There is virtually no purchase you’ll make in your lifetime as large or as important as buying a home. Buying a house is a major milestone in life, and it often comes with big expectations for the future. Whether that means settling down for a new career, starting a family, or even retiring, you know that your choice in a home will resonate for years to come. You want to find a place that ticks the boxes on your wishlist, of course, but you also want to find one that fits your budget. Making a smart investment means looking at every home you consider from multiple angles.
A home inspection is a typical part of the buying process, and most real estate professionals will strongly encourage you to order one before finalizing an offer on a property. However, you should consider going beyond the basic inspection protocol and ordering a comprehensive roof inspection from a licensed professional.
What kind of “roof over your head” are you really buying? That’s the question that an inspection can help answer. Let’s consider why this extra step could be a vital one in your home-buying journey.
1. An Inspection May Reveal Dire Conditions
A roof that looks fine at first glance to the untrained eye could hide serious problems that only become apparent on a closer inspection. Sometimes, the negative results of an inspection might make your next step obvious—if so, you should walk away from the sale unless you’re ready to replace the roof in short order after closing.
2. You Could Be Able to Negotiate a Lower Price
When a structure only needs some roof maintenance, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to lower the price. This principle can be true even (or especially) if the structure needs a whole roof replacement. If you’re comfortable with making that choice, you may be able to get the cost reduced enough to make affording a new roof a simpler part of the buying process.
3. Could the Current Owners Handle the Repairs?
If there is damage but it is not severe, and if the roof is not so old that it is already locked into a replacement, you may be able to negotiate with the seller. Using the results of an inspection, you can point out what needs to be fixed and make repairs a condition of the sale. If the sellers agree, you can rest easy knowing that you’re about to move into a fixed-up space.
4. You Can Understand When You’ll Need Maintenance
An inspection is worth your time even if it doesn’t uncover disaster. With the results, you can better understand the current age and condition of the roof. Have a conversation with the inspector about how long it will be before a replacement is necessary. This information ensures you go into the purchase clear-eyed and with all the facts.
5. You Can Confirm a Building Is a Good Buy
Sometimes, you’ll get the best possible news: a clean bill of health from the roof inspector. You may discover that the roof is relatively new, is in good shape, and does not have any damage. Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice, and you could be well on your way to happy homeownership. Just don’t forget to maintain your new roof with professional help.
Get Inspection Help From Roofing Companies Today
Don’t downplay the importance of a roof inspection when buying a home. It could save you from a bad deal—or help you get a good one. At DB3 Roofing, we’re always happy to use our years of experience and keen professional insight to assist clients who are engaged in the home-buying process. Let us know today how we can help so that you can learn the facts about the roof sitting on your prospective dream home.
