A well-designed and efficient roof is an essential element of safe and comfortable living space. The roof is responsible for protecting the residents and personal belongings from severe weather conditions such as hail storms and blazing summers. It also helps keep the interiors adequately ventilated, enhance the overall architectural appearance as well as increase the resale value of the home.
One of the most challenging decisions that many homeowners have to make is whether or not to replace their old roofs before putting their homes up for sale. In this article, one of the leading residential roofing companies in Birmingham discusses the different factors that go into making this decision, including the advantages and drawbacks of a full-on replacement.
Why Is Roof Replacement Important?
A roofing system that looks outdated and worn-out can be quite expensive to restore and often ranks pretty low on the long list of “essential things to spend on” for both new and old homeowners. Since extensive repairs can cost thousands of dollars, it usually becomes a critical negotiating point in a real estate sale. Meticulous homeowners understand that a roof in shabby condition can compel potential buyers to pay less. However, there are a few kinds of remodels that earn every dollar back when the residential property does sell.
How Should You Decide?
The main factors to consider when deciding whether or not you should replace your roof before selling your home are the current market and sales activity in the neighborhood. As with any major system in your home, such as plumbing, electrical, appliances, you also need to think about every intricate detail before listing your property for sale. Be sure to get a thorough visual inspection from one of the local residential roofing companies before putting your home up on the market in order to acquire a clearer picture of what can be a significant issue for potential buyers. If the inspection reveals there are problems with the roofing system, like cracked shingles, torn flashing or inadequate insulation, then you definitely need to consider performing mandatory fixes or a full-on replacement. Other issues that may raise concerns are ungrounded electrical units, the presence of lead-based paint and the presence of mold.
What Is the Damage?
If your roof inspection uncovers alarming issues with the roof, bring in an expert to give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair them. As expected, costs can vary by service providers, depending on the workmanship, expertise and products to be used. It is best to find at least two or three roofing specialists to get a range of quotes, helping you weigh your options intelligently. Knowing the total cost will inform you if you can afford to take on the project as well as how much is reasonable to adjust the sales price. It also factors into the potential buyer’s negotiation over the final price.
Why Should You Spend Money on Roof Services?
There is one remarkable reason homeowners may choose to spend money on their roofs before selling their properties — to sell them faster. A home with a beautiful, well-kept roof is likely to sell faster because it gives the impression that the rest of the interior has been properly maintained as well. It is also one less concern for the buyer to take into account over time.
If the service life of your roof comes into question when you sell, hire a residential roof repair and replacement contractor to do a functional check-up and maintenance service. Make sure to certify the roof for an additional three to five years of useful life. This certification will serve as proof that your roofing system has years left.
Are There Reasons to Sell Your Home As-Is?
If you cannot afford the roof replacement service or do not want to take the extra time, then you may feel motivated to sell your home as it is. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to sell as-is, it may also affect the final sales price. This is where insight into the movement of the current market and how your home compares to the latest nearby sales will be of use. If you happen to sell in a competitive market, then people looking for a new home may be more inclined to overlook peripheral maintenance issues with the roof in order to procure the offer and it may not make a dent in the final price.
On a similar note, selling your home as-is and pricing it lower to compensate can attract multiple buyers in a bidding process. This makes buyers more likely to perform an inspection before placing an offer or waive inspection altogether, removing the possibility of the buyer re-negotiating the final price down the line. So, if you price your residential property at the mid-to-low range compared to other nearby homes on the market, you may be able to get away with not doing residential roof repair services or a replacement at all.
Advantages of Replacing Your Roof Before Selling Your Home
When touring your home, one of the first things a potential buyer will check is the condition of the roof. If your roof is showing signs of wear and tear or water-related damage, there is a good chance that it will scare off a substantial portion of the residential buyer pool. A sagging roof, cracking shingles and leaking ceilings are some of the things that you should look out for. While it is possible to offer an allowance for buyers to perform repairs or replace the roof completely after closing, you may still lose a potential sale because the buyer does not want to deal with the hassle.
A brand new roof will also significantly improve the overall curb appeal of your home, which makes it a lot easier to sell. A quicker sale can often result in financial benefits based on your objectives, according to a commercial roofing repair services provider.
Drawbacks of Replacing Your Roof Before Selling Your Home
Of course, the biggest downside to replacing your roofing system — such as the shingles to the decking, underlayment and ventilation — is the expected cost. Investing in a new roof can be quite expensive and there are times when you cannot completely guarantee that you can recoup the investment at the time of sale. This is why it is important to let a reliable roofing company determine the roof’s condition and accurately diagnose what needs to be fixed. You can show the potential buyers the inspection report as well as the contractor’s guarantee to ease any concerns that they may have.
Let Elevated Roofing Help You Achieve Your Dream Exterior
Breathe new life into your home with a high-quality roof makeover. Elevated Roofing LLC offers top-rated residential and commercial roofing repair services and full-on replacement services in Birmingham. We work with slate, shingle, composite roofs and more. Our certified team is committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (205) 537-9754 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment or request a free, no-obligation estimate. We look forward to working with you!