4 minA home purchase is an important life milestone. But the period before you close on the purchase can be overwhelming, considering all the things that need your attention. One of the smartest decisions you can make before signing on the dotted line is scheduling a professional roof inspection. Read on to discover six reasons why a roof inspection is vital before buying a house.
1. Leverage the Results in Negotiations
You can use the results of a roof inspection to negotiate a better price for a house. For example, if the roof has extensive damage, you could ask the seller to lower the price to offset what you’ll spend on repairs.
You can also request the seller to handle the repairs before the sale closes. This saves you the time, trouble, and expenses of handling the problem yourself. The other option is to do the repairs yourself and then ask the seller to compensate you for your efforts and expenses.
Whichever route you take, a professional inspection is essential for accurate property valuation and avoiding hefty repairs after a home purchase.
2. Adjust Your Repair Request List
In most cases, homebuyers can submit a repair request list once their offer has been accepted. This list can include aesthetic requests like wall repainting as well as safety requests like roofing repairs and replacements. Unfortunately, you may not know what request to make if you’re unsure about the condition of your property.
A professional roof inspection tells you everything you need to know about the roof. You can adjust your repair request list to incorporate roof repairs, gutter replacements, and other roofing needs.
3. Notify Your Home Insurance Company
An insurer may require a roof inspection when you are buying a homeowners’ insurance policy. If the inspection shows the roof is in poor condition, the premium costs will be high because you’re more likely to file insurance claims. If the roof damage is so severe, the insurance company may also ask you to seek repairs before getting insurance.
A roof inspection can help you reduce your insurance costs and obtain the coverage options you need with minimal hassle. If the roof is in perfect condition, your insurer knows there are minimal risks and can offer you the right insurance policy at lower monthly premiums.
4. Address Problems Before They Become More Severe
During a roof inspection, a roofer will detect potential problems and fix them before they can escalate into more severe problems. For example, if some shingles are raised, the roofer will repair or replace them to prevent water penetration and other severe issues like rotting in the roof sheathing.
While the roofing inspection may come with a small cost, you won’t have to pay for major roofing repairs or replacements.
5. Avoid Delays
The last thing you want is to find out on the day you’re supposed to move into your new house that the roof has major leaks. Handling such repairs could take time, especially if you’re filing an insurance claim, leading to delays in your move.
When you schedule a roofing inspection early, any repairs on the roof are completed before moving day. These early repairs are essential if you plan to move by a specific date.
6. Learn When to Schedule Future Maintenance
Even if you’re moving into a new house with a roof in excellent condition, you will still need to do regular maintenance. Having a roofer inspect the roof can help you anticipate future maintenance needs. As a result, your roof will always be in good condition and can last for many years.
Getting a roof inspection is a no-brainer if you’re looking to buy a home. At Tectum Roofing, we are your most trusted company for on-site roofing inspections in Colorado. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
