condition.
If you love the home, and the roof needs ,or will soon need, work, think about your budget and try negotiating with the sellers. They may repair or replace the roof before you purchase the home or agree to a lower price to incorporate this cost into the purchase price.
As you decide whether or not to buy the home, remember that the average roof replacement costs about $8,000. Here are 8 important things to consider before replacing your roof.
What Are Your Options?
Assess your needs and plans before buying the home to determine whether you will need a roof replacement or if you want to take on the project at all. Ask yourself these questions:
- Can I afford to replace the roof?
- Will I be able to make renovations that affect the roof’s integrity?
- Does the home need other repairs?
- Can I negotiate with the seller?
- How long will I live in the house?
Before you buy the home, get an inspection from a qualified home inspector. You can also ask a professional roofing contractor for a second opinion and an estimate for roof replacement or repair costs. When you buy a home with roof issues, your options depend on factors like your budget, the time you can devote to the project, and your desire to tackle the problems. Every homeowner’s decision will vary, and you might find some tasks more challenging than others.
When Should You Walk Away?
Sometimes a project proves too overwhelming, and you find yourself having to walk away from the sale. Look for these signs that might tell you the home isn’t worth your investment:
- Sagging or structural damage: Sagging can mean that the damage goes beyond replacing the roof. These issues can involve significant repairs within the home, like replacing beams and other structural pieces.
- Algae growth and many missing shingles: Large gaps or algae indicate that you have moisture in the roof, which may have entered your home and can cause mold, rot, and even health problems.
- Stains and water damage: Look for stains on the walls or ceiling. Touch those areas to check for softness—or mold and mildew growth.
- Roof leaks: A roof leak can signal a cosmetic issue or a more severe underlying issue. Check the roof for trapped debris, missing shingles, and other signs of damage to determine the extent of the problem before you commit to the purchase.
You can still buy the home if you see these signs, but it is less likely to be worth it for you. Instead, let the sellers determine whether they want to make repairs before they sell or try to find another buyer. This will likely all happen in your contract negotiations.
Quality Roof Inspections and Repairs
Be sure to find a qualified roofing company to provide an inspection or to make any essential repairs. If a complete roof replacement is necessary, consider using Brava Roof Tile to avoid future headaches traditional roofing materials present.
Call Brava Roof Tile at (844) 290-4196 or fill out our contact form to get in touch.
