The journey to purchase your first home can be incredibly exciting and exhausting with all the beautiful options on the market and the potential pitfalls they could be hiding. While we can’t steer you clear of everything in your path, we can certainly help with one of the most important and costly aspects of any house: the roof. Our roofers in Lakewood can help you in your search for homes all around the Denver metro area by making a roof inspection checklist, setting a budget for potential roof repairs or replacement, and more.
Why Consult Roofers in Lakewood When Buying a Home?
Inspections are a crucial component that can make or break any real estate deal. A proper evaluation of the roof ensures that you know the true condition of one of the home's most valuable assets, avoiding unforeseen repairs or replacements after the sale. Roofing contractors can identify structural issues, calculate longevity, and provide accurate estimates. This will also give you a lot of negotiation power, as the price of the house should be reduced to accommodate any roofing expenses. Of course, professional inspections also help you feel more at ease knowing that the roof is strong and won't jeopardize your investment or safety.
Make a Roof Inspection Checklist
You’re not going to put an offer on every home you see, and typically you cannot do a proper inspection until you are under contract, so it is a great idea to come prepared to any showings with a thorough roof inspection checklist. Here’s what you should be looking for:
- Roof Age: Determine the age and material of the roof. The seller might share this information, but you can often look it up through the local code enforcement. From there, you can estimate repairs and replacement based on the expected lifespan. Metal and tile roofs can last up to 80 years, whereas asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years.
- Observable Damage: Check for broken, curled, or missing shingles. The absence or degradation of shingles may be a sign of storm damage or faster aging.
- Leaks and Water Stains: Look for signs of water damage in the attic if you are able to access it, but at least on the walls and ceiling.
- Gutter System: Ensure that any present gutters are firmly fastened all around the perimeter of the house, clean, and in good working order if it is raining or snow is melting off your roof. Water can collect and eventually seep from gutters that are clogged or damaged.
- Flashing and Sealant: Flashing and seams around vents, chimneys, and skylights are crucial to preventing water intrusion. If you can see these areas from the ground, look for any missing, bent, or rusted flashing, or cracked or missing seals.
- Growth of Algae or Moss: While algae and moss may seem harmless, they might indicate moisture retention, which can harm the roof if ignored.
The Impact of Roof Condition on Home Insurance and Financing
Mortgages and home insurance rates are greatly impacted by a roof's condition. Homes with old or badly maintained roofs will have higher insurance premiums and may even make the home uninsurable without replacement. Due to the potential for increased financial risk, mortgage lenders are also reluctant to fund structures with damaged roofs. By accelerating the insurance and mortgage application procedure, a professional assessment from roofers in Lakewood will assist you in avoiding sudden expenses that might affect your post-purchase budget.
How to Budget for Roof Repairs or Replacements
Budgeting for a home requires an understanding of the costs associated with roof replacement or maintenance. Your inspection can include a written quote, which, like we said, will likely help in the negotiation process but will also allow you to plan for the worst in case the seller won't budge on your dream home. Roofing contractors can also give you advice on what a seller should address, and what you might be safe to put off if you’re footing the bill yourself. Costs will also vary depending on the material, with more durable options like metal or tile being more expensive than economical asphalt shingles. Finally, setting aside an emergency fund for unexpected repairs, like damage from Colorado’s killer hail, adds a layer of financial security.
Our Roofing Contractors Help You Find the Perfect Home
With the help of our roofers in Lakewood, you can find a dream home with a strong, well-kept roof, or the capability for upgrades. Our professional inspections will provide you with a thorough understanding of the condition of the roof, enabling you to negotiate and make educated decisions to avoid unanticipated costs. To safeguard your investment, we provide reasonable repair estimates along with choices for continuing maintenance.
Reach out today if you’re in the market for a home and need a FREE inspection from the experts at Ethos Roofing & Restoration.
