For most people, buying a home is a huge financial investment. In an active market, homebuyers may be tempted to remove conditions from their purchase offer. One of them might be to not do a roof inspection so they can have more leverage in the bidding process, but hiring a professional to inspect the roof that you’re thinking about buying can give you a great deal of information about the value of your property and whether the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Why You Need a Roof Inspection
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, which can go a long way toward safeguarding your family and your investment. A certified roofing inspector will be able to determine if the roof was installed properly and can find any potential issues about its condition (even if you’re purchasing a newer home). Before they can even give you a homeowner’s insurance estimate, most companies will ask for more information about the roof’s condition. Your premium can change based on the roof’s age and how long it’s been since it was last inspected.
If the seller gives you a report about the home’s condition, you should know that most types of roof damage can’t be seen from the ground or by the untrained eye. An independent roof inspection will give you more specific information that can help you prevent any future surprises (such as finding a roof leak after you have moved in).
What a Roof Inspector Will Look For
A roof inspection shouldn’t take more than a few hours and can keep you from incurring unexpected costs later on. It will usually cost between $120 and $300, but it may cost more to inspect a more intricate roofing system. A roof inspector will look for any indications of damage caused by storms or normal wear and tear. Some of them may include the following:
- Damaged, peeling, and missing shingles or panels.
- Sagging supports.
- Rotting wood.
The inspector will also look at the roof’s underside and other parts of the roofing system for any signs of moisture damage. He or she may even need to walk inside the house to look for leaks or water damage and to look at the flashing inside the attic.
The roof inspector will check the soffits, fascia, any vented sections, and skylights to make sure they’re in good shape. The inspector will also make sure the gutters are free of leaves and debris while also making sure the downspouts can direct water away from the property. The inspector may even recommend pruning any climbing plants or branches that could damage your roof.
Whether your roof is flat or sloped, the inspector will look for any signs of sagging. He or she will also check to see if the membrane is split, pierced, or cracked. All of these issues can weaken your roofing system, which can lead to water leaks.
Questions You Should Ask Your Roof Inspector
You should ask the sellers if the roof inspector will be allowed to access the interior of the property. You should also ask the inspector how long the process will take and whether you should be there to show this person the situation firsthand. Your roof inspector may suggest any enhancements or modifications if you plan to build an addition that may require you to change the roofline.
What to Do if the Roof Needs to be Repaired
If the inspector has determined that the roof requires a large number of repairs or even a replacement, he or she might be able to give you a price estimate or refer you to a roofing expert to get a quote. A thorough roof inspection that’s performed by a professional will not only give you peace of mind before you decide to purchase the home but will also give you a list of any issues (including the need for a complete roof replacement). You’ll have a documented report that you can use to negotiate the final selling price. Some vendors even prefer to complete the task before the sale is finalized.
Paying for a roof inspection before you purchase a new home pays off in the long run, because you’ll know about the roof’s condition before you move in. So if you want to inspect the roof of a home that you’re thinking about buying and are looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing.
