Did you know that May-August is the busiest time of year for home sales? This year is no exception. If you are in the market for a new home, you have a lot to consider. Whether this is your first time purchasing property or you are looking to upgrade to a larger home, you want to make sure you are making a good investment.
Things to Ask About the Roof Before Buying a Home
If you are looking at purchasing a home, asking a few important questions about the roof can help you get a sense of what you are getting when buying the house. From understanding maintenance requirements to when you can expect a replacement, understanding the home’s roofing can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing.
When considering a new property, you do not want to forget about the roof. Below we review a few important things to ask and why these questions matter when buying a new home.
What Type of Roof Is It?
Though it may seem like an overly simple question, it is important to know what type of roof is on the home. Different roofing materials have their own benefits and drawbacks, not to mention various lifespans and maintenance requirements. For example, if you live in a high fire risk area, you may prefer a home with a tile roof to one with cedar shakes. However, asphalt shingles make for easier and less expensive repairs and replacements down the road.
Does the Roof Have a Warranty?
Many roofs come with a manufacturer’s warranty, meaning that the manufacturer will cover any defective shingles or other problems with the roofing materials. Similarly, many roofing contractors offer their own system warranties. If the roof was recently installed and came with a warranty, make sure you collect that information when you buy the property. Conversely, if the current owner plans to replace the roof as part of the sales process, you should request they work with a roofer that offers a warranty.
When Was the Roof Installed?
As mentioned previously, different types of roofs have different life spans. Tile roofs will last upwards of 50 years, while asphalt roofs only last for around 20 years. Roof replacements are a significant investment, and not everyone wants to have to make a replacement just a few years after buying the home. Knowing when the roof was installed will give you a sense of where the roof is at in its lifespan and whether you will need to plan for a replacement any time soon.
When Was the Roof Last Inspected?
While the roof will be inspected as part of the required home inspection during the buying process, home inspectors are not professional roofers. You should ask when a roofing contractor last checked the roof and what the results were. Not only does this give you some insight into the current condition of the roof, but it will also give you an idea as to how on top of regular roof maintenance the current owners are.
Relatedly, we always recommended scheduling a roof inspection with a professional roofing contractor when purchasing a home. Though home inspectors do their best, they are responsible for looking over the whole house. A dedicated roofing inspection from a roofing specialist will give you a better sense of the roof’s condition.
Who Is the Current Owner’s Roofer?
Most homeowners have a go-to roofing contractor that they typically work with for annual maintenance and roof repairs. When purchasing a home, you should ask who the current owner works with. You can then do your own research and confirm that you want to continue working with that roofer. This can be particularly helpful if you are new to the area and do not already have your own roofer.
If they do not have a regular roofer, there are several things to look for when vetting and selecting a roofing contractor. These include finding a company that is: locally owned and operated, fully licensed and insured, and which provides a full range of roofing services.
At Lyons Roofing, we know how exciting it is to purchase a new home. We have worked with many homeowners at various stages of the buying and selling process. If you are looking at buying a home and have roofing questions, reach out to our team for guidance.
