When buying a home you want to be sure of what you are getting into. No one wants to buy into a money pit. Having a professional inspector examine the home, in general, can reveal most potential issues, should there be any. But to really get an accurate picture of the roof it’s best to have a professional roof contractor inspect the roof, especially if it’s an older home or the roof doesn’t appear pristine.
Every homeowner should know the basics of the roof that will be depended upon to protect ones family and possessions. Before you buy your next home, asking these questions should give you a good idea of what you’re getting into.
1) How old is the roof?
Knowing the age of a roof will give you an idea of when it will need to be replaced and if it’s worth repairing when problems arise.
2) What type of roof is it and what’s its life expectancy?
Roofs can vary greatly from home to home with some constructed of materials that last for years and some for decades and some even a century! Especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs, costs vary greatly depending on materials.
3) What is it’s current condition?
A roof can look fine from the ground but hide problems that can cause headaches later on. Inquire about any damage and how it was repaired. Ask to see the latest roof inspection report from a professional roof contractor, if one isn’t available, arrange a full inspection to ensure you know exactly what you have and ensure there aren’t any surprises down the road.
4) Who installed it and who has worked on it?
Was the previous homeowner an avid do-it-yourselfer who replaced the old roof himself using good ol’ elbow grease and Google? Did they want to find the cheapest option to be sure the roof was in just good enough condition to sell? Has the roof been consistently maintained and inspected for problems by professional roofers?
The roofing industry is highly competitive with contractors ranging from outright scammers to impeccably qualified, well-established firms. Knowing who installed the roof as well as who has worked on it since installation will help you determine the quality and longevity of the roof. Documentation should be readily available, especially if the roof is newer.
5) Are there any warranties in effect?
If the roof is relatively new or has been repaired recently, their may be warranties in effect that you should be aware of. As most warranties have specific stipulations (such as regular maintenance) to remain in effect you’ll want to be sure you know what you need to do to ensure it stays in effect. Look at the warranty and be sure you have the documentation necessary to show the terms have been met and stay on top of any obligations.
If any of the answers to these questions concern you, call a professional roof contractor and arrange a inspection before you buy. In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at 770-419-2222 for a pre-purchase roof inspection today!
