A Roof Maintenance Checklist Anyone Can Follow
Buying your first home is a significant financial investment for many people, and it’s also a major accomplishment for most. If you made the big move and plan to purchase a home, then congratulations! But the hard part isn’t over. There are things you must consider before you make a choice.
Some homebuyers may be tempted to skip certain processes to quicken or cheapen the homebuying process, and that usually includes removing the roofing inspection. However, a roofing inspection is worth it before and after purchasing a new house. Read on to find out why!
Why You Should Get a Roofing Inspection Before Buying a New House
Prior to purchasing a new home, homebuyers will have various inspections conducted. This is usually the electrical, plumbing, and other pre-purchase inspections.
Not many people think about the roofing inspection, though! Many homeowners tend to overlook this part of the house, assuming that roofs are immovable objects and will last for years without needing inspections or repairs.
But wait, your roof is just as important as the plumbing, electrical, and any part of your home! Take a look at why you should have a roofing inspection done in your potential new home.
Reduce the Risk of an Uncomfortable Home
One of the major consequences of a damaged roof is leaks around the house. No one would want to go place buckets around their house or mop the floors after rainy days, especially if it’s supposed to be a new home! This is annoying and can incur further damage to the house, which also leads to more expensive repairs.
Moreover, there are other damages to deal with, which will take time, money, and effort into fixing. Your “good deal” before purchasing the house can end up costing you more than a house with a good-quality roof.
That’s why it’s best to conduct a roofing inspection to reduce such risks and frustration.
Save You from Purchasing a Home with Issues
A roof I the most important structure of any home and you must ensure it is in good condition. If not, you’ll end up with different issues and expenses as mentioned above.
There are times when minor issues are relatively easy to fix by yourself. But other times, there may be major problems that were left out during the home buying process and inspection, with the repairs costing more than you thought or budgeted for.
Issues like these operate on the principle of “buyer beware.” If you find out only after officially purchasing the house, you won’t have many options and you’ll be left shouldering the expenses yourself. The best thing to do is to have the roof inspected before signing anything. It will inform you if the roofing is fit-for-purpose to save you from spending more on the house because of a damaged roof.
Help You Budget
Your deposit won’t be the only money to spend when purchasing a home. You must also pay for other things like:
- Conveyancing fees
- Moving truck
- Necessary repairs
When you budget for a house purchase, you must take into account all these things. For the last part, the only way to get more of an idea of how much you’ll spend on repairs will be to have your home inspected by professionals. This includes a good roofing inspection from a qualified company.
Ensure the Gutters Work Properly
Your roof is more than just tiles, metal, or whatever it’s made of. Your roof is an entire system consisting of different parts that work together to keep your household dry while protecting the property from costly water damage.
Your roof is the most visible part, but there are other parts within that are just as important, like the gutters and roof plumbing. With expert roofing companies, you can determine if a home’s drainage system is working properly.
During a roofing inspection, a company will assess the condition and function of the gutters and downpipes. This will help alert you of any issues like:
- Blockages
- Rust
- Typical wear and tear
- Loose fittings or connections
- Inadequate gutter width or depth
That way, you know how much the repairs would be or if it is still worth purchasing the house. It can also help give you more negotiating powers if you are still keen on getting the house.
Determine How Much Roof Life is Left
High-quality roofs are tough and durable, lasting for decades. That said, these roofs aren’t completely invincible, nor would they last forever. Just like anything else in your home, your roof will suffer from typical wear and tear over the years. Most roods would have a lifespan of a few decades before it’s time for an inevitable replacement.
If you plan to purchase a home in one of Arizona’s older neighborhoods or suburbs, it’s crucial to check how much life the metal roof has left and to determine if a replacement is necessary or when the lifespan is expected to end.
To do that, you must have the home undergo a roofing inspection. During such inspections, roofers will evaluate the roof’s overall condition. Based on the roof’s age, quality, and frequency of maintenance it received (if any), roofers can make an accurate report on how long a roof will likely last and if a replacement is due any time soon.
In some cases, the house’s roof would be completely fine. But in others, they may need a touch-up. There will be extreme cases where a replacement is required altogether. Either way, you will only know what’s necessary after a good roofing inspection!
Wrapping It Up
We hope that this article helped you learn more about the importance of a roofing inspection before buying a home. Now that you know why you should get a roofing inspection, it’s time to search for a reputable company to do the job.
Contact us now here at Stradling Roofing, where we can provide free roofing inspections and more services to help with your homebuying process and decision-making.