Should I Replace My Roof Before I Sell?
In such an unpredictable and unprecedented housing market, many homeowners are scrambling to research how to get the most value for their homes. A savvy buyer will pay close attention to the last time repairs were made, especially to more expensive aspects of the home. One of these large expenses is the roof – while homeowners often need to replace them after a decade or so, the project can put a huge dent in your savings.
When planning to sell your home, the thought of repairing or replacing your roof can feel risky. You might end up spending more on the replacement than you get back in the sale, but you could end up having an advantage over the other homes on the market. The key is to compare the necessity and cost of a roofing project against the benefits when selling.
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Assess Your Roof’s Condition
Age and the condition of your roof are important factors in determining whether you should invest in a repair or replacement. First and foremost, knowing the age of your roof and the materials used to construct it can guide you in your considerations. If you’re not sure where to find this information, check within the documents you received when you purchased your home.
After retrieving information about the age of your home’s materials, inspect your roof inside and out. First, examine the inside of your home to find signs of damage. For example, if you see any damage from water on the top-floor ceiling of your home or attic space, that’s a clear indication that your roof needs TLC. In some cases, repairs can be enough. If your roof is well past its prime, though, water damage is a sign that the need for replacement is imminent.
The final step is to inspect the exterior roofing. Safety is always of the utmost importance, so call a professional if and when you’re uncomfortable with conducting this task yourself. Shifted, warped, and missing shingles are all signs that you will at least need to make repairs. If there is any debris or growth on your roof, you’ll want to clear that away to ensure there is no damage underneath. Once you’ve identified any issues, estimate how much it would cost to repair or invest in a replacement.
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Weigh Your Options
If your roof is only a few years old and there are no obvious signs of damage, you’ll be able to put your home on the market without hesitation. If your roof has hit the 10-year mark or more, though, it’s worth an inspection by you or a professional to consider all your options. Any issues with your roof, including sagging, cracking, leaking, or missing shingles could lead your potential buyer to look elsewhere. In the case that you do not sell, you’ll also be living in a potentially dangerous structure. To counteract the risk, you may be able to compensate for the roof repairs or replacement in the price, if not sell for an even higher value.
Repairing or replacing your roof before selling can boost your curb appeal, and it gives you the chance to upgrade the look of your home as well if the colors or materials are outdated. You can create a home aesthetic that will be that much more attractive to prospective buyers, increasing your chances of a quick and profitable sale.
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Get A Roof Inspection By The Pros Before You Sell
After you assess the condition of your roof and weigh your options, you may feel at a loss and in need of an expert consultation. At Advance Inc., our roofing contractors can provide you with a professional inspection of your roof and recommendations on whether repairs or a replacement are warranted. In any case, potential buyers will have the added peace of mind that an inspection report is provided, and a contractor has made necessary improvements.
Give us a call at (302)-803-4240 or contact us online. We are happy to help you with your roof repair or replacement needs ahead of selling your home.