Roof Tips for Homebuyers

When purchasing a new Sarasota home,  buyers need to be aware of the condition of the major components of the house.

From electrical panels to air conditioners, those items which affect your family’s health and safety – and cost a lot of money to repair or replace – must be inspected thoroughly. One of the most important items for prospective homeowners to inspect when buying a property is the roof.

Roof Tips When Buying a Home

It is always helpful to have as much information on the age, condition, and history of the roof before purchasing a home. Because a roof repair or replacement may entail significant investment, you don’t want to be surprised by a necessary roofing project.

1. Ask for Documentation: Never take the selling party’s word for when a roof was installed or any repairs which were done. Ask if they have the paperwork from any roof work, and give this paperwork to your roofing inspector when he comes to look at the roof. Keep in mind that given that a roof can last up to 35 years – and homes turn over, on average, even 9 years – they may legitimately not be in possession of those records. But it never hurts to ask.
2. Check the Tax Records: If any work was done on the roof in the last couple of decades, you should be able to determine when a roofing permit was pulled by looking at the tax records of the property. If you have questions on how to locate these documents in the official records, ask your real estate agent or roofing contractor to assist.
3. Question Unpermitted Roofing Work: If any work was performed on the roof which was not properly permitted, it may become a liability to you in the future. Ask your agent about having the seller properly permit the roof – and pay any necessary fines – before you assume ownership.
4. Inspect the Roof: As a part of your inspection contingency, have a local roofing company conduct a roof inspection. You will want to understand the current condition of the roof, any areas of wear or concern (even if they are not leaking today) as well as a history of leaks and repairs. Share any documentation or knowledge regarding the history of the roof with the inspector.
5. Speak to Your Insurance Company: Most insurance companies will not insure a roof under a normal policy unless it has at least 3 years of life left, as certified by a roofing professional. You may also get discounts or breaks if the roof in new or nearly new. Be sure to understand how the age of the roof affects your policy premium.
6. Negotiate your Price: If the roof is structurally sound, not currently leaking, and has over three years of useful life on it, sellers are usually not motivated to negotiate a lower price. Even if the roof is older and will likely need replacing in 4 or 5 years, this is too far out for a seller to take responsibility for it. If the roof is new, the seller likely already factored that into his sales price. However, if it is found that the roof will need replacing within a couple of years, has an active leak, or the roofing materials are damaged or eroded, you may be able to renegotiate the price of the home. Remember, your insurance company may not even cover the roof if it is damaged, and a new roof may need to be installed prior to the sale.

Avery Roof Services is a trusted provider of Sarasota roofing inspections, maintenance and repair, new roof installation, and advice. If you are buying a home and wish to understand exactly what you are getting in regards to the roof – give us a call. We are happy to help.