Any time you are buying or selling a home, you have to be on guard for potential pitfalls in the process and deficiencies in the home. This is especially true for first-time home buyers and sellers. In this case, and any time you’re in the home market, knowledge is truly power and gives you many advantages.

When it comes to the condition of the roof, you quite literally don’t want any holes or roadblocks preventing you from buying or selling. So, read on to learn more about the advantages of a professional roof inspection when buying or selling a home and what’s involved in the inspection itself.

ADVANTAGES OF A PROFESSIONAL ROOF INSPECTION

When selling a home, a professional roof inspection from a licensed roofing contractor gives you peace of mind about the condition of your roof before you show your home to prospective buyers. You’ll have full disclosure in hand to the state of your roof.

As a home buyer, a certified roof inspection gives you the knowledge that allows you to make a more accurate offer on a home. What follows are more advantages of getting that roof inspected:

  • Roofing Contractor Vs. Standard Home Inspector: Currently, there isn’t a state licensing requirement to become a home inspector in Minnesota. Though, home inspectors must follow contracts and fair practices as it pertains to local laws. Still, you can become a home inspector through simple online certification. On the other hand, a well experienced roofing contractor has the expertise of constructing and repairing hundreds or thousands of roofs. That is quite a startling contrast.
  • Receive Expert Roofing Advice: Like any home system, roofs have a shelf life. A poorly-maintained roof that is five years old may need major repairs. On the other hand, a well-maintained roof that is ten years old may still have several years of useful lifespan in it. Only your roofing contractor can discern the difference.
  • Leverage In Price Negotiations: As a home buyer or seller, knowing the exact state of the roof can give you leverage in home price negotiations. As a buyer, if roof repairs or roof replacement is required, you can insist the seller take care of the issue before closing. As a seller, you can tout the soundness of your roof if that is the case.

STRUCTURE INSPECTION

Your licensed roofing contractor will check specifically for problems like missing shingles, leaking, rot, rust, and roof sagging. Your contractor will also inspect to ensure the gutters are sound and convey water away from the home’s foundation. Additionally, all chimneys, skylights, and vented areas are secured since heat loss causing moisture buildup can cause structural damage as ice dams.

INTERIOR INSPECTION

Next, your roofing contractor will look at the ceilings, walls, and attic in the home to check for water stains, mold, rot and deterioration, and any other telltale signs of water damage. Any sign of water damage means that water is penetrating the roofing structure somewhere. Definitely a big red flag.

MATERIALS INSPECTION

The materials of the roof will be assessed. This includes checking caulking to see if it’s cracked, checking for rust, damaged or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and missing or damaged seals and boots. Also, the roof is checked to see if it is covered in any areas with moss or lichen. In this way, a roof can receive a clean bill of health to withstand Minneapolis’s weather conditions, or ensure needed repairs are made before closing on a house.

If you are buying or selling a home, get the roof inspected by a reputable licensed roofing contractor. For more information, call Welter Construction at 763-780-6007 or contact us online!