Whether you are about to enter the real estate market as a buyer or seller for a property, there are always a few things to consider and one is the importance of a roof. This is a factor that is almost always brought up during any home viewing and one that must be given consideration regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself at the time.
The roof is a protective layer responsible for keeping water and all elements from entering the home. Exposed to harsh conditions, its ability to maintain serving the purpose for a reliable period of time is warranted and those questions are also important in considering the factors associated with each and every structure.
To assist in the process, there are a few prevalent questions that may arise in each case. Depending on if you are buying a property, selling the real estate, or even dealing with a brand new construction. While the amount of time a roof of this nature has been in service isn’t an issue there are still other important factors to consider, detailed below.
Roofing Questions As the Buyer
There are essentially five important questions to consider before buying any property pertaining to the roof. Obviously, there will be other areas that also need to be given their due diligence but answers to these roofing questions could be deal breakers if red flags are issued upon the responses.
1 – Age, how old the roof is lets a new owner know just how quickly he or she may need to think about either repairing or replacing this component. From approximately 20 years to 50 years is about how long you can expect your roof to last depending on the construction material, type, and geographic location of your property.
2 – Work, who did the installation is also important especially on older homes that have had the roof replaced since initial construction. Knowing the background and body of work for any replacement roofs can make purchasing with confidence an easier task.
3 – Type, knowing both the roof type pros and cons, in addition to the material will give you an idea of the amount of money necessary to replace a roof when needed. It also allows you to understand the benefits and develop a timeline for replacement by knowing what construction materials have been used.
4 – Shingles, if the home or property has shingles for roof construction then a closer examination is warranted. Depending on the roofing contractor, if it has been replaced, some will add a layer instead of stripping the old material off before putting down new. If the roof has more than one layer of shingles, there could be considerable issues – either now or in the future.
5 – Insulation, considerations are also important and will either help or hinder the overall environmental effectiveness of the property in terms of heating and cooling costs.
Roofing Questions As the Seller
As the seller there aren’t as many questions to ask before going to market but one of the main ones is addressed by both parties. After receiving an answer to the age of a roof, then other factors may be considered or repairs needed prior to listing a property.
1 – Age, is the single most important factor to consider when electing to sell a property. If the roof is in good working order and there are no visible signs of damage then replacing a roof in order to make a sell is often not advised, although a new roof may provide a significant return and if the current one is 25-plus years old, replacement prior to listing may be best.Â
2 – Damage, visibility is going to cause an immediate red flag for a buyer. Depending on the severity, it is likely more beneficial to make even a costly repair in hopes of avoiding a potential sell because of an issue.
3 – Negotiations, are commonplace when buying or selling real estate and this is no different when it comes to the roof. If you feel the roof over a property is borderline, then consider making an adjustment in price to cover the replacement down the road for a future homeowner. Doing so, could lead to a sell, especially if you are willing to take a little less than the asking price for a property.
Roofing Questions On A New Construction
While the obvious age factor is already answered on a new construction there are still questions a potential homeowner should address before deciding to purchase a property in regards to the roof. Knowing and understanding what maintenance and upkeep will be required is an important factor for all exterior portions of a new property, especially the roof.
The biggest issue is understanding the roofing material and viability for a lifetime of durability. Since age ranges from 25 to 50 years, a new homeowner can determine at what point the roof should need addressing, provided there are no other issues – such as storm damage.
In addition, the roof types can play a factor on exposure and durability of the entire process. From flat to gable to hip, these differing designs can lead to varying amounts of durability and areas for potential damage or wear to occur.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!