What to Look for in a Roof When Buying a House
As the real estate market around us continues to surge, many homebuyers face the question of what to look for in a roof when buying a house.
First, take a step back and look to see if the roof is perfectly flat. There could be some curly edges or bulges that can give signs of the age of the roof.
Look for worn spots or if any shingles might be missing. If you start to see deformities in the roof then you have a strong indication that the roof is quite old.Check for mold on the roof. You'll be able to tell if there is mold by seeing fungus of different colors.All these items to look for can be caught with a roof inspection!
Should I get a roof inspection before buying a house?
The short answer is YES and! Here’s why: while at first glance a roof may appear to be in fine shape, the eye of a trained professional will be able to assess the integrity of an existing roof with a full inspection; they are highly trained to know the signs of a bad roof.
This will include an inspector performing both interior & exterior checks. While inspecting the exterior of the roof, the inspector will check the state of the shingles & flashings, look for leaks and inspect the area around the chimney. The inspection should also include an interior check of the attic to rule out moisture & mold and confirm proper ventilation & insulation.
Skipping this step initially could lead to costly repairs down the road as structural damage to the home occurs. To learn more about roofing inspection services offered by Cenvar, check out our roof inspections page.
How to negotiate a new roof when buying a home?
You may find yourself asking “Should I buy a house with roof problems?” Your most reliable resource for this answer and with new roof negotiations is your realtor or real estate agent. They can help you negotiate the finer details of having a new roof installed by the existing homeowners. Secondly, make sure you hire a reputable and professional home inspector; doing so will allow you to use the inspection report to your advantage when it comes to negotiations. When you get to this phase, you have options:
- Ask the homeowner to completely replace the roof.
- Ask for a credit from the homeowner so you can have the work done yourself once you take possession of the home.
- Make a lower offer on the home to cover the cost of a new roof.
I bought a house with an old roof - what now?
Once you’ve made the leap to buy a home that is in need of a new roof, it’s time to call Cenvar for a FREE estimate. Whether this is your first time purchasing a new roof or you’re an old pro, you’re still likely to have some questions. We’ve compiled a list of common FAQs when it comes to roofing repairs and replacements that are an excellent resource for information. Does the roof you've recently inherited need an access door replacement? Check out these Gypsum General access doors.Buying a house that needs a new roof can be intimidating, but with Cenvar, the process doesn’t have to be complicated.
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we are in the top tier of a premium network of roofing contractors who are dedicated to service, reliability, and quality workmanship. We meet Owens Corning’s highest standard of excellence and are proud to offer unique warranty options because of this status. From the initial estimate given to you by our highly qualified sales professionals to the final clean-up by the crew, Cenvar roofers are ethical, expert, and engaged, making your choice to go with the number one roofer in Central Virginia the right one!
