Buying a new home is exciting. Whether this is your first new home purchase or not – every house and roof is different. The condition of the roof will have an impact on getting a mortgage and affordable homeowners’ insurance. Plus, to make sure that your home remains in excellent repair, it’s vital to know a few things about taking care of your roof. From correctly estimating its present condition and tips when purchasing to maintenance best practices, read on to find out everything you need to know.
What To Look For In A Roof When Buying A House
When you’re shopping for a home, make sure to check out the roof’s condition first. If the roof is old and will require replacing within the next two to three years, consider that when making an offer. If you decide to make an offer and it’s accepted, you’ll need to get a roof inspection by a qualified contractor. Both your lender and homeowner’s insurance company will want to make sure the roof is safe and that there are no major problems like leaks or dry rot. They’ll also want to know how much life is remaining.
It’s important to know that having a roof inspection is different than a home inspection. A home inspection looks at the entire structure, including the interior and exterior and the appliances. A roof inspection only looks at the condition of your roof and gutters. The contractor will give you a comprehensive written report with any issues to address and how many years the roof should last. That report will need to be delivered to your lender to make sure the roof is in good enough condition to lend on. It will also be given to your insurance company. The state of the roof will impact your loan approval and your insurance costs.
Repair Options for Your New Home’s Roof
What happens if there are issues with the home’s roof you’re buying?
- You can have the major problems fixed by the seller
- You can pay for them as the buyer
- You can and the seller can split the costs.
The other option is rather than just repairing the roof; you could have a new roof installed if the current one is too old or the condition isn’t very good. That is where having an excellent real estate agent comes in handy. The outstanding ones know how to negotiate while keeping the sale moving along, and all parties involved happy.
What To Have Checked During a Roof Inspection
For any roof inspection, repairs, and upkeep, it’s essential to choose an experienced and reputable company