Are you planning on selling your home? Have you assessed various parts of the home to ensure what you sell is at the quality you would want if you were buying a home? While everything under the roof of your home might be ready to go, maybe your roof isn’t. If there is damage, issues such as moss or the roof is ending its useful life cycle, you could find it a lot harder to sell your home. But should you make the investment to replace your roof before you put your home on the market to sell?
A bad roof can have a negative impact on every part of the home-selling process. A worn and damaged roof can reduce curb appeal and could prevent a buyer from getting a loan. It’s important to have your roof inspected to know if you should consider replacing your roof before you sell.
Assessing the Damage
First it’s important to access the damage. Many different factors can lead to a bad roof. Depending on the severity of its condition, you may need to have your roof repaired or replaced before putting your home on the market. The best way to know the full extent of what your roof needs is to call a qualified local roofer. A good roofer can inspect your roof and provide a free estimate.
Repairing or Replacing the Roof Before You Sell
Next, once the damage has been assessed, it’s time to act. If:
- Algae or moss hasn’t damaged the shingles yet, the installation of zinc strips can quickly eliminate the problem and prevent it from coming back.
- There are a few missing shingles or light damage, repairing is usually an option, although those signs might have larger root causes.
- Your roof is past the guarantee date from your last roof replacement, it’s probably time to replace it.
Not sure about the age of your roof? Your roofer can help you check that too.
Roof Replacement Cost vs. Return on Investment
It’s expensive to replace your roof, but this is an expense you can pass onto the buyer. If you’ve got a roof that is worn out and past warranty, then buyers will want to deduct the price of the new roof from your asking price. If you install a new roof, this instead becomes a highlight of your home. You can also use the replacement as a time to replace gutters or consider skylight options. Replacing the roof not only makes your home more durable, but it can also add to the resale value of the home and help you sell it faster.
A new roof gives potential buyers one less thing to worry about after they purchase the house. They can feel at ease knowing that the house does not have any water damage or current leaking problems. Improving the roof can make your home a lot more marketable, giving you a bigger and better deal. Best of all, a GAF-certified roofer can provide a warranty that is transferable to the new owner.
If you experienced roof storm damage, check with your insurance provider. Find a roofing contractor who is willing to work with your insurance company. You may even get this huge return on your investment at next to no cost.
Selling Your Home “As-Is”
If you’re still thinking about selling your home “as-is,” you should consider two potential obstacles to the sale. Any home inspection will document the condition of your roof, so have the information and paperwork about the roof (such as previous installation and warranty) available. If you don’t have this information, it’s worth consulting with a roofer and obtaining the information from them. Also, if your roof is heavily damaged or in need of replacement, this can actually block lending to your buyer. Roof repairs can be a condition of loan approval. It generally is the responsibility of the seller to make the roof repairs before the loan will be approved.
Get an estimate for an inspection or to repair or replace your roof before you sell. Speak with a reputable roofing contractor who has the experience and reputation to help you make the right decision. They can properly document your roof’s condition for your buyer. Contact All Weather Tite for a free roof inspection.