If you are in the process of buying a house, there are a multitude of “deal breakers” out there that can sink your sale. Especially if you’re a first time buyer, there are things you should be aware of before you take on a property that needs more work, and investment, than you anticipated. It’s always important to give the roof of any property you’re considering a good once over. While the process can take time, be mindful not to overlook any potential problem areas on the roof that could be costly to rectify down the road. Do your homework and fully understand all the quirks of the home you are purchasing. In most cases, your home inspector should identify a problematic roof if there are any visible signs of damage; e.g. dark rings on the ceiling, peeling paint, missing shingles, and more.
Even though a properly-maintained roof can last up to 30 years or more, not all roofs are created equal. Sometimes poor installation or low-quality material used can result in you having to replace a roof sooner than you would have hoped.
So if you’ve got your heart set on a home, and you’re ready to buy– consider the following things before closing day to protect yourself and your investment.
-Ask the seller how old the roof is, and for any repair documents or permits that show previous roof repair or replacement to verify.
-Hire an inspector to evaluate the condition of the roof and gutters to make sure the drainage system is working properly and everything is in order.
-If the homeowner has already performed a home inspection prior to going under contract, ask to review it. A qualified real estate agent can guide you through the process, as well as provide specific advice for attaining all inspection documents.
-Just because a roof is old doesn’t mean the seller will budge; however, it is negotiable if the roof hasn’t been properly maintained and if imminent repairs are required. In such case, you can request that the sellers replace the roof as a part of the home inspection repairs, although they don’t have to agree. If they refuse to replace the roof or lower the sale price, you have to decide if you want to incur the expense of repair or walk away from the property.
No matter the situation, it pays to have a professional roofer perform a proper inspection, either before you extend an offer or during the contract phase of the negotiations. Give Tennessee Roofing a call to schedule your Chattanooga roof inspection today! We can also help with any repairs that may be required before or after you purchase that dream home.
