When you're looking at homes for sale, a new roof is often on the list of features you'll look for. When the roof is new, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you probably won't need to make repairs or schedule a roof replacement in the next couple of years. So what if you find a home that is otherwise perfect, but has an older roof? You don't have to walk away from the home just because the roof is aged. You should, however, follow the tips below.
Ask the seller if they would be willing to replace the roof.
Chances are, the sellers know that the roof is old and that they were taking a chance when listing it for sale with the older roof still in place. Other buyers may be equally put off by the old roof, and so the sellers might be struggling to find a buyer. As such, they might be willing to negotiate and replace the roof prior to the sale. It does not hurt to ask! You could, for example, offer to pay the full asking price as long as the roof is replaced before purchase.
Have the roof looked over by a roofing company.
If the seller is not willing to replace the roof, or if you are not sure it truly needs to be replaced right now, have a roofing company come take a look. They can give you more information about the condition the roof is actually in. They may tell you, for instance, that the roof should last another 3 to 5 years. Or, they may point out three spots where it is leaking and should be repaired ASAP. You'll be able to make a more informed decision as to how much to offer for the home based on the information they give you.
Look for associated damage.
Before you agree to buy the home, make sure you check it over for any other damage it may have sustained as a result of an old roof. Is there rot in the attic? Are there any stains on the ceilings from leaks? Is any of the insulation compacted? The more related damage you'll need to fix, the less you should offer for the home.
An old roof does not have to be a reason to walk away from a home for sale. If you follow the tips above, you can often make it work for a home you love.
For more info, contact a local residential roofer.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.